Nicola Ayers
As a member of our Litigation and Disputes and Family Law teams, Nicola provides advice and assists our clients across a large range of issues, including civil and commercial disputes and complex parenting and property matters.
Nicola was admitted to practice as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia in early 2018. Her background is in commercial litigation & disputes, including all aspects of personal injury and medical negligence, family law and wills and estates litigation. Nicola has experience representing clients in the Federal Court of Australia, Supreme, District and Local Courts of New South Wales and the Family Court of Australia.
Nicola has extensive Court experience and her approach to litigation and various alternate dispute methods is balanced and client focused. She is passionate about protecting and defending the rights of those less fortunate and her empathetic approach differentiates her from other lawyers in her field. Nicola aims to develop and maintain understanding and constructive relationships with clients to achieve their legal needs. Nicola communicates clearly, in a plain-English style and her attention to detail, approachability and integrity are essential to her ability to advise and achieve positive results for our clients.
Get in touch with Nicola today
Areas of expertise
Anthony Saba
Anthony is a member of the Family Law team at Antunes Lawyers and is passionate about helping people through a wide variety of family law issues, including complex parenting and property matters. Anthony has helped clients resolve their matters through negotiation, mediation, and interim and final hearings. He has worked on high net-worth matters which required the need for analysis of financial matters, complicated trust and corporate structures. In addition, he has also assisted clients which involved complex and sensitive domestic and family violence.
Anthony understands how difficult separation can be for clients, and his empathetic approach is one that sets him apart from other lawyers in this field. To this end, Anthony adopts a collaborative approach to achieve a successful outcome for his clients, without having to resort to costly litigation.
In addition to his Family Law experience, Anthony also has experience in representing clients in criminal law matters, including appearing before the Local Court and District Court concerning matters such as ADVO/AVO, assault, harassment and stalking. Anthony is also completing his Masters of Family Law and is expected to complete his Masters in late 2022. Before joining Antunes Lawyers, Anthony has worked exclusively in specialist Family Law Firms throughout his career.
If you, or someone you know, requires Family Law advice, contact Anthony so he can advise you on:
- The divorce process, including preparing your divorce application and appearing for you in Court, if required;
- Your property dispute and financial settlement (including how to divide your assets such as real property, interests in trusts, businesses and your superannuation, urgent applications for injunctions and restraints, contraventions and enforcement, spousal maintenance, and matters with international elements);
- Parenting arrangements and children’s matters (including issues of child support, paternity, relocation, urgent applications including recovery orders, contravention applications, and cases involving risk issues such as domestic and family violence);
- Negotiations and mediation;
- Various agreements, including preparing Binding Financial Agreements, Consent Orders and Binding Child Support Agreements;
- De facto and same sex relationship family law issues and entitlements;
- International family law issues including Hague Convention applications, parenting arrangements where a child or parent is located overseas, property cases with overseas assets, enforcing child support agreements, passports and travel; and
- Representing and guiding you through all stages of your family law case including appearing at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Memberships
- Law Society of New South Wales
- Young Lawyers
- Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
Get in touch with Anthony today
Areas of expertise
Margaret Antunes 2022
Margaret has been the centre of Antunes lawyers since its conception in 1996.
Margaret’s commitment to the firm and her deep understanding of the legal practice has enabled her to significantly build on the firm’s success.
Under Margaret Antunes, Antunes has evolved into an elite legal practice and is renowned as the number one law firm north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge servicing clients nationwide and internationally.
With almost 40 years of experience, Margaret is actively involved in all areas of law which the firm practices in and her wealth of knowledge is spread across all teams at Antunes, ensuring that the firm delivers real value and certainty to all of its clients.
Margaret has expertise in:
- Corporate and Trust structuring for asset protection and tax effectiveness;
- Complex trust matters including breaches of trust and equitable duties;
- Contract and Shareholder disputes;
- Corporate advisory work relating to directors’ duties, breaches of the Corporations Act, and actions brought by Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC);
- All property transactions, residential and commercial;
- Acting for developers;
- Dealing with investigations and prosecutions by federal and state regulators such as ASIC and the Fair Work Commission;
- Preparing and advising on technical commercial and business contracts and service agreements;
- Mergers and acquisitions;
- Subdivision, titling, planning and development, GST, stamp duty and financing;
- Land and environment planning; and
- Building and Construction.
