Dorter Family Lawyers & Mediators

At Dorter Family Lawyers & Mediators, we are dedicated to guiding clients through the multifaceted arena of family law. Our expertise encompasses a broad range of issues such as divorce, annulment, property and financial settlements, and de facto relationship matters. We understand the emotional and financial complexities that accompany the dissolution of relationships and are equipped to provide you with thorough and empathetic advice tailored to your distinctive circumstances. Our team is proficient in managing both amicable and contentious separations, ensuring your rights and interests are safeguarded throughout the process. We are also committed to addressing delicate matters involving children, including the creation of optimised parenting arrangements and navigating child support. With a focus on the best interests of the children, we meticulously tailor our approach to suit each family's unique dynamics. Furthermore, our firm is well-versed in international family law, specifically in resolving issues under the Hague Convention for cases of cross-border child abduction. We advocate for alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and collaborative law to foster cooperative solutions, aiming to resolve issues efficiently and maintain amicable post-separation relationships.

At Dorter Family Lawyers & Mediators, we recognise that navigating parenting arrangements is significantly more challenging when a child has special needs or when families are experiencing high‑conflict or otherwise complex circumstances. These matters demand a heightened level of precision, compassion, and legal expertise. Our team is experienced in developing parenting orders that not only comply with the Family Law Act 1975 but also genuinely reflect the individual needs, vulnerabilities and long‑term wellbeing of each child. We regularly assist families where children present with neurodevelopmental, physical, medical, sensory, or mental health conditions—ranging from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD to chronic illness, mobility challenges or trauma‑related needs. In these cases, the Court’s paramount consideration remains the best interests of the child, which may include assessing therapeutic supports, parental capacity, medical requirements, accessibility considerations, and the emotional impact of transitions between households. In high‑conflict situations, the Court prioritises safety and stability above equal‑time arrangements. When a child’s special needs intersect with parental disputes, the legal process may involve measures such as supervised changeovers, limited contact arrangements, clear authority over long‑term decisions, or specific testing regimes to mitigate risk. Our team guides families through these complexities with clarity and strategic foresight, helping to reduce conflict wherever possible through tailored dispute‑resolution pathways. We understand that poorly drafted parenting agreements can lead to significant distress, instability or practical obstacles for children requiring specialised care. That is why we ensure each arrangement is thoughtful, robust and responsive—designed to support your child’s development, safeguard their wellbeing, and provide a workable structure for all caregivers involved. Whether you are facing disability‑related considerations, medical obligations, behavioural needs or entrenched conflict, our dedicated team is here to help you gain clarity, confidence and control in your parenting matter.

At Dorter Family Lawyers & Mediators, we provide clear, strategic and compassionate guidance to clients navigating the complexities of property and financial settlements after separation. We understand that dividing assets, liabilities, superannuation and financial resources can feel overwhelming, which is why our Family Law Specialists offer practical, tailored advice designed to give you clarity, confidence and control throughout the process. Our team prioritises timely and cost‑effective outcomes, favouring alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation, negotiation, collaborative practice and arbitration to help you reach a fair and legally sound agreement without unnecessary court involvement. With substantial experience handling both straightforward and highly complex property matters—including businesses, trusts, international assets, self‑managed super funds and issues of financial non‑disclosure—we ensure every aspect of your financial landscape is thoroughly examined and expertly managed. We guide you through each stage of the settlement process, from disclosure and valuation to formalising agreements through Consent Orders or Binding Financial Agreements. Where court proceedings become necessary, our team provides strong and informed representation, backed by a deep understanding of the Court’s four‑step framework for property division to secure an outcome that is just and equitable. Led by Rebekah Dorter and our senior partners, we are dedicated to delivering strategic, measured and supportive advice tailored to your personal goals and circumstances.

At Dorter Family Lawyers & Mediators, we provide specialised guidance and decisive representation in matters involving the location of children, relocation disputes and international child abduction. Whether a child has been taken without your consent, you fear they may be removed from Australia, or you need clarity around parental rights and obligations, our team is equipped to act swiftly and strategically to protect your child’s safety and welfare. We offer comprehensive support in cases of parental child abduction, including situations where a child is removed from their usual home, concealed, or withheld in breach of existing parenting orders. When urgent intervention is required, we assist in applying for Recovery Orders—court orders compelling the safe return of a child—and guide you through the practical steps involved, including liaising with the Australian Federal Police when necessary. For international matters, our team has deep expertise in the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. We help parents understand the Convention’s legal framework, including the process for securing the return of a child to their country of habitual residence and the important timeframes that apply. With each signatory nation operating through a designated Central Authority—handled in Australia by the Attorney‑General’s Department—we ensure you receive clear, informed advice tailored to the complexity and urgency of your case. We bring a compassionate yet strategic approach to these highly sensitive matters. Our priority is always the wellbeing of your children, and we work diligently to help you navigate these challenging circumstances with confidence, clarity, and strong legal protection