Other Family Law Experts

In family law we draw on experts that go far beyond your family lawyer alone.

During your family law journey other experts may be relied upon to assist in your matter, the following provides a basic explanation of those experts and how they work within family law matters.

• Barristers – in Victoria and within the Family Court barristers appear at most hearings for clients but particularly at interim and final hearings, mediations and arbitrations. Barristers are instructed to appear by your lawyer and are experts in advocacy, evidence and cross examination. Barristers also provide advice to lawyers and clients on complex matters, this can be written advice and in conference. Barristers range from junior to senior counsel (called silks or SC and KC).
• Forensic accountants – often in property matters we need to appoint forensic accountants as single experts or shadow experts to consider business and trust valuations. These accountants prepare valuation reports and appear in court under cross examination to explain their valuation methodology and conclusion.
• Property valuers – most clients will own real estate and obtaining valuations for family law purposes is an essential step in negotiations and litigation. Often these values will be updated at various intervals throughout the family law process.
• Family report writers – in parenting matters family report writers are often appointed to prepare a “family report” which provides recommendations about parenting arrangements for the children involved. Family report writers are often psychologist, social workers or counsellors who have specific experience in the field.

In addition to the above other experts are often called upon to provide evidence to the court to assist in the determination of the matter.