Being a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a global society to which membership is admitted on merit in these practices, Margaret is particularly experienced in trust and estate planning law.
Margaret has a Bachelor of Laws (University of Sydney), Master of Laws (University of Sydney) in business, trade practices, tax and international business law.
Get in touch with Margaret today
Areas of expertise
International Family Law
Wherever in the world you, your children or your assets may be, Antunes Lawyers makes it our business to know how International Family law will affect you.
From property and asset settlements, to spousal maintenance and applications for the return of children from foreign nations, you need an International Family Law expert by your side.
As each year passes our world becomes more multicultural, and much ‘smaller’ in terms of travel and global economics, so more and more Australians find themselves in relationships with finances and children based in other countries. So if the relationship ends, family law can be complex.
Love may be universal, but Family Law is not. Which means when it comes to enforcement, jurisdiction and proceedings relating to your overseas circumstances, you’ll need a true International Family Law specialist to help you navigate the complicated legal seas between different nations.
The level of understanding, dedication and professionalism in ensuring the best possible outcome, were second to none. I was really impressed with their communication skills, Victoria explained everything very clearly , kept me updated and answered all my questions. She has been a constant support throughout the whole process, I have confidence in her ability to get the job done whilst having my best interest at heart.
Liz Donnelly
As importantly as it is to have a good family doctor, Antunes are able to provide that same family service in matters that sometimes seem trivial but can have severe ramifications. Thank you Tim! For your advise and personal service that has provided me with great comfort and security. I look forward to many years of the professional and personal relationship we have established.
Louis Fairlie
Our International Family Law specialists are here to help, wherever you are.
- You need help with property settlements or asset ownership across different countries
- You need help with parenting arrangements where the parents live in different countries
- You need help with child support and payment issues across international borders
- You need to initiate an application for the return of children under the Hague Convention
Family law latest news and resources
Can I get divorced if I live with my ex-partner?
The end of a relationship can be a very upsetting and confronting time. In many relationships, parenting arrangements or financial pressures play a big role in why couples may choose to separate…
Is Family Therapy right for you?
In separation matters, it is not unusual for children to resist contact with one of their parents. Whilst the Court can make Orders it feels is are in the child’s best interests, it is futile to make…
What is a Separation Agreement?
A Separation Agreement is a written agreement between the separating parties. A Separation Agreement can be a great document for parties who are amicable, communicate effectively and want a document…
Call 02 9964 0499 now or fill in this form.
Negotiations and Mediation
The best result you could wish for in any Family Law matter is successful negotiations and mediation without needing a Court decision, so Antunes Lawyers specialise in making it happen.
From sensitive parenting and custody mediations, to complex finance agreements and property negotiations, the legal guidance you choose makes all the difference.
As crucial as the Court can be in settling personal and parenting disputes, your lawyer should be constantly looking for opportunities to negotiate or mediate a situation between all parties outside of Court – be that at the beginning or any other stage of proceedings.
In addition to being quicker, cheaper, less inconvenient and less stressful, a successful negotiation or mediation can leave all parties concerned much happier with the outcome, because it’s empowering to be part of a solution that doesn’t involve being told what to do by the legal system.
The level of understanding, dedication and professionalism in ensuring the best possible outcome, were second to none. I was really impressed with their communication skills, Victoria explained everything very clearly , kept me updated and answered all my questions. She has been a constant support throughout the whole process, I have confidence in her ability to get the job done whilst having my best interest at heart.
Liz Donnelly
As importantly as it is to have a good family doctor, Antunes are able to provide that same family service in matters that sometimes seem trivial but can have severe ramifications. Thank you Tim! For your advise and personal service that has provided me with great comfort and security. I look forward to many years of the professional and personal relationship we have established.
Louis Fairlie
From matters of the heart to dividing assets, we can help in all negotiations & mediation.
