Separation and property
Working out who keeps what, including superannuation, and making the agreement binding through consent orders or a financial agreement. Reaching agreement is only half of it — until it is formalised it binds nobody.
Service area
Family Lawyer Wondunna, Queensland
Wondunna is a residential and semi-rural pocket south-east of the town centre.
The first 30 minutes is free, whether or not you appoint us.
Family Law Solicitor Wondunna
Wondunna is 4.6km south-east of our Pialba office. About ten minutes by car. A short drive north-west into Pialba.
- You deal with a solicitor, not a call centre. The person you meet at the first appointment is the person who handles your matter through to the end of it.
- The first 30 minutes is free. You leave knowing your options and roughly what they cost, whether or not you appoint us.
- Fixed fees on the common matters. Confirmed in writing before any work starts, with court filing and other outlays itemised separately.
- Come in, or don't. Appointments run in person at Pialba, by video conference, or by telephone, whichever is easier from Wondunna.
- Distance from our office4.6 km
- DirectionSouth-east
- Postcode4655
- Local courtHervey Bay
Accreditation
We’re a proud member of
What we handle
Best Family Lawyer Wondunna
Family law and estates is the work we do, and it is all we do. We don’t spread ourselves across a dozen practice areas, which means the person handling your matter has seen your situation before.
Children and parenting
Parenting arrangements settled by agreement wherever possible, recorded in a parenting plan or in consent orders depending on how much certainty you need. The test is the child’s best interests, not either parent’s entitlement.
Divorce and financial agreements
The divorce application itself on a fixed fee, and agreements made before, during or after a relationship. Both parties need their own advice on a financial agreement for it to hold.
Domestic violence
We act for people applying for a protection order and for people responding to one. Both are serious, and both benefit from advice before the first mention date. If you are in immediate danger, call 000 first.
Brooke Carter
I walked into Claire's office a broken woman, facing separation and property settlement post-DV. I had lost hope of ever being financially back on track. But with her help I am about to buy my first home for me and my 3 children. Eternally grateful. She handled all the complicated stuff and I trusted her with making the right decisions for me. 5 stars. Claire has turned my life around.
Anne Taylor
Visiting Claire Riddell at Turner Riddell Lawyers in Pialba, Hervey Bay was a breath of fresh air. Speaking to a real person is not always possible when a lawyer is on the agenda but Claire was a vibrant friendly person who explained all aspects of my duties whilst making me feel at ease. It does not take much to have a pleasant experience so if you want the same I suggest that you make Claire Riddell at Turner Riddell Lawyers your next stop when you need legal advice. You will not be disappointed.
Caroline Grunwaldt
This process was made really easy and clear for us. From initial appointment to completed documents was super fast and efficient. The team has been very responsive to our questions and highly professional along the way. And we've felt very comfortable and fully informed throughout the process. Thanks Claire and Natalie.
Common questions
Family lawyer questions we get asked
What does a family lawyer actually do?
Most of it is not courtroom work. It is working out how property and superannuation get divided, what the arrangements for the children will be, and then recording whatever you agree in a form that is actually binding. Where agreement is not possible, it is running the matter through the court. We will tell you plainly at the first appointment which of those your situation looks like.
Do I have to come into the office?
No. Most clients do come in, and for a first appointment it is usually the easiest way — you can bring your paperwork, and half an hour face to face covers more ground than the same time on the phone. But appointments run by video conference and by telephone just as readily. If travel is difficult, say so when you call and we will set it up that way.
Which court would my matter go to?
Matters in this area are heard at Hervey Bay. Family law matters can also be filed in the federal courts depending on what is involved. Most matters never reach a courtroom at all, and we would rather get you a workable agreement than a hard-won judgment.
How much will it cost?
The common matters are fixed fee, so you are not watching a clock. Anything that cannot be fixed is quoted in writing after your free appointment, and no work begins until you have agreed to it. Court filing fees and other outlays are listed separately rather than buried in the bill.
Can I get Legal Aid?
We are an authorised Legal Aid Queensland provider, so if you are eligible we can act for you under a grant of aid. Where you are not eligible but paying up front would be difficult, ask about deferred fees at your first appointment. It is a normal conversation and not one to feel awkward about.
Where to start
Find out where you stand, at no cost
Half an hour with a solicitor, free, with no obligation to appoint us. You will leave knowing your options, what is likely to happen next, and roughly what it will cost.
Book free appointment
Or call 07 4125 4818, Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Would you rather start in your own time? Begin online.