If you serve at Lavarack Barracks or RAAF Base Townsville, or you're the partner of someone who does, family law advice is now down the road on Flinders Street. Pippa Colman Family Law understands postings, deployments and military super, and it has an offer for ADF families.
You already know how to plan around things you can't control. Postings come through with a few months' notice. Deployments move the calendar. Exercises take you away when you'd rather be home.
When a relationship ends, those same realities follow you into the family law process. A posting order can land in the middle of a property negotiation. A deployment can clash with the parenting time you agreed to. Your settlement may need to deal with military super built up over years of service, a home bought with Defence housing assistance, and a partner who moved with you from base to base.
You shouldn't have to explain all of that from scratch, or travel to Brisbane to find someone who gets it. Pippa Colman Family Law opened in Townsville earlier this year so that Defence members and their families in North Queensland can get expert advice close to home. The firm has practised primarily in family law for 25 years, and the Defence community is a big part of why it came to Townsville.
What you need to know
The law applies to you the same way it applies to everyone else. What's different is how your service shapes each decision.
If you're posted and have children. Your posting order doesn't give you the right to move your children away from their other parent. If you have parenting orders, or you and your ex don't agree, you'll usually need their written consent or a court order first. The earlier you get advice, ideally as soon as a posting looks likely, the more options you'll have.
If you're deploying or away on exercise. Your parenting plan can be written with your service in mind. It can cover what happens while you're away, how you'll keep in touch by video or phone, when you'll make up time on your return, and who helps with care in the meantime.
If you have military super. Your super may be the biggest asset you and your partner have. ADF Super, MSBS and DFRDB are all treated as property in a separation, but each is valued differently. Getting the valuation and the split right can make a real difference to your future, whichever side you're on.
If you live in Defence housing or receive allowances. Separating can change your category for housing, rent allowance and other entitlements. Line up your legal advice with the Defence admin side so neither of you is caught short.
If you've been posted interstate. You can still run your matter through the Townsville office, with meetings by phone or video.
If you don't feel safe. Service life can put pressure on any relationship. If you're experiencing family violence, the team can help you with protection orders and your family law options, confidentially. You can also contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, any time.
Who you'll be talking to
When you contact the Townsville office, you'll be dealing with Senior Associate Nicole Turnbull. Nicole has more than 18 years of legal experience and is known for explaining complicated situations in plain English, so you always know where you stand and what comes next.
"Defence families are used to planning around things they can't control. Our job is to give them a clear plan for the part they can: where they stand, what their options are, and what happens next."
Nicole is backed by the firm's four directors: founder Pippa Colman, Sarah Quilliam, Samantha Bolton and Jessica Popple. Samantha grew up in Townsville. Between them, the team includes four Accredited Specialists in family law and three lawyers with Master of Laws qualifications, with more than 80 years of combined experience.
What's available to you
- Introductory rates for ADF families. If you're a serving member, or the partner of one, you can access special introductory rates in recognition of service.
- Appointments that fit your service. Meet by phone or video if you're posted away, in the field or have just moved.
- Advice before things escalate. One early conversation, before a posting, a deployment or a separation takes hold, can save you a costly dispute later.
- Parenting coordination. If you and your ex have a plan but keep clashing over changeovers, rosters or changes to your schedule, a parenting coordinator can help you sort out day-to-day issues without going back to court.
- Referral through the people you already trust. Your unit welfare officer, chaplain, Defence social worker or RSL advocate can refer you through the firm's online referral form.
- A firm that gives back. Pippa Colman Family Law works closely with RSL Queensland and does pro bono and volunteer work in the community.
From Townsville, the team can help with parenting matters, divorce and separation, property settlement (including military super), domestic violence matters, parenting coordination, and Wills & Estates.
Your questions answered
I've just been posted. Can I take the kids? Not automatically. If your ex doesn't agree, you'll usually need a court order or written agreement by way of a Parenting Plan before you move the children. Get advice before you plan around the move.
Will my military super be split? It can be. Your super, including ADF Super, MSBS or DFRDB, forms part of the property pool and can be divided between you and your former partner. Each scheme is valued differently, so expert advice matters.
I'm deployed or posted interstate. Can I still get advice? Yes. You can meet the Townsville team by phone or video, at a time that works around your duties.
Will deployment affect my time with my children? It doesn't have to cost you your relationship with them. Your parenting plan or orders can cover deployment, staying in touch while you're away, and make-up time when you're back.
My partner serves, but I don't. Can I get help too? Yes. The firm acts for serving members and for their partners, and the introductory rates apply to ADF families.
Get in touch
Pippa Colman Family Law, Townsville Level 2, 280 Flinders Street, Townsville QLD 4810 Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 5.00pm, Friday 8.00am to 1.00pm Phone: 07 4453 0283 Email: reception@pippacolman.com Web: pippacolman.com
Welfare officers, chaplains and advocates can refer you at pippacolman.com/referral-form.
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Every family's situation is different, so please get advice about yours.