Part of being an effective, supportive Family Law specialist is knowing when the lawyer should even be in the room, or whether the parties should be alone, or with independent mediators, or one of many other professional organisations designed to assist the negotiation or mediation process.
So in addition to decades of negotiating and mediating ‘in-the-room’ expertise, Antunes Lawyers has a huge network of first class professional experts and organisations to connect you with, which are dedicated to helping you reach a successful outcome before needing to go to Court.
If parenting meditation won’t work, you need to know this before going to Court.
The Family Law Act requires separated parties who have a dispute in relation to children to make a ‘genuine effort’ to resolve the dispute before filing a Court application (there are special exemptions for urgent cases that may involve family violence or child abuse).
This ‘genuine effort’ is certified by a Section 60i Certificate, which is issued by an accredited mediation agency should the mediation process fail. Please get in touch with us anytime to find out more about how we can help you in Court proceedings, or visit our child and parenting page.
Family law latest news and resources
Can I get divorced if I live with my ex-partner?
The end of a relationship can be a very upsetting and confronting time. In many relationships, parenting arrangements or financial pressures play a big role in why couples may choose to separate…
Is Family Therapy right for you?
In separation matters, it is not unusual for children to resist contact with one of their parents. Whilst the Court can make Orders it feels is are in the child’s best interests, it is futile to make…
What is a Separation Agreement?
A Separation Agreement is a written agreement between the separating parties. A Separation Agreement can be a great document for parties who are amicable, communicate effectively and want a document…
Call 02 9964 0499 now or fill in this form.
Binding Financial Agreements
If you’re not married but would still like some clarity and confidence around finances in your relationship, Antunes Lawyers has been drafting Financial Agreements for decades.
From asset, property and liability ownership, to super, inheritance and child support, Financial Agreements cover every corner of relationship finances – informed legal advice is a must-have.
If you’re in a committed, long term relationship but not married, you and your partner can use a Binding Financial Agreement to give you certainty and peace of mind about what happens with any aspect of your financial life, in the event your relationship ends.
Whether you want to negotiate a new Financial Agreement, end one or challenge one, with a relationship finance expert from Antunes Lawyers by your side you’ll have the reassuring peace of mind knowing you’ll get the best possible outcome.
The Antunes Team has recently successfully completed two major family projects for our family... The professionalism, knowledge and judgment exercised by Margaret, Tim and Antunes Team was outstanding.
Dorset Sutton
Antunes is without a doubt the people you need to work with when you face any legal difficulties.
They are very responsive, professional, highly knowledgeable and efficient. They have provided us with better outcomes for complex legal issues and obtained better results that what we hoped for.
I highly recommend Antunes, and you won't regret working together with them!
They are very responsive, professional, highly knowledgeable and efficient. They have provided us with better outcomes for complex legal issues and obtained better results that what we hoped for.
I highly recommend Antunes, and you won't regret working together with them!
Jay
Antunes Lawyers are exceptional. They provide up to date advice and are practical and generous with their time and expertise. Both Tim and Jasmin have been quick to respond and provide practical, care-driven solutions. I am very appreciative of both Tim and Jasmin and their client focus and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome. I highly recommend this trustworthy team.
Anthony B
How Antunes Lawyers can help you with Binding Financial Agreements
- You want to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Financial Agreements
- You need help in negotiating, preparing and finalising a Financial Agreement
- You want to discuss and get expert opinion on an existing Financial Agreement
- You have issues with or want to commence legal action on an existing Financial Agreement
A Binding Financial Agreement can be a reassuring legal framework that lets you go forward in your relationship with true peace of mind… you just need to have the right legal help.
Family law latest news and resources
What is Spousal Maintenance? Am I entitled to spousal maintenance? Do I have to pay spouse maintenance?
Spousal maintenance, or de facto maintenance, is a form of financial support paid by one party to a marriage or relationship to the other.
Is your matter eligible for the Discrete Property List – saving you time and money?
The Discrete Property list is for matters where the parties are seeking financial orders only. The aim of this list is to attempt to deal with matters in a cost-effective way and without lengthy…
Asset protection in marriage
A Financial Agreement made between the members of a marriage or de facto relationship is binding by law. The Court will not interfere with how the Agreement divides the property and assets between…
Call 02 9964 0499 now or fill in this form.
