Brief a Family Law Barrister

Information for Solicitors

Solicitors regularly brief counsel to provide independent advice and advocacy in complex family law matters. Whether the matter concerns parenting proceedings, property settlement, interim applications, urgent applications, contravention proceedings or appellate work, the timely involvement of counsel may assist in identifying the issues in dispute, advising on prospects and developing an effective strategy for the conduct of the proceedings.

Chris Garlick accepts briefs from solicitors throughout Australia in a broad range of family law matters. He may be briefed to provide written opinions, advice on prospects, settlement of pleadings and submissions, conferences with instructing solicitors and clients, appearances before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and strategic advice throughout the progression of family law proceedings.

Counsel may be instructed at any stage of a matter. Some solicitors seek advice before proceedings are commenced, while others brief counsel following the filing of an Initiating Application, in preparation for interim hearings, dispute resolution conferences, final hearings or appeals. Early involvement may assist in identifying the relevant legal issues, refining litigation strategy and ensuring that important questions are addressed before the matter progresses.

Chris works collaboratively with instructing solicitors while recognising that responsibility for the solicitor-client relationship remains with the instructing practitioner. Whether the brief concerns a discrete question of family law or ongoing representation throughout complex proceedings, the focus remains on providing practical, carefully considered advice and effective advocacy appropriate to the issues in dispute.

Why Brief Family Law Counsel?

Family law proceedings often involve complex factual disputes, difficult questions of law and significant consequences for the parties involved. Briefing counsel at the appropriate stage of a matter may assist instructing solicitors in evaluating legal issues, identifying evidentiary strengths and weaknesses, preparing persuasive submissions and developing a clear litigation strategy.

Counsel may be briefed to advise on discrete legal questions, settle pleadings and submissions, appear at interim hearings, conduct final hearings, advise on appeals or provide strategic input throughout the life of a matter. Early collaboration between solicitor and counsel can assist in ensuring that legal and procedural issues are addressed efficiently while maintaining a clear focus on the client’s objectives.

Matters in Which Chris Accepts Briefs

Chris Garlick accepts briefs in a broad range of family law matters, including:

• Parenting proceedings
• Property settlement proceedings
• Divorce applications
• Child support matters
• Spousal maintenance proceedings
• De facto relationship matters
• Binding Financial Agreements
• Consent Orders
• Urgent recovery applications
• Contravention applications
• Relocation matters
• Family violence proceedings
• Interim hearings
• Final hearings
• Appeals
• Written opinions
• Advice on prospects
• Settlement of pleadings and submissions
• Mediation and dispute resolution conferences

Working With Instructing Solicitors

Chris recognises the important relationship between solicitor and client and works collaboratively with instructing solicitors throughout each matter. Whether providing advice on a discrete issue or appearing throughout the course of proceedings, the objective is to deliver practical legal advice, thorough preparation and effective advocacy while supporting the instructing solicitor’s conduct of the matter.

Briefs may be accepted for individual appearances, conferences, written opinions, advice on prospects, settlement of documents, mediation preparation, interim hearings, final hearings and appellate work. Chris aims to provide timely, practical and carefully considered advice that assists solicitors in progressing matters efficiently and effectively.

Why Instruct Chris Garlick?

Solicitors brief counsel for many different reasons. Some matters require an independent opinion on prospects. Others require assistance in preparing complex pleadings or submissions, advocacy at contested hearings or strategic advice as proceedings develop.

Chris provides practical advice, careful preparation and measured advocacy while working collaboratively with instructing solicitors to advance each matter efficiently and professionally. The focus remains on identifying the issues in dispute, providing realistic advice and presenting each case clearly and effectively before the Court.

Brief Chris Garlick

Solicitors seeking to brief Chris Garlick in family law matters are welcome to make contact to discuss availability, the scope of the proposed brief and any procedural requirements.

Contact Chris Garlick today to discuss your matter or to brief counsel.