For anyone who has a partner or spouse living in Australia and wishes to join them here, it will be necessary to obtain a partner visa.

It should be noted that there is not just one type of partner visa there are several if you include the subclasses of partner visas. The visa which applies to any individual depends upon the specific circumstances of the applicant, and the basis upon which they wish to live and/or work in Australia.

It is critically important that anyone applying for a partner visa has all the correct facts including knowing which type of partner visa they need. Applying for the wrong visa may not only delay an application but in the worst-case scenario, could see it be rejected. For these reasons every applicant should seek the help and advice of immigration experts before they begin their partner visa application.

Partner Visa Types

Here are summaries of partner visas including their subclasses, we recommend contacting an expert such as www.successmigration.com.au for more information.

Continue reading “Eligibility And Evidence Requirements For A Partner Visa” →

One of the biggest surprises that clients get when they first meet with their divorce lawyers is the news that it is unlikely to go to court.

In fact, for every 10 clients a divorce lawyer represents, it will be unusual if any more than 1 of them end up having their divorce settlement determined by a judge sitting in a family court.

There are many reasons for this but perhaps the main one is the principle in Australian family law that the grounds for divorce can only be an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Continue reading “Why Most Couples Who Divorce Do Not Go To Court” →

If you are divorced and have any children there may come a point that might wish to change the name of those children, and if so, given the legal complexities, you should certainly consult your family lawyers.

The reason for that is that even though you may have sole responsibility for the child, there are a number of legal requirements that must be met before you will be allowed to change the name of your child.

Let us start with how the basic process works in Western Australia, and in the first instance, you would only make an application here if that is where the child’s birth was registered. If their birth was registered in a different state, your application needs to be made there.

If they were registered in WA, your application needs to be sent to the Western Australian Registry of Birth Deaths and Marriages. It is here where the registrar will make the ultimate decision with regard to your application.

It should be noted that there are several different application forms which are each applicable to the specific reason why you wish to change your child’s name, and what details you wish to change. This which refers to whether it is their first name, or their family name that is changing.

Continue reading “What Happens If You Want To Change Your Child’s Name After Divorce?” →