Keegan Family Lawyers in Perth, Western Australia | Divorce & Family Lawyer

Keegan Family Lawyers

Locality: Perth, Western Australia

Phone: +61 8 6370 4460

Address: 21 Howard St 6000 Perth, WA, Australia

Website: http://www.keeganfamilylaw.com.au/

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24.01.2022 Leah Keegan speaking to the ABC on COVID-19 and vaccinations. https://www.abc.net.au//covid-division-puts-child/13702880

16.01.2022 You can go on all the law firm websites and read about how amazing they say they are, but absolutely none of that compares to this! This feedback warms our heart to the absolute core! We have a long journey to go, but KFL are determined to see this out until the end!!! I would personally highly recommend Keegan & Co. Family Lawyers. My son engaged Leah in January 2020 For Family Law Court matter regarding access to his nearly 3 year old daughter. They actually meet a coup...le of months earlier at my son’s work. They got chatting and Leah said she would help him out, and my god she stuck to her word!! Leah has been extremely supportive to my son and reduced her fees considerably and also offered a payment system not unlike lay-by where he can bank money before court cases due to his limited income. Believe me these options has reduced some stress for my son as anyone one can imagine in a highly stressful time. Leah has also happily conversed with me with any worries or concerns I have had over my son’s wellbeing. My son’s case has not yet been finalised but we are exceptionally impressed with her professional courtesy and conduct. It’s awesome to have a lawyer that says what she means and helps out the mere man to get his relationship back with his princess without placing him in financial ruin!!!!!!! And this is what drives Leah in every aspect of her practice as a lawyer. Being a lawyer who doesn’t just say they listen, they care, and they will fight hard. Leah is a lawyer whose purpose is to create a firm that puts words into actions. Thank you to my client’s mother for these beautiful and heart string pulling words.

15.01.2022 What do you want? Can you get it? How do you get it? There are many reasons why people want a Court Order for property settlement after separation. This could be to allow a superannuation split to occur. However, most often it is used to avoid the payment of transfer duty if there is a transfer of property from joint names, into the sole name of one party. What is often misunderstood is that having an Order is just one step in that process. Completely independent is the ...process of changing the names on the Title and changing the Mortgage. This process is the same as buying a house for the first time. The person wanting to keep the property must also complete the loan application process and meet the lending criteria. Having an Order is not enough. The party who wants to keep the property must be able to get a loan in their own name. If a party wants to retain property that is in joint names, then it is best practice to speak with a mortgage broker or the existing lender to get a pre-approval. This will ensure a party knows what they can borrow before they negotiate property settlement orders. If you need more information about Court Orders for property settlement, book an initial consultation with us.

15.01.2022 Facing massive challenges and massive health scares really puts life, work and day to day living all into perspective. Having beautiful clients who know that despite all that, and while going through all that, @keeganfamilylawyers are still by their side too, because that is just who we are and what we do really means the absolute to us. Thank you for these gorgeous flowers J&J.

12.01.2022 When I completed the interview with the ABC, I expected it to be received positively by some, and not by others. I do not shy away from hard topics. Not talking about the tough topics is often what causes a breakdown in communication and normally leads to lawyers becoming involved. My interview was a non emotive but legal discussion. Everyone is entitled to their views and opinions. I respect everyone’s views and opinions and would ask that each of you do the same. My inter...view was about what the law says, what the leading health experts are saying all over the world, and what the Family Court may do if parents can’t agree. If parents do not want to vaccinate their children, this is a decision for them. This post, like my interview and my posts before were not a pro or anti vax post. If anything, the interview and FB posts should encourage each of you to have open and frank conversations with the other parent. Ask yourselves, will you vaccinate? If you don’t agree, what then? What happens if school mandate the vaccine? What happens when your kids can’t play sport unless vaccinated? can’t go to school parties? can’t go to school discos or concerts? Can’t receive a merit certificate or attend graduations and school balls? What ever the answer may be is between the parents. All parents need to be aware of is what happens if they don’t agree, and importantly what approach they are going to take to explain in an age appropriate way these changes and/or restrictions to their children. Again, be kind to one another and be safe. Leah

10.01.2022 As parents, we strive to make the best decisions for our children. As adults, many of us have made the decision to get our vaccinations, hoping that we are do not fall in the minority of people who have an adverse reaction. Many people agree with the COVID vaccine, but struggle with the lack of choice to take the vaccine when they are ready. As an adult, that is an easier choice. Now, we face the decision on whether to vaccinate our children. Again, for many, the feeling that... we have lost that choice is overwhelming. Today, I spoke with the ABC over COVID, The vaccination program for our children, disputes between parents, and how this all fits into the Family Law sphere. I am not sure if the segment will broadcast at 6:30pm this evening or perhaps tomorrow. If this issue worries any of you, parent or non-parent alike, tune into the ABC Radio at 6:30pm (hopefully tonight) where I give my thoughts on just how this issue is impacting parents, children, and my thoughts on how the Family Court may approach this very sensitive but important issue. As I said in my interview, be kind to one another. Most importantly, stay safe. Leah Keegan Legal Practice Director Keegan & Co Family Lawyers https://www.abc.net.au/radio/perth/live/

