The First Appointment

From the first appointment you will know your family law entitlements and options. What action Gordon Lawyers take after the first appointment is up to you.

There are many family law "myths" in the community. It's important to find out what is correct and what is not.

Gordon Lawyers provide a safe, relaxed and confidential environment.

There is a fixed fee of $297 (inc GST) for the first appointment. There is normally many issues to discuss. Typically, the first appointment goes for 1.5 to 2 hours (sometimes longer). The fixed fee does not change if the appointment is 1 hour or 2 hours (or longer), so there is no need to worry about "the clock running".

What to expect at your first appointment at Gordon Lawyers

Your appointment will be with David Gordon, Solicitor, who is accredited by the NSW Law Society as a specialist in Family Law.

You will be asked to fill in a brief info sheet with your name, contact details etc. This saves David asking which saves you time and money. CLICK HERE if you want to fill the form in before you come in.

Normally the first consultation takes about 90 minutes. Sometimes they are shorter sometimes longer. We do our best not to schedule appointments straight after each other to allow extra time if needed.

At the first appointment there is a lot of information. It's okay to bring a support person, but they need to keep things to themselves as confidential advice will be given. It's okay to take notes or bring a list of questions.

You wont be asked what caused the breakup as family law is no-fault based.

We will provide written information and fact sheets at your appointment.

What You will receive from your First Appointment

We provide our advice in plain English without the jargon.

We will listen, ask questions and give specialist advice on your circumstances.

If your concern is about the division of assets and debts we will advise as to your family law entitlements and give detailed reasons why in writing.

If your concern is about your children, we will advise as to the possible outcomes and the best way to reach a resolution.

Detailed and clear information sheets will be provided that are relevant to you

After the appointment we will confirm our advice in writing and give further information about relevant family law issues.

We will discuss the best ways to reach a resolution, always keeping in mind the need to keep legal costs to a minimum.

We will also discuss legal costs and options.

What can you do to help

Arrive 10 minutes early (so you can fill in the info sheet)

Make a list of your main assets and debts, if you would like to discuss a property settlement.

Bring any relevant documents, letters, child support assessments, any letters from other lawyers etc, that you have. If you don't have any or many documents don't worry.

Please don't bring your children. In family law the children need to be kept from the dispute as much as possible.

We can only see one spouse. Please don't come together. We cannot act for both parties.

Confidentiality Assured

It is a strict duty and obligation on lawyers to keep secret what is told to them by their clients. Gordon Lawyers take this responsibility very seriously. Lawyers can be subject to disciplinary action if they breach this duty. This means what is discussed in a lawyer's office stays in a lawyer's office. Gordon Lawyers have have taken additional steps...

No client's files or documents are kept at reception

The office walls have extensive sound proofing

The entry to our office can be hard to find, but it is also discrete

Unneeded documents are shredded then destroyed (burnt)

We only write (post and email) to clients at approved addresses and contact them on approved phone numbers.

If we meet you in the street we will not talk to you about your matter unless you raise it first (please don't think we are rude)

When we write to you our envelopes will not say who the letter is from, only a return to sender PO Box number

Appointments are scheduled whenever possibly to have a half hour gap between appointments. This also results in minimal waiting time

How much will it cost

For family law matters Gordon Lawyers charge a fixed fee for the first consultation of $297.

We ask that this this fee be paid at the time of the appointment. If this causes a problem let us know.

Credit card facilities are available.

During your appointment (and afterwards) David will discuss legal fee options if further work is needed.