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5 Star-rated
Family Lawyer Sunshine Coast

Experience unparalleled legal support with our 5-star rated Family Lawyer on the Sunshine Coast. We’re here to guide you through life’s complex moments, offering tailored solutions for your family’s unique needs.
ALA_2023_Regional-Suburban Lawyer of the Year
Australian Law Awards Finalist (8)

Family Law Certification

Memberships & Partnerships

About us

Family business practising since 2008

Shanahan Family Law is a Sunshine Coast law firm established by Luke Shanahan after working for one of Queensland’s longest-running firms for approximately ten years. Before starting Shanahan Family Law, Luke was a family law partner. He was responsible for that firm’s insurance and injury compensation law department. If you need an experienced, friendly family lawyer that will help you with your family law issues, you are in good hands with Luke and his family law Sunshine Coast staff, who strive for a high level of quality.

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Shanahan Family Law Sunshine Coast

Do you require support from Sunshine Coast Family Lawyers?

Relationship breaks are hard enough without worrying about family law disputes as well. Are you dealing with a stressful and complex family law matter that involves a recent divorce or separation, parenting dispute, property settlement, or court appearances? Our family law solicitors can help with practical advice.

Do you have an enquiry? Call or book a consultation where we will get you back on track with your family law matters.  

Seek holistic solutions with your family lawyer

Divorce is more than ending a marriage. You will deal with many attendant legal issues during the process. We have the best family law lawyers to work with you through them all.

Rights in Property Settlements

It would be best for you to approach property settlements with care so you receive your full entitlements. Remember, non-financial contributions to a marriage are relevant. You would have a claim to the marital asset pool even if you didn’t contribute financially. The Court will evaluate factors like child rearing, home maintenance, and helping manage financial affairs to determine your contribution.

Securing your Settlement Legally

We recommend enshrining your settlement through consent orders or binding financial agreements. Talk to an accredited family law specialist before entering legally binding financial settlements.

Spousal maintenance

Spouses may have different levels of financial capacity. Women may spend significant time out of the workforce to prioritise child-rearing. These circumstances mean they are often at a disadvantage during a divorce. Spousal maintenance is a way for the law to provide financial security for a financially vulnerable party.

Spousal maintenance is handled separately from property law settlements. Shanahan Family Law divorce lawyers can help you attain a financially secure future after divorce.

We recommend enshrining your property settlement through consent orders or binding financial agreements. Talk to a family law specialist before entering any legally binding financial arrangements.

De facto maintenance

You may also seek maintenance after de facto relationship breaks. To be eligible for de facto maintenance, you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • You were in the relationship for over two years;
  • You and your de facto partner had a child;
  • You contributed significantly to the relationship, and the Court would consider it unjust not to provide maintenance;
  • You registered the relationship with a state or territory.

Why parenting and child support are important

When making decisions about co-parenting, you must consider what is best for the children, not just what is best for you or the other parent.

Divorce is particularly complicated when children are involved. Shanahan Family Law can help you when determining parenting matters. You can organise parenting arrangements through an informal parenting plan if your relationship remains civil. Parenting plans can take many different forms and contain whatever you deem appropriate. Generally, you should include as much detail as possible. While parenting plans are helpful, they aren't enforceable in Court, which may cause problems later.

Instead, getting expert legal advice on turning a parenting plan into a consent order is worth it. The Court has strict guidelines around the form and wording of consent orders. An experienced family lawyer can help ensure the Court accepts your plan.

You should always try to make parenting arrangements collaboratively, if possible. Before forcing the issue through the Court, try alternative dispute resolution processes like mediation first. The Court generally requires parenting order applicants to undergo mediation before it receives the application. You may find resolving your differences possible with a professional mediator's assistance. Your child's best interests are paramount, and children fair better during amicable divorce proceedings.

However, when you and your former partner cannot agree, you can appeal to the Court for a parenting order. Parenting orders will enforce the obligations of each parent based on what is fair and equitable and in the children's best interests.

You may also be entitled to child support payments if you take on primary care duties. The amount of child support you are entitled to involves three factors:

  • Both parents' income;

  • How much time each parent spends with the child;

  • The costs involved in child raising are relative to each parent's income.

On their website, you can view Services Australia's exact formula for your child support assessment.

We have extensive experience working with Services Australia, Australia's child support agency.

Why choose us?

Shanahan Family Lawyers

We care

Let us take away some of your stress.

We listen

We take the time to get to know you.

We get results

Value-driven results.

Cost-effective results

We charge the lowest fees tailored to your position.

The family law experts

Luke Shanahan has over 15 years of experience.

Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast based

We represent matters Australia wide, other than WA.

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Shanahan Family Law Sunshine Coast

Call for a family law free consultation

Click the book consult button, and Shanahan Family Law will help you understand where you stand with your legal position. One of Shanahan Family Law’s experienced Sunshine Coast family lawyers will help bring you a better life with practical and professional family law advice. We can also discuss family lawyer cost to give you a clear understanding of what to expect financially.
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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 contentness.

You guys afforded me that. With all the hard work 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.

Client's Complimentary Feedback

Very professional, supportive and respectful in all communications and responsibilities. I found their team very patient when challenges occurred and kept me informed at all times. Highly recommend them for personal legal requirements.