De Facto Couples
When it comes to the law around de facto relationships, Antunes Lawyers are hard to beat in terms of understanding, expertise and positive outcomes.
From defining a de facto relationship and negotiating financials, to separation and property settlements, you’ve come to the right place for the best legal help.
Whether or not you’re in a de facto relationship as far as the law is concerned depends on a number of factors, so when it comes to financials, property, children and separation, it’s imperative you have the right legal help by your side.
And it doesn’t matter what your individual circumstances are, delivering a successful de facto legal outcome is about having a deep understanding of how the law applies across your daily life. At Antunes Lawyers, there’s nothing we don’t know about de facto.
The level of understanding, dedication and professionalism in ensuring the best possible outcome, were second to none. I was really impressed with their communication skills, Victoria explained everything very clearly , kept me updated and answered all my questions. She has been a constant support throughout the whole process, I have confidence in her ability to get the job done whilst having my best interest at heart.
Liz Donnelly
As importantly as it is to have a good family doctor, Antunes are able to provide that same family service in matters that sometimes seem trivial but can have severe ramifications. Thank you Tim! For your advise and personal service that has provided me with great comfort and security. I look forward to many years of the professional and personal relationship we have established.
Louis Fairlie
Things to think about in De Facto relationship law
- How long has the relationship been ongoing?
- Is there a child born from the relationship?
- Has one made notable financial or non-financial contributions to the other’s property?
- Does one of you financially support the other?
- Are other people aware of your relationship?
- Is the relationship registered with the relevant state or territory?
- What is the degree of commitment to a shared life you each have?
Once your relationship is defined as De Facto, the law applies to property, parenting and financials in the exact same way as if you were married.
Family law latest news and resources
What is Spousal Maintenance? Am I entitled to spousal maintenance? Do I have to pay spouse maintenance?
Spousal maintenance, or de facto maintenance, is a form of financial support paid by one party to a marriage or relationship to the other.
Asset protection in marriage
A Financial Agreement made between the members of a marriage or de facto relationship is binding by law. The Court will not interfere with how the Agreement divides the property and assets between…
Is Child Maintenance tax deductible?
When a marriage or de facto relationship breaks down and there are children involved, you may find yourself having to pay child support. Child support payments are not tax deductible and if you’re…
Call 02 9964 0499 now or fill in this form.
Spousal Maintenance
If your marriage or de facto relationship ends and one of you is unable to support yourself, Spousal Maintenance payments may come into play.
There are many moving parts to spousal maintenance which govern whether you or your partner are liable to pay it, so it’s a wise move to engage expert legal guidance right at the start.
Put very simply, if you’re in a marriage or de facto relationship that ends, you have an obligation to support the other party, to the extent that you are able, if they are not able to support themselves – particularly if one person’s inability to survive financially is linked to their role in the relationship.
For example, the traditional scenario of one partner being primary ‘bread winner’, and the other being primary ‘care giver’, means the care giver is often without financial means or skills to earn when the relationship ends – even though their contributions are equal in the eyes of the law.
The level of understanding, dedication and professionalism in ensuring the best possible outcome, were second to none. I was really impressed with their communication skills, Victoria explained everything very clearly , kept me updated and answered all my questions. She has been a constant support throughout the whole process, I have confidence in her ability to get the job done whilst having my best interest at heart.
Liz Donnelly
As importantly as it is to have a good family doctor, Antunes are able to provide that same family service in matters that sometimes seem trivial but can have severe ramifications. Thank you Tim! For your advise and personal service that has provided me with great comfort and security. I look forward to many years of the professional and personal relationship we have established.
Louis Fairlie
What factors will feed into your Spousal Maintenance outcome?
Spousal Maintenance – known as De Facto Partner Maintenance if you’re not married – is a simple legal philosophy, but the factors that feed into what defines your obligations to one another can get complex.
