Business Details
Trusted Family Lawyers in Perth
West Coast Legal is a dedicated family law firm based in Perth, committed to providing compassionate and effective legal solutions. Our team specialises in navigating complex family law matters, including divorce, separation, child custody, property settlements, and mediation services. With extensive experience in both court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution, we prioritise minimising conflict while achieving fair outcomes for our clients. Our lawyers, Tannis Arnold and Teresa Sutherland, bring a wealth of expertise from diverse legal backgrounds, including work with Legal Aid and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. We focus on personalised service, taking time to understand each client's unique circumstances and offering tailored advice to address their specific needs.Our approach emphasizes transparency, affordability, and ethical practice, with a strong commitment to avoiding unnecessary litigation through skilled negotiation and mediation. We serve clients across Western Australia, providing accessible support through in-person, telephone, and virtual consultations. Our dedication to community service and client advocacy has earned us positive recognition from satisfied clients who commend our professionalism, attentiveness, and successful resolution of complex family law issues.
Services
Divorce and Separation
Child Custody Arrangements
Family Mediation Services
Property Settlements
Spousal Maintenance
Restraining Orders
Legal Fee Assistance
Care and Protection Matters
Parenting Plans
De-facto Separation
Highlights and features
- We provide personalised legal advice tailored to your unique family circumstances
- Our team specialises in family law with extensive court and mediation experience
- We prioritise mediation to avoid costly and stressful litigation where possible
- Our lawyers have backgrounds in Legal Aid and public prosecution services
- We offer accessible consultations through in-person, phone, and virtual options
What people say
Professional and efficient service
Successful outcome achieved
Understanding and accommodating
Timely resolution
Highly recommend
Services
Divorce and Separation
We guide clients through divorce and separation processes with compassion and expertise. Our services include preparing court applications, negotiating property settlements, and resolving child custody arrangements. We help clients understand their rights and obligations while minimising conflict through mediation and negotiation. Our team has extensive experience handling both straightforward and complex cases across Western Australia.
Child Custody Arrangements
Our child custody services focus on creating workable parenting arrangements that prioritise children's best interests. We assist with developing custody agreements, addressing relocation concerns, and resolving disputes about schooling and travel. We help clients create enforceable parenting orders while maintaining a focus on reducing family conflict through mediation and collaborative approaches.
Family Mediation Services
We offer professional mediation services to resolve family law disputes without court intervention. Our registered mediators help clients negotiate property settlements, parenting arrangements, and spousal maintenance agreements. We facilitate constructive discussions to reach mutually acceptable solutions while avoiding the stress and expense of litigation for clients across Western Australia.
Property Settlements
Our property settlement services cover division of assets, debts, and financial resources following separation. We handle both de-facto and married couples' cases, addressing complex property matters including real estate, investments, and business assets. We provide clear guidance on legal rights and help achieve fair outcomes through negotiation or court proceedings when necessary.
Spousal Maintenance
We advise on spousal maintenance entitlements and obligations following separation. Our services include assessing eligibility, calculating appropriate amounts, and negotiating agreements. We handle both temporary and long-term maintenance arrangements, considering factors like relationship duration, financial disparities, and childcare responsibilities to achieve equitable outcomes for our clients.
People
Tannis Arnold
Partner/Director
Tannis Arnold is a family law specialist with extensive experience in complex property settlements and child custody matters. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Notre Dame University and has worked with Legal Aid WA. Her background in education enhances her family law practice.
Teresa Sutherland
Partner/Director
Teresa Sutherland is an experienced family lawyer admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia. She specialises in property settlements and mediation, focusing on collaborative solutions. Teresa brings expertise from her legal studies in South Africa and extensive family law practice since 2016.
Questions
Do I need a family lawyer for property settlement?
Yes, legal advice helps ensure fair asset division and protects your rights during property settlements.
What defines a de-facto relationship in WA?
A de-facto relationship exists when couples live together in a marriage-like relationship for at least two years.
How long does divorce take in Australia?
Divorce requires 12 months separation before applying, with finalisation typically taking 2-3 months after filing.
Can I relocate with my children after separation?
Relocation requires negotiation with the other parent or court approval to ensure children's best interests.
Do you offer mediation services?
Yes, we provide registered family dispute resolution services to resolve conflicts without court proceedings.
Can I get legal help if I live outside Perth?
Yes, we offer telephone and virtual consultations for clients across Western Australia.