Take a look at what our clients say

Testimonials

Nathan Batley
Nathan Batley
2022-08-11
I found this firm excellent to deal with. I had received some exorbitant quotes for executing what was really quite a straightforward matter in my case. Shanahans were prompt, professional and fairly priced. I've was very happy with their service.
Chris Mehonoshen
Chris Mehonoshen
2022-04-05
Having experienced the sunny disposition of Danielle at Shanahan Family Law I can say that anyone would be in good hands. Danielle is very understanding and shows great insight in analysing the situation and cutting to the heart of the matter. Both Danielle and Shanahan Law are very professional and respond promptly in a care manner. Very happy with my choice there.
Nicole Mcmullen
Nicole Mcmullen
2021-12-14
I can highly recommend Luke and his associates for their professionalism and thoughtfulness. I really didn't know what to expect when I needed the advice and assistance of a solicitor, but Luke has been extremely patient and kind in leading me through this process.
Amber Sun
Amber Sun
2021-11-18
When crisis strike, regular legal service simply doesn’t cut it. Only the best out of the best is capable of lifting you out of the ash. On the top of the rank is where Luke and his team stand. You need a lawyer that goes beyond the law, a professional that truly cares with heart, a skilled negotiator that thinks ten steps ahead, an ally that you can fight together and trust, and an unmovable rock that remains calm in the middle of the storm. I have experiences dealing with lawyers in different fields for various situations, and Luke and his team really do stand out. Next time when you are engaging a family law service, make sure to speak to Luke and his team. Their expertise and strategic approach will guide you to triumph.
Jayne Taylor
Jayne Taylor
2021-10-11
The most amazing and professional team who really understood my plight and fought for me and my daughter and won. My advice - listen to the advice. The team at Shanahan Lawyers know what they're talking about. I would not be so happy with the result I received if I didn't take their advice. Worth every cent. Thank you Shanahan 😊 🥳
Kristine Warren
Kristine Warren
2021-05-06
Highly recommend Shanahan Family Law, very professional and friendly approach to highly stressful situations.
cordogs82
cordogs82
2021-05-05
I can't thank Luke and Ilinke enough for their kindness, support and professionalism. After nearly 12 months of ongoing legal representation I can't fault them in any way. I highly recommend Shanahan Family law, their reputation speaks for itself.
Dans Videos
Dans Videos
2021-05-01
Great experience with a professional team that has compassion as well.

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USCLSA (UNIVERSITY OF THE SUNSHINE COAST LAW STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION) "BUILDING OUR STUDENTS, BUILDING OUR PROFESSION.

Family Law Frequently Asked Questions

What Shanahan Family Law customers are asking?

To help you understand your circumstances, Shanahan Family Law has created some of the most common questions with these FAQs.

We are serious when we say we care, listen, and get results. I’m not sure we would use the words’ best Family Lawyers‘; instead, we think of Shanahan Family Law as an experienced family law firm with proven results. A team of family law specialists. We don’t take your circumstances for granted and genuinely care for every client who partners with us. We care because we genuinely believe in supporting you in finding a better life through our range of family law services. We use active listening, where we hear your words and understand your complete message.

We always encourage staying away from the courts where possible at Shanahan Family Law. Utilising mediation instead of the family court system can save you thousands in lawyers’ and hearing expenses, not to mention the emotional toll. However, sometimes avoiding court may not be feasible. When domestic violence factors into your circumstances or communication has completely broken down between both parties, it may be best to seek legal help under the Family Law Act.

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.

Any married couple seeking a divorce must prove they separated over a year beforehand. Separation doesn’t require couples to live physically apart as long as they can satisfy the Court that they were “separated under one roof”.

The divorce order is effective one month and one day after the Court grants the divorce. In certain circumstances, you may apply for a special order to shorten that time.

If done efficiently, the entire process for an uncontested divorce will be several months. However, a divorce could take over a year if your spouse contests the divorce in Court. The process can also extend if you have trouble locating your former partner.

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.

Luke Shanahan, principal of Shanahan Family Law, 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 law support services. Luke started practising in 2008. You can learn more about Luke Shanahan by clicking here.

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 family law matters. This comprehensive experience makes them uniquely qualified to represent you throughout the process. Hiring an experienced divorce lawyer in these matters, like a Shanahan Family Lawyer, will help ensure your protection throughout the process. They will increase your chances of obtaining the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Call our office and let our family law team help you understand or point you in the right direction. Our initial consultation will allow us to determine whether you require our services or not. Call the office, and we will happily discuss your family law matters in more detail. You can learn more about family law here.

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.

Providing Family Law Services to the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast Regions

Sunshine Coast

Gold Coast

Providing Family Law Services to the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast Regions

Providing Family Law Services to the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast Regions.

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Contact us

Send an enquiry.

If your matter is urgent, please call us on (07) 5408 4470.

Sunshine Coast

Kon-Tiki Business Centre Suite 501, Level 5, Tower 2/55 Plaza Parade, Maroochydore QLD 4558, Australia

Gold Coast

Shanahan Family Law PO Box 158 Southport BC QLD 4215, Australia

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