When relationships break down there can be a significant emotional and financial impact on the individual and also the family as a whole, so you need to know all of your legal options to make the transition period easier.
At Martin Solicitors, we understand the difficulties you may be facing during this time and are focused on providing you with timely and cost effective resolutions that will provide peace of mind for the future. Our solicitors will explain the law and the processes involved so that you have some certainty every step of the way.
Martin Solicitors provide assistance for a range of matters relating to family law and de-facto relationships, including:
• Property matters including the division of property, financial agreements, property orders and spousal maintenance
• Children’s matters including parenting orders, parenting plans, contravention matters, relocation and recovery issues
• Family mediation
• Divorce
• De-Facto separation issues including separations before 2008 and same sex relationships
• Child support
• Child protection matters
• Pet parenting plans
• Other matters including guardianship of children, adoption and surrogacy
Contact us on 07 5665 6633 to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced family lawyers to find out more information about the above matters.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, the outcome of your case might be life changing. Our experienced solicitors have appeared in defence of criminal matters in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts in the Gold Coast, Beaudesert, Beenleigh, Logan and Brisbane regions.

Martin Solicitors will advise you of your rights and explaining the court procedures step by step so you can understand what's happening.

If you choose to plead guilty to your criminal charge, we will confidently explain your individual circumstances to the judicial officer and provide you with practical and realistic advice about any penalties which may be involved.

If you choose to defend against the criminal charge, we will strongly and clearly defend your case.

In addition to appearing in court, preparing for trial or writing submissions on your behalf, Martin Solicitors can also assist with traffic offences including speeding, driving under the influence charges and dangerous driving. As we understand how important your licence is to your job, your family and your freedom, we assess your circumstances and can make applications for work licences or special hardship orders on your behalf.

If you want common sense and practical legal advice, contact us to have a consultation with our criminal defence lawyer.

Everyone has the right to live without fear of violence or abuse.
A domestic violence protection order puts limits on a person’s behaviour if they have committed an act of violence against you. The person must be well behaved towards you and anyone else named in the Order once it is in place.
There are three requirements that the Court will consider before making a Domestic Violence Protection Order against a person:
• That there is a relevant relationship;
• That an incident of domestic violence has occurred; and
• That it is necessary and desirable that a Protection Order be made.
Incidents of domestic violence can include the following:
• Physical or sexual abuse;
• Emotional or psychological abuse;
• Economic abuse;
• Threatening behaviour;
• Coercive behaviour; and
• Any other behaviour that controls or dominates you and causes you to fear for your safety or wellbeing.
Martin Solicitors can assist you in domestic violence matters by:
• Advising you in relation to domestic violence matters;
• Referring you to counselling and support services;
• Completing the Protection Order application form;
• Appearing in the Magistrates Court for urgent and non-urgent applications;
• Appearing at Court to contest a Protection Order Application;
• Drafting affidavit material in support of your application or response to domestic violence proceedings; and
• Representing you at a trial for domestic violence proceedings.
If you are having a dispute with a person who you are not involved in a relationship with then we are also able to provide you with information about Peace and Good Behaviour Act applications.

Planning for the future is very important, especially when that planning may involve what would happen to your family and your property should something happen to you.

Our experienced solicitors are able to assist by drafting the following succession documents to make that future planning easier:
• Wills
• Enduring Powers of Attorney
• Advance Health Directives

We will talk to you about your individual circumstances and make recommendations that will protection your legacy for years to come with documents that are practical, forward-thinking for asset protection purposes and drafted in plain English.

We can also assist if someone has recently passed and you have been named as the Executor in their will. Our solicitors can explain the process of attaining Probate in terms you can understand. If, however, that person did not have a will, you may be able to apply for 'letters of administration' so that the person's assets may be distributed. It's important to remember that if you die without a will then this can have a heavy impact on those you leave behind, both emotionally and financially.

In addition to these areas of law, our experienced solicitors are able to assist you in contesting a will if for some reason you have been left out.

Call us on 07 5665 6633 to book a consultation with our experienced solicitors about these important matters.

The Gold Coast and surrounding suburbs in the South East Queensland region is a thriving area which has a strong potential for future growth, particularly in the business sector.

As a small business ourselves, we understand how difficult navigating this uncertain landscape can be at times and we take the time to learn more about your business needs and offer cost effective solutions to simple and complex issues.

Martin Solicitors are pleased to offer assistance in many areas of business and commercial law, including:
• Legal advice if you are starting up a business;
• Advising you about business structures including partnerships, trusts and corporations;
• Drafting documents to suit your business structure;
• Business name registration;
• Lease agreements;
• Buying and selling a business;
• Guarantees and security documents;
• Bankruptcy and debt collection; and
• Commercial litigation.

Additionally, we can also offer assistance in drafting and reviewing employment agreements and contesting unfair agreements.

If you are seeking advice about this area, please call our office on 07 5665 6633.

In addition to the above areas, we also provide a wide range of legal services including:
• Civil disputes
• Debt recovery
• Defamation
• Independent legal advice
• Reviewing guarantees and bank documentation
• General legal advice

Our team at Martin Solicitors can help you find the right solution to your legal problem and if we can’t, then we will refer you to someone who can from our wealth of contacts.

We are also pleased to announce that, as of April 2015, Martin Solicitors now offer conveyancing services for the sale and purchase of property.