07.01.2022 ***New Service Coming Soon*** Family Court Mediation Keegan & Co Family Lawyers will have an Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner or FDRP. This means that we will be offering fast and low cost Family Dispute Resolution or Mediation. For many people, accessing a private mediation service is too expensive. However, the low cost, not for profit organisations have long wait lists. ... Keegan & Co Family Lawyers have no wait times and will offer lower costs, with payments plans available. Express your interest now, complete the intake sessions now, so there will be no delay once the accredited process has been formally approved! To find out more about our new FDR service, call or email Santhusha on 6370 4460.

06.01.2022 Friday the 13th of November!!! Christmas time is closer than people think in the family law world. 13 November is the last day that the Court will be accepting applications for Christmas / School Holiday orders. If there are no proceedings in the Family Court and no agreement about Christmas and the end of year school holiday period, then the first step is to try and reach an agreement at mediation (Family Dispute Resolution) unless an exemption applies.... 7 weeks is a tight time frame to get a mediation session booked and, if there is still no agreement, filing the application with the Court. Do not leave this to the last minute or parties may be heartbroken if there are no orders in place, negotiations have failed, and the Court is no longer accepting applications. We can help with urgent mediations by prioritising any mediation where Christmas / School Holiday contact is an issue. Alternatively, we can also assist in preparing applications with a quick turnaround to seek orders in the Court before 13 November.

02.01.2022 Today there are so many different types families; the nuclear family is just one of many variations of a family structure. So very often it is daunting and intimidating for children to meet their step family for the very first time, and this normally happens without any of their comforts or supports. Always thinking outside the box, we recently saw an opportunity that could have been amazing or really not. That comment was exactly states by the Court when they saw the Order.... Our Principal suggested the idea that both sets of families meet at a local park where all children could meet, play and get to know each other. None of the children knew any more than they were going to play outside. (Don’t worry there was only 10 people!) Nervously, the Order was made and the play date set. This was the summary of the feedback: We had a big meet up yesterday and it went really well. We met at the park. Our youngest child had a lovely time, our oldest children became at ease when they met the other children and also met the other parent. I met their Mother and the children and I thought they were nice people. Everyone seemed to have a good time and it wasn’t as awkward as we thought it would be. I chatted with the children’s Mum just like we could have been any two mothers. My ex partner and my new partner played with the children around the park and again could have just been any two dads playing with their kids at a park. As we chatted, we learned about each other’s families and found common ground. I think for it to work for others they have to go into it with the right mind frame and to have done the Mum and Dads forever course first. This is an example of how two ex partners with one daughter had a first interaction with their respective new partners and their children. We are not saying this will work for everyone, but if parents think they can put all their differences aside, what a lovely and natural way for blended families to first meet and build trust. Often something missing between parties in litigation. #familylawdonedifferently #childfocused #thinkoutsidethebox #coparenting #parentsputtingkidsfirst #buildingtrust

01.01.2022 ***UPDATE*** This morning, Santhusha continued her efforts and hard work, waking at 6am to prepare submissions and attend Court for a marathon day for part 2 of this matter. With the first part completed successfully on Sunday, Santhusha has dedicated most of her week to turning her attention to getting a recovery order made by the Court which would see the child returned to their primary carer. After a marathon effort this week and in Court, a Recovery Order was granted by ...the Court. This little child will be home within a few hours. Amazing work Santhusha. You have been vital in protecting this child from harm, and returning them home safely.

22.12.2021 The day in the life of a Family Lawyer can throw up many challenges. Sometimes, those challenges can come at any time of the day or night. On Sunday evening, KFL became aware of a risk of a child being removed from Australia to another country that was not a signatory to the Hague Convention (Child Abduction). This meant that if the child left Australia, there would have been no legal avenue in Australia or the other country to order the return of the child. Our Santhusha... Karavita had the experience and skill set needed to act swiftly. Santhusha contacted Crisis Care and sought an urgent listing before a Family Court Magistrate that same night to get a Watch List Order which stops a child being removed from Australia. Santhusha was able to secure a telephone court listing before a Magistrate within 30 minutes, and had the Watchlist Order made within the hour. I am pleased to say the child remains safely in Western Australia. I want to recognise the amazing and quick thinking work from Santhusha, going above and beyond late on a Sunday evening to ensure the safety and wellbeing of this child. KFL and our clients are lucky to have Santhusha on our team with her ability to identify urgent risks, her knowledge of the appropriate steps and the experience in the best and quickest way to minimise (or in this case eliminate) the risk to the child. Santhusha's sole focus was on what parenting matters are all about, the best interest of this young child. Well done Santhusha, I am exceptionally proud of you. See more

