Services

Family Law

In most situations, Dane conducts all Family Law Court advocacy without the need for a Barrister (unless complexity requires it or the client wishes to engage Counsel).

This approach saves clients the additional cost of engaging Counsel in most circumstances.

With over 23 years’ experience as a Solicitor and previously as a Barrister in Australia and internationally, Dane provides a high level of knowledge and advocacy across the following family law areas:

Property and Financial Settlements

  • Division of assets
  • Drafting Consent Orders & Financial Agreements
  • Litigation
  • Assistance with valuation of assets (including complex corporate structures & entities)
  • Representation of third-party interests (including Trustees in Bankruptcy)

Parenting

  • Negotiation of Parenting Plans & Agreements
  • Negotiating & finalising Consent Orders
  • Interstate & international relocation
  • Complex parenting matters (including risk, family violence & mental health issues)
  • Parenting disputes

Spouse Maintenance and Child Support

Financial support for a spouse who is unable to support themselves, including:

  • Interim and final spousal maintenance
  • Enforcement of international maintenance orders

Child Support and Child Maintenance

  • Child Support assessments
  • Departure from Child Support assessments
  • Child Support Agreements
  • Enforcement of Child Support obligations
  • Overseas Child Maintenance Orders

Appeals

  • Property and Financial Matters
  • Parenting
  • Other legal points including conflicts, costs, forum, threshold determinations and limitation periods

International Family Law

  • Hague Convention Applications
  • International Child Recovery
  • Child Maintenance Disputes
  • Parenting Disputes
  • Financial & Property Disputes
  • Jurisdictional (forum) Disputes

Wills & Estate Litigation

We provide expert support in contested estates, focusing on safeguarding your rights and ensuring a fair resolution. From challenging or defending wills to handling family provision claims, our approach is tailored to protect your interests and uphold the intentions of the estate. Whether navigating a dispute or seeking clarity on your entitlements, we work with you to secure outcomes that align with your goals and respect your family’s future needs including;

Family Provision Claims

Under Australian law, certain family members and dependents have the right to contest a will if they feel they were not adequately provided for. This type of claim, known as a Family Provision Claim or Testator’s Family Maintenance Claim, is available under each state’s Succession Act.

Who Can Make a Family Provision Claim?

Eligible claimants generally include spouses (including de facto and, in some cases, former spouses), children (including biological and adopted children), stepchildren, and certain persons who were financially dependent on the deceased at the time of their death.

Interpretation of Wills

The wording of a will must clearly reflect the testator’s intentions, but ambiguities or poorly drafted clauses can lead to disputes.

Key issues include:

  • Ambiguous Language: Unclear or contradictory wording affecting asset distribution.
  • Outdated Provisions: Failure to update wills after major life changes.
  • Conflicts with Other Documents: Inconsistencies with trusts or powers of attorney.
 

We provide guidance on interpreting wills and resolving disputes efficiently while upholding the testator’s intentions.

Claims Against the Estate

Claims against an estate may arise due to validity disputes, distribution issues, or family provision claims.

  • Family Provision Claims: Seeking further provision from an estate.
  • Challenges to Validity: Lack of capacity, undue influence, or formal defects.
  • Creditor Claims: Disputes regarding estate debts.
 

We represent executors, beneficiaries, and claimants in estate disputes with a strategic and results-focused approach.

Trustee Disputes

Disputes can arise where executors or trustees are alleged to have breached their duties.

  • Mismanagement or Breach of Duty
  • Conflict of Interest
  • Asset Distribution Disputes
  • Removal of Executor or Trustee
 

We assist in resolving trustee disputes and protecting the interests of all parties involved.

Estate Fraud

Estate fraud or undue influence occurs when someone manipulates the testator or estate representatives for personal gain.

  • Forgery or Alteration of Wills
  • Coercion or Manipulation
  • Fraudulent Claims Against the Estate
 

We work with forensic experts where necessary to investigate and address fraud-related disputes.

Challenging a Will

A will may be challenged on several grounds under Australian law.

  • Lack of Testamentary Capacity
  • Undue Influence
  • Fraud or Forgery
  • Failure to Meet Legal Formalities
 

We assess potential grounds for challenge or defence and gather the necessary evidence to achieve a fair outcome.

Commercial Litigation

For over 23 years, Dane has specialised in commercial litigation with a proven track record representing clients in contract disputes, shareholder disputes, body corporate matters, and property & building disputes.

Over the years, Dane has represented prominent clients including Facebook, Samsung, KFC, The Star, SpaceX, and numerous leading international organisations and law firms worldwide.

We understand that commercial litigation can be complex and time-consuming. We work closely with our clients to understand their objectives and provide strategic, effective legal representation grounded in extensive knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.

Debt Recovery

In business, cash flow is vital for survival and growth. When debts remain unpaid, it can significantly impact operations and financial stability.

We take a comprehensive and proactive approach to debt recovery:

  • Debt Assessment: Review of the debt, its validity, and the debtor’s capacity to pay to develop an effective strategy.
  • Negotiation: Attempting settlement or payment arrangements while protecting business relationships.
  • Legal Action: Initiating proceedings where necessary, including court representation and enforcement of judgment.
  • Enforcement: Advising on options such as garnishee orders, charging orders, or insolvency proceedings.
 

Outcomes may include full repayment, structured payment plans, court-ordered recovery, or insolvency action where appropriate.

We manage the process efficiently, allowing you to focus on your business while we protect your interests.

Contract Disputes & Litigation

Contracts form the foundation of commercial relationships. Disputes arise when one or more parties allege breach of contractual terms, including sales, services, or lease agreements.

We take a proactive, results-oriented approach to resolving disputes and protecting your commercial interests.

  • Preliminary Analysis: Detailed review of the contract and circumstances of the alleged breach.
  • Negotiation & Mediation: Seeking efficient resolution while preserving business relationships.
  • Commercial Litigation: Court proceedings where necessary with strong case preparation and advocacy.
  • Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with judgments or settlement terms.
 

Our objective is to secure financial compensation, specific performance, or contract termination where appropriate.

Real Estate & Property Litigation

Commercial property disputes can arise from leases, property purchases, zoning issues, landlord-tenant matters, easements, fences, and construction disputes.

Common disputes include:

  • Breach of contract in property transactions
  • Landlord-tenant conflicts
    • Boundary disputes
  • Title defects or ownership claims
  • Construction defects or delays
  • Easement or right-of-way disputes
 

Property disputes can disrupt business operations and lead to significant financial loss if not managed strategically. We assist clients in navigating these issues efficiently to protect their rights and commercial interests.