Civil Litigation, Family and Employment

If you are facing a legal claim, or are considering bringing one, we possess the experience and judgment to assess the situation rationally and assist you to resolve it in an appropriate manner. Litigation can be a risky process as the outcome is infrequently clear so it’s vital that all options for resolution are considered including litigation, arbitration, mediation and negotiation. Wherever possible we like to approach the situation with a view to negotiate a settlement that avoids the expense and prolonged disruption of litigation.

Employment Law

The relationship between an employer and employee is a commercial relationship that is quite different to any other commercial relationship that most people ever deal with. The area of employment law is also one of the most fluid in the law with a constant evolution of the statutory approach to the relationship of employer and employee – it's also an area where employees are becoming increasingly litigious and the price of not following correct procedure can be expensive.

We can advise on all aspects of employment law including:

• Drafting employment contracts or interpreting existing contracts
• Advice in relation to dismissals or unjustified disadvantage actions.
• General compliance or discrimination issues
• Due diligence.
• Employment litigation and resolving employment relationship problems.

Family Law

We offer wide experience in dealing with the delicate issues of a relationship break down, be it a marriage or a de facto relationship. With many years experience including acting as Counsel representing children, our family law specialist can assist you in reaching a resolution and addressing the important issues of custody and access in an efficient and non-confrontational manner.

Most often we manage to resolve family law issues through settlement negotiations and mediation – but when necessary we resort to proceedings in Family Court or the High Court.

It is becoming more common for partners in a relationship to have an agreement prepared at an appropriate stage in the relationship that enables them to contract out of the equal sharing that may be imposed under the Property (Relationships) Act. We have acted for many couples on such agreements and we have the experience to ensure that the agreement is handled in a sensible manner so neither partner is offended by the process.

In particular, we have experience in:

• Property claims
• Custody and access disputes
• Applications for dissolution of marriage orders.
• Applications under the Domestic Violence Act.
• Child and spousal maintenance claims.
• Testamentary promises and family protection claims.

If you would like more information in this area please telephone of email your usual contact at Steindle Williams Legal or Cynthia Sparling