Family Lawyers Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast
Practical, supportive family law advice, divorce, property settlement and parenting.
- We help people going through separation or divorce
- Getting the right advice early matters
- Founded in 2009 by Luke Shanahan
- Have helped over 4,000 clients from our Kon-Tiki Business Centre office.
Rated by 56+ clients
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USCLSA
About us
Family Law in Maroochydore Help Across the Sunshine Coast Since 2009
Founded by Luke Shanahan after working for one of Queensland’s longest-running firms for around ten years. Before starting , Luke was a partner overseeing the law firm’s insurance and injury compensation department.
For friendly, approachable lawyers, you’re in good hands with Luke and his team, who pride themselves on a high standard of care.
Luke Shanahan - Principal Solicitor
Book your free discovery with Luke today.
Divorce and Separation Lawyers in Maroochydore
Divorce involves far more than ending a marriage. Divorce applications can be filed online through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) using the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
Rights in Property Settlements
Non-financial contributions, including parenting and homemaking, are taken into account when property is divided.
Spousal Maintenance
If you are unable to support yourself adequately after separation, you may be able to apply for spousal maintenance.
De Facto Maintenance
After a de facto relationship ends, one partner may be able to apply for de facto partner maintenance.
Making your Settlement Legally Binding
Make your agreement legally binding with a consent order or financial agreement. Get legal advice before finalising.
Why Choose Us?
Reputation and referrals matter when choosing a family law firm. Much of our work comes from past clients and trusted local referrals.
We Care
We lead with empathy. We understand separation is one of the hardest things you’ll go through, and we meet every client with care, patience and genuine understanding.
We Listen
As a local firm, we’ve built established relationships with mediators and counsellors across the Sunshine Coast, helping you access the right support and resolve matters efficiently.
Focused on Resolution
Transparent, Cost-Conscious Approach
We are upfront about costs. You receive a written costs agreement before work begins, and we tailor our approach to your circumstances and budget.
Family Law Is All We Do
Luke Shanahan has over 17 years of experience.
Maroochydore Based
Choosing a local family lawyer who knows how matters proceed through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia helps your case run smoothly.
Proud sponsors of USCLSA
USCLSA (UNIVERSITY OF THE SUNSHINE COAST LAW STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION) BUILDING OUR STUDENTS, BUILDING OUR PROFESSION.
Client's Complimentary Feedback
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the time and effort you went to yesterday to get a good result for the kids and I.
I went home and hugged them so tight and had capacity to listen intently to all their stories about their day and endless chatter about who knows what and I noticed a quiet inside me, that allowed a space for contention.
You guys afforded me that. With all the hardwork so far you have allowed for that space inside me, to be filled with happiness and safety. For hopes and dreams about our future.
I am really grateful that you kept pushing for us, well beyond the time frame that we were given and well beyond breakfast, lunch and almost dinner!
The kids and I have a more secure future thanks to you.
Take a look at what our clients say
Testimonials
Our Practice Areas
Divorce Lawyer
Whether you are consciously uncoupling or fighting over every last thing, it is a difficult experience.
Joint application divorce
It is a way of handling a family legal case designed to keep parties out of court and conclude a divorce amicably.
Children and parenting
We understand that parenting arrangements and the time children spend with each parent are emotionally and mentally draining.
Property settlement
Property settlement under the Family Law Act involves identifying assets and liabilities and considering contributions and current and future circumstances.
Property Consent Orders
Property Consent Orders, or legally binding agreements, are very difficult to change once made.
Relationship Agreements
A relationship agreement is a document drafted and signed by two people in an intimate relationship.
Financial Agreements
We can draft Binding Financial Agreements setting out how property and finances are dealt with.
Service Areas
- Buderim
- Sippy Downs
- Mons
- Kunda Park
- Mountain Creek
- Mooloolaba
- Alexandra Headlands
- Birtinya
- Buddina
- Kawana
- Parreara
- Warana
- Bokarina
- Wurtulla
- Mudjimba
- Marcoola
- Mount Coolum
- Coolum
- Peregian
- Peregian Springs
- Bli Bli.
