Divorce Services in Maroochydore
Shanahan Family Law has helped more than 4,000 clients navigate separation and divorce. Led by Principal Solicitor Luke Shanahan, the Maroochydore team provides practical guidance on applications, parenting arrangements and property matters.
If you have been separated for 12 months or more, you may be eligible to apply for divorce. We can help you understand the application process, what happens next, and which financial or parenting issues need to be dealt with separately.
"And rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life."
- J.K. Rowling
Download Our Free Divorce Guide
Get advice on navigating your divorce with ease and confidence.
What Does a Divorce Actually Do?
A divorce legally ends your marriage, but it does not automatically settle your property, finances or parenting arrangements. In Australia, you generally need to have been separated for at least 12 months before applying.
We help our clients understand what needs to happen alongside the divorce itself, including property settlement, parenting arrangements and financial matters. This is especially important because married couples generally have 12 months after a divorce becomes final to apply for property or financial orders.
What Can We Help?
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to make decisions about children, finances and property. We can help you work out what needs attention now and what can be dealt with separately.
- Divorce applications – Preparing and filing your application.
- Divorce eligibility – Checking whether you meet the requirements to apply.
- Joint applications – Applying together with your former spouse.
- Sole applications – Applying without your former spouse joining the application.
- Parenting arrangements – Working towards practical arrangements for your children.
- Child support – Understanding and formalising financial support for children.
- Property settlement – Dividing assets, liabilities and financial interests after separation.
A Client Story From a Difficult Divorce
One client came to Luke Shanahan for help navigating what he described as a “messy, aggressive financial/divorce settlement”.
Luke assisted with the negotiations and helped the client bring the matter to a resolution. The client said he valued Luke’s focus, professionalism and negotiating approach, and was able to move forward feeling that the situation had been resolved.
I can’t thank Luke Shanahan from Shanahan Law enough. He assisted me in negotiating my way through a messy, aggressive financial/divorce settlement. Can’t sing his praises enough. A truly focused professional possessing a moral compass. I trusted him to rectify my situation quickly and that’s exactly what he did with the greatest eloquence and some fine negotiating skills allowing me to walk away with my head held high and a smile on my face. If you are struggling to finalise divorce proceedings or a financial settlement, Luke is your man most definitely. He's your all round solicitor for life.
Client name has been changed to protect privacy. This story is based on a genuine Shanahan Family Law client review.
What this shows
Divorce can involve much more than filing an application. Financial issues, negotiations and unresolved property matters can all need to be addressed separately, and having clear advice can make the next steps easier to understand.
Do You Need Your Marriage Certificate?
Yes. You will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate when applying for divorce.
f you cannot find it, you can request another copy from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state or territory where you were married. If you were married overseas, you should contact the relevant authority in that country.
Married overseas?
If your certificate is not in English, it must be translated and filed with an Affidavit Translation of Marriage Certificate.
Image: FCFCOA
Marriage and Divorce Statistics 2024
ABS data shows divorces granted in Australia fell for a second year in a row.
2.1 per 1,000 people is the crude divorce rate in 2024, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
In 2024, 47,216 divorces were granted in Australia, 3.0% fewer than in 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Frequently asked questions
What divorce services do you provide?
Shanahan Family Law assists clients in Maroochydore and across the Sunshine Coast with a range of divorce matters. This can include checking whether you are eligible to apply for divorce, preparing sole or joint applications, dealing with separation under one roof, serving divorce documents, and helping with applications where a former spouse may be difficult to locate.
We can also explain court hearing requirements and what happens once a divorce order becomes final. Divorce is separate from issues such as parenting arrangements, child support and property settlement, so we can also help you understand whether those matters require separate legal advice.
Can you help with a divorce application?
Yes. We can assist with preparing and filing a divorce application and help you understand the steps involved from start to finish.
We can advise whether a sole or joint application may be appropriate, what supporting documents may be required, whether you need to attend a court hearing, and what to expect after the divorce order is made.
Can I apply for divorce if we are still living together?
Yes. In some circumstances, you may still be able to apply for divorce if you and your former spouse have remained living under the same roof after separation.
You will generally need to show that you were separated despite continuing to share a residence. This may require additional evidence about changes to your relationship, living arrangements and finances. Shanahan Family Law can help you understand the evidence that may be required for your circumstances.
Can you assist with divorce applications on the Sunshine Coast?
Yes. We assist clients with divorce applications in Maroochydore and throughout the Sunshine Coast.
We can guide you through eligibility, preparing and filing the application, serving documents where required, responding to court requirements and understanding the next steps once your divorce becomes final.
Download Our Free Divorce Guide
Get advice on navigating your divorce with ease and confidence.
