When should you use a mortgage broker? The main difference between a mortgage broker and a single lender (bank) is that the mortgage broker is a free agent that deals with mortgage products of many different types of lenders but is not necessarily aligned with any particular one. Advantages of using a broker: Most brokers …
divorce proceedings Divorce Family Law
25 January 2026
Steps in Divorce Proceedings: Complete Guide from Filing to Final Decree
Navigating divorce can feel overwhelming when you don’t know what’s ahead. We’ve guided countless clients through this process and understand how important it’s to have a clear roadmap of what to expect. Every divorce should follow a structured legal process designed to ensure fair outcomes for both parties. While each case has its unique circumstances …
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estate administration asset distribution Wills
20 January 2026
What Documents Are Essential for Effective Estate Planning
Estate planning isn’t something most of us wake up excited to tackle. But if you’ve ever wondered what happens to your assets, your children, or even your beloved pet when you’re no longer around, or if you become unable to make decisions, then you already know why it matters. The right documents ensure your wishes …
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dispute resolution Divorce divorce proceedings Family Law
16 December 2025
How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Divorce Proceedings: Expert Guide
Facing divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions. The decisions you make now will shape your future for years to come. That’s why selecting the right legal representation isn’t just important—it’s crucial for protecting your interests and securing the best possible outcome. With over 30 years of combined experience in family law, we’ve guided …
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Family Law dispute resolution Divorce divorce proceedings divorce settlement
21 February 2024
Difficult Divorce Applications
Applying for Divorce can be so hard emotionally, that it ends up being put off completely instead of getting closure and finally severing ties. If a separation is final and all reasonable prospects of reconciliation of the marriage have failed, staying married may become a stumbling block to actually “moving on” with a new life …
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Family Law equitable distribution principles
13 February 2024
Dividing Superannuation in Family Law Settlements
For family law purposes in Australia, superannuation is treated as “Property” and can be divided between the parties after the breakdown of a marriage or the breakdown of a de facto relationship. Rather than cashing out the super money, however, the superannuation is “split” and assigned to the partner who is entitled to a top-up. Superannuation …
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Family Law Family Dispute Resolution family mediation
7 February 2024
How to Settle Your Family Law Matter…and Avoid Going to Court
Ways To Formalise Your Agreement in Family Law If you and your former partner can reach an agreement in principle about how to divide your property and financial resources, you can save an enormous amount of time, money and the stress of being in the Court system. After agreed, making it legally binding, means you …
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News
31 March 2023
ACQUISITION COMPLETED
As of 31 March 2023, Rigoli Lawyers was acquired by Littlejohn Legal and many staff and clients joined the team at Michael Benjamin & Associates. Rigoli Lawyers is now incorporated within Littlejohn Legal. The combined team will offer in person consults at our Melbourne office or in South East Melbourne, plus remote service for …
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custody disputes dispute resolution Family Law
13 December 2022
Family Court rules unacceptable risk -father cannot see daughter at all
A father failed in his appeal seeking to see his daughter in the case of Lim & Zong [2022] FedCFamC1A 146 (20 September 2022). Background This matter involved an appeal brought by the father of a 10 year old girl against parenting orders made by the family courts. The orders provided that the child would …
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Family Violence Custody custody disputes Family Dispute Resolution Family Law
13 December 2022
Family Court supervised visits -resented by father and stopped then resumed
In the case of Samad & Haider [2022] FedCFamC2F 1256 (16 September 2022) the father was found to have a sense of entitlement in resenting the fact that his contact with his child was ordered to be supervised. Background The mother and father married in an Islamic religious ceremony in 2019 and had a short …
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