- Golden Beach
- Shelley Beach
- Moffat Beach
- Dicky Beach
- Aroona
- Currumundi
- Pelican Waters
- Caloundra West
- Baringa
- Little Mountain
- Noosa Heads
- Sunshine Beach
- Sunrise Beach
- Tewantin
- Doonan
- Rosemount
- Palmwoods
- Coes Creek
- Burnside
- Highworth
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Send an enquiry.
Shanahan Family Law - Maroochydore
Kon-Tiki Business Centre Suite 315, Level 3, Tower 2, 55 Plaza Parade, Maroochydore QLD 4558 Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you better understand your circumstances, our team has answered some of the most common questions in these FAQs.
Luke Shanahan, is a passionate family lawyer. He understands the importance of building strong, enduring and lasting relationships. Luke is committed to ensuring that his clients receive the best legal advice while remaining accessible and responsive. Luke believes everyone deserves a second chance at a better life, and he aims to do this through his family legal support services. Luke started practising in 2009. You can learn more about Luke Shanahan by visiting our team page.
Whether you require legal services or advice depends on your circumstances and if you have the confidence and skills to navigate the family law court system. A divorce lawyer is often the first person you think of when you are going through a divorce. They can represent you in a divorce, property consent orders, domestic violence, child custody, attendance in court, mediation, barrister support and a range of other legal matters. If you cannot afford private representation, family law assistance may be available through organisations like Legal Aid Queensland.
The first thing to consider is if Australia recognises your marriage. Australia won’t recognise a marriage if:
Either party is married to more than one person;
One party is underage by Australian law;
One party entered the marriage under duress.
If the marriage is legally valid, you may seek legal advice for divorce in Australia if one party to the marriage has connections to Australia. A connection generally means being an Australian citizen or resident. If neither you nor your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident, you may still be eligible if you can prove you lived primarily in Australia for 12 months before filing for divorce.
We have written a blog that contains more information about this topic. You can check it out here
If it is for divorce, The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia explain it well here, as you will have to attend in some capacity. If you are experiencing a different problem, Family Relationships Australia talks more about broader family law matters and attending Court. Read more here. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, in many cases, if you are required to attend Court, you will do so via a Microsoft Teams video link. Divorce applications can be filed online through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) using the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
Looking for lawyers near me for divorce? Here’s what you need to know about the process before getting started.
To file for divorce in Australia, you and your spouse must have been separated for at least 12 months beforehand. You don’t necessarily need to have lived in separate homes during this time. The Court recognises “separation under one roof,” provided you can demonstrate that the relationship had genuinely ended.
Once the Court grants the divorce, the order becomes effective one month and one day later. In some circumstances, you can apply for a special order to reduce this waiting period.
For an uncontested divorce handled efficiently, the entire process typically takes several months. If your spouse contests the divorce, however, proceedings can extend beyond a year. Delays can also occur if you have difficulty locating your former partner.
Speaking with a family lawyer can help you understand your options and what to expect.
You must separate a minimum of 12 months before applying for a divorce. When circumstances don’t permit one spouse to move out of the marital home, you may continue cohabiting if you can prove “separation under one roof”. You can satisfy the Court with evidence that you are no longer associating with each other sexually, domestically, or socially. Evidence may include sleeping in separate bedrooms and maintaining different social circles.
The law allows you to reconcile for a time during the separation. For couples who get back together for no longer than three months and separate again, your separation period resumes where it left off. However, if your reconciliation lasts longer than three months, the 12-month separation requirement will reset.
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Useful Legal Resources
General information only: This website provides general information about family law in Australia. It is not legal advice and does not take account of your circumstances. Family law changes, and the way it applies depends on the facts of each matter. Before you act on anything you read here, speak to a family lawyer about your own situation. Reading this website does not create a solicitor–client relationship with Shanahan Family Law.
If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a child, contact the police on 000. You can also call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or DVConnect on 1800 811 811.
Facing Family Legal Challenges?
Let us help you understand your options and move forward with clarity.