07.12.2021 In Family Law parents often talk about "rights". Unfortunately it is far too common for those "rights" to be "parental rights". Children have the right of protection from abuse, harm, neglect and family violence; Children have the right to a meaningful relationship with their parents. There is no mention of "Parental Rights" in Family Law. Parents, you don't miss out though...you have "Parental Responsibility". A responsibility to ensure your children have access to their rights. So if you see on one of the many FB forums about parents having equal rights....perhaps ignore the forum and see a Family Lawyer instead.

03.12.2021 We are very excited to announce the promotion of Santhusha Karavita to the position of Associate. Santhusha has completed her period of supervised legal practice and has been an integral part of the KFL Team since she started in May 2020! On behalf of the entire team, please join us in congratulating Santhusha on this wonderful achievement in what will be a very long legal career.

18.11.2021 I am so immensely proud of our KFL team and the amazing, strong, intelligent, and resilient women I am privileged to work alongside each day. Their attributes are as diverse as each of these amazing women......first as women, as a working women, as daughters, some as mothers, some as wives, some as girlfriends. From the speech of a powerful woman: "In my lifetime, women were not legally allowed to make fundamental decisions about their bodies - and practically speaking, ...many still can’t. In my lifetime, domestic violence was seen as a private matter between a man and his wife rather than as the horrific crime that it is. I know how it feels to be overlooked, to be underestimated, to have someone only half listen to your ideas at a meeting -- to see them turn to the man next to you, the man you supervise, and assume he’s in charge....." - Michelle Obama "Let Girls Learn Speech" - IWD 2011 Today, I thank every person who has empowered, inspired, and encouraged not only myself, the amazing women I work alongside, but indeed all women (and girls). Today, I thank the amazing team of KFL who do this everyday. Today, I acknowledge the protections and freedoms I enjoy, and the battles fought by many to achieve this. #IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge

06.11.2021 As a "crazy dog mum" I have always found it hard to give advice to the many who want to keep the puppy in the event of a separation. A man recently asked the Family Court for Orders for "shared care" of the dog. Sadly, the Court rejected his application because the Court cannot make orders that provide for shared care of the family pet. Even sadder is that the Court can only deal with the family pet as part of a division of the assets and liabilities of a relationship, wit...h the family pet being treated as a "chattel". A chattel is a moveable possession, much like beds, televisions and other furniture. Devastating for us pet lovers. Practical when put in context of the already enormous workload of the Family Court. I wish my Golden Retriever was a "moveable possession" Good luck getting her out of bed in the morning until she is damn well ready or unless there is a food based treat.....sounds a bit like a teenager! http://classic.austlii.edu.au//ca/cth/FCCA/2020/2766.html

26.10.2021 Our hearts are bleeding for all the families, animals and businesses impacted by the North East Perth Fires. Keegan & Co again are donating $50 from every initial consultation towards the emergency services and recovery efforts. for the entire month of February. We will be donating food, clothing and any other basic supplies towards families impacted by this heart-breaking disaster. ... We have also set up GoFundMe page, if you simply want to donate. Every single $1 counts and makes a differences to the hundreds of parents, children, families, businesses, animals and our eco-system impacted by this devastation. KFL has already donated $500 immediately towards this fund. I know COVID lockdown has impacted all of us, but any small change you could spare would be greatly appreciated. https://www.gofundme.com/f/perth-bushfire-victims

24.10.2021 What's the deal with Superannuation in WA for de facto couples separating!! Here is what we know: 1. The Federal Government have done their part. 2. The WA State Parliament has to pass law to change the Family Court Act. 3. Be careful what resources you read....it could be outdated.... If you were in a de facto relationship, or are a de facto contemplating separation, you should get some legal advice. There have been changes and it can be confusing to know what information is current and up to date. Call us to get the up to date information as it relates to you! The law will apply to two matters in often two very different ways. There is no generic one size fits all answer for this issue.

15.10.2021 As the sun sets on the week and the month, we achieved something pretty amazing this month. Late nights, early mornings, exhaustion all to help a beautiful family. In less than 28 days our team filed three trial affidavits, an application to appoint an expert, prepared for a trial which was only meant to be 2 days, which ended up finishing after 4 days! As the Principal, I could not be more proud of this amazing team and their dedication. To our amazing client and their entire family, we thank you for trusting us to advocate to get the right outcome for the centre of your world. At the end of the day, getting a result that is in the best interest of the child is what drives us. To our other amazing clients, if you have not heard from us, this is why! Slowly we will make our way through the hundreds of emails we have received.