Ryan Thomas
Partner
Separating? Get clear on where you stand.
Andersons' family law team has helped South Australians through separation, divorce, parenting and property matters for over 50 years. Tell us what's happening and we'll tell you what your options are.
Prefer to talk now? Call 08 8238 6666
- Over 50 years helping South Australian families
- Accredited family law specialists
- Fixed-fee first consultation
- Six offices across Adelaide and regional SA
What our clients say
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Whatever's happening, we've seen it before
Separation and divorce
Whether you've just separated or you've been apart for a while, there are steps to take and time limits that matter. We handle the divorce application, serve the documents and appear in court for you, usually without you needing to attend. If you're a de facto couple, there's no divorce to file but the same property and parenting issues still need sorting.
Property and financial settlement
Who keeps the house? What happens to superannuation? Can your ex come back for more later? Property settlement is where most separations get complicated, and the rules aren't what most people expect. We'll help you understand what a fair split looks like in your situation and how to make it final.
Children and parenting arrangements
Where the children live, how time is shared, and what happens when one parent isn't following the arrangement. We focus on agreements that work for your children and hold up over time, and we'll go to court when that's what it takes.
Child support
Not sure what you should be paying or receiving? Struggling with the assessment, or dealing with a partner who won't pay? Our child support lawyers can explain how the formula works, when it can be changed, and what to do when the other parent won't comply.
Family violence and intervention orders
If you or your children are unsafe, we can help you apply for an intervention order quickly and make sure your parenting and property arrangements protect you. We can also help if an order has been made against you. If you're in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support, 1800RESPECT is available 24 hours on 1800 737 732.
Court proceedings
If your ex has filed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, or you need to, our team represents clients at every stage. We'll explain what to expect, what it's likely to cost, and whether the other side can be made to pay your legal costs.
Not sure which one fits? That's fine. Call 08 8238 6666 or request a confidential call back and we'll work it out together.
A clear plan: your Family Road Map
Start with a confidential call back. We'll discuss your enquiry and, if appropriate, arrange a Family Road Map session.
The Family Road Map is a 90-minute session with an experienced family lawyer, for a set fee, quoted before you book. You'll leave with a clear plan.
- A plain-English explanation of where you stand
- Advice specific to your circumstances, not a general overview
- Your next steps, in order
- Likely costs and timeframes, so there are no surprises
No obligation to go further. Many people find the session alone gives them what they need to move forward.
Going to court isn't the only way forward
Most family law matters are resolved without going to trial. Mediation can help you and your former partner work through the issues in dispute, with the aim of reaching an agreement without the time, stress and significant cost of ongoing court proceedings.
A neutral mediator helps both parties identify the issues, understand the available options and work towards an outcome. Your family lawyer can advise and represent you throughout the process, helping ensure any agreement is appropriate for your circumstances.
Could mediation be right for you?
Talk to our family law team about whether mediation could be suitable for you.
Request a confidential call backThe people you'll be working with
A specialist team led by two partners, with lawyers at every level so your matter is always handled by the right person at the right cost.
Stefanie Wheare
Partner
Aleesha DeGiglio
Senior Associate
Kathryn Waters
Senior Associate
Michael Ormerod
Senior Associate
Joel Niles
Associate
Callie Symonds
Solicitor
Sarah Wishart
Solicitor
Vipal Patel
Solicitor
Help and guidance through separation and divorce
Hear our family law team share their thoughts and approach.
Questions about getting started
What happens after I request a call back?
We'll call within one business day to discuss your enquiry and how we can help. If a Family Road Map session is appropriate, we'll explain the fee and arrange a time with you. Your enquiry is confidential.
Am I booking a paid session when I request a call back?
No. The form requests an initial conversation about your enquiry. A Family Road Map session is a separate, paid 90-minute consultation. We'll quote its set fee before you decide to book.
Do I need documents ready before contacting you?
You can start with a brief outline of what's happening. Our team will explain what information or documents would be useful for a consultation.
Can we speak by phone or video?
Yes. You can meet us in person, or by phone or video if that's easier. Let our team know what works for you when we discuss your enquiry.
Does getting advice mean I have to go to court?
No. Getting advice helps you understand your options. We focus on reaching agreements where possible, and can represent you in court when that's needed.
How much does a family lawyer cost?
It depends on your situation, but you'll know before you commit. The Family Road Map session is a set fee, and at the end of it you'll have an estimate of what your matter is likely to cost from there.
Can my ex claim more assets years after we separated?
Possibly. There are time limits for property settlement (12 months from divorce, or two years from separation for de facto couples), but the court can grant leave to apply outside those limits, and if you never formalised your settlement the door may still be open. The safest protection is a legally binding agreement or court order. We can tell you whether yours is final.
My ex wants to buy me out of the house. Should I agree?
Not before you know what the house and everything else is worth, what you're entitled to overall, and whether the offer is genuinely fair. A buyout is only one part of a property settlement. We'll help you see the whole picture before you sign anything.
We understand you may have many questions. Talk to our family law team for clear advice and support with your next steps.
Request a confidential call backHelp. When you need it.
You don't have to have it all worked out before you call. Tell us what's happening and we'll tell you what happens next.
Call 08 8238 6666
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm
