The link between criminal and family law
Unfortunately, many of those who are looking for legal advice and assistance in family law upon separation have also experienced, or are about to experience, criminal proceedings in the Local Court or District Courts.
This may involve, for example:
- Applications for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs)
- Bail hearings, trials and sentencing hearings for charges of domestic-related offences such as assault or any domestic violence offence
- Trials and sentencing hearings for charges of offences that may affect parenting arrangements, such as drink driving or drug driving.
What happens in criminal proceedings may affect the outcome of your parenting or property proceedings in the Family Court. For example, where an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order is put in place, there may be restrictions on where one parent can live, on the time a parent spends with the child or children, or where changeovers can take place. The outcome of trials for domestic related offences are important where there are allegations of family violence or other forms of abuse in the context of parenting arrangements. Convictions in criminal proceedings may pose challenges to negotiating parenting arrangements and/or mean that conditions may be placed upon the time you spend with your child or children.
At Southern Waters Legal, we can help with both the criminal and family aspects of your matter, where the two overlap.
Laura Tilt was admitted as a solicitor of New South Wales in April 2014. She holds a double Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Law from the University of New South Wales and a Masters in Criminology from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Laura obtained a DPhil (PhD) in Criminology from the University of Oxford in October 2018. That same month, Laura was called to the Bar of England and Wales and practised as a barrister in both criminal law and family law proceedings until her return to Australia in May 2022. Laura has worked as a Senior Solicitor in the Family Law Team at Southern Waters Legal since June 2022.
Laura has substantial experience in both criminal and family law proceedings. Laura would be happy to assist with your matter should you require advice and representation in both areas of law. If you require assistance with your family law matter, please do not hesitate to contact our Family Law Team on 9523 5535.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided as general information only. It is not intended to be legal advice and it should not be used or relied on as legal or professional advice.