In assessing a party’s liability to pay, the Court will consider:
- Age, health, physical or mental incapacity
- Income, property and financial assets
- Ability to work
- Suitable standards of living
- If the relationship has affected ability to earn income
- If there are children of the relationship and with whom the children live
The main things you need to know about Spousal Maintenance:
- Applications can be made independently or at the same time as property applications
- Spousal maintenance payments are normally periodic payments over a defined period
- Other payments can take the form of lump sums, mortgage payments and ad-hoc expenses
- Urgent applications can be made to the Court if a party needs urgent financial assistance
- From marriage, applications must be made within 12 months of finalised divorce
- From de facto, applications must be made within two years of the relationship ending
Remember, Spousal Maintenance is not forever
In recognition of the ‘clean break’ principle in Family Law, Spousal Maintenance payments are not long-term in nature and usually cease upon a specified date or event occurring, such as a party’s remarriage, or forming of another a de facto relationship, or upon obtaining employment or completing study.
Family law latest news and resources
What is Spousal Maintenance? Am I entitled to spousal maintenance? Do I have to pay spouse maintenance?
Spousal maintenance, or de facto maintenance, is a form of financial support paid by one party to a marriage or relationship to the other.
What are Consent Orders and how can I apply for them?
There are risks to leaving any agreement on parenting or property arrangements undocumented. Consent orders protect both parties.
How to get divorced in Australia if you were married overseas?
If you were married overseas you are still able to apply for a Divorce in Australia, provided certain conditions are met. The experienced specialist accredited family lawyers at Antunes can assist…
Call 02 9964 0499 now or fill in this form.
Property Settlements
Married or de facto. Amicable or hostile. In the red or the black. Whatever moving parts make up your property settlements, Antunes Lawyers has the keys to the best outcomes.
When it comes to property settlements at the end of a marriage or de facto relationship, it’s a smart move to make sure you have the right legal expertise by your side – right from the start.
In almost every scenario, the best possible property settlement at the end of a marriage or de facto relationship is one which is made by amicable agreement between the parties themselves, then ‘rubber stamped’ by your legal help in an Application for Consent Order or Financial Agreement.
If your settlement looks like it might be that simple, give us a call and we’ll show you the smartest route through the process. Alternatively, if the complexity of the matter or fundamental disagreements mean Family Court is the only way forward, we can guide you there too.
The level of understanding, dedication and professionalism in ensuring the best possible outcome, were second to none. I was really impressed with their communication skills, Victoria explained everything very clearly , kept me updated and answered all my questions. She has been a constant support throughout the whole process, I have confidence in her ability to get the job done whilst having my best interest at heart.
Liz Donnelly
As importantly as it is to have a good family doctor, Antunes are able to provide that same family service in matters that sometimes seem trivial but can have severe ramifications. Thank you Tim! For your advise and personal service that has provided me with great comfort and security. I look forward to many years of the professional and personal relationship we have established.
Louis Fairlie
Before you begin negotiations for property settlements…
…bear in mind that all assets and debts held by you and your former partner are taken into consideration. Items like cars, shares and even furniture can count towards a final settlement amount. To make sure you don’t get caught out, get advice from property settlement specialists.
Family law latest news and resources
What are Consent Orders and how can I apply for them?
There are risks to leaving any agreement on parenting or property arrangements undocumented. Consent orders protect both parties.
Do you own property in a fixed unit trust? Are you receiving the benefit of the land tax threshold?
If you own property in a fixed unit trust, you may not be receiving the benefit of the land tax threshold in circumstances where Revenue NSW have assessed the trust as a “special trust”. Find more…
Is your matter eligible for the Discrete Property List – saving you time and money?
The Discrete Property list is for matters where the parties are seeking financial orders only. The aim of this list is to attempt to deal with matters in a cost-effective way and without lengthy…
Call 02 9964 0499 now or fill in this form.
Separation and Divorce
Separation or divorce can be a distressing, emotional experience, so you’ll feel better having an expert like Antunes Lawyers look after the legal paperwork for you.
The law around separation and divorce can be complicated, with many a blind spot to beware of, so it’s a smart idea to have to have a specialist legal mind by your side.
It’s true that these days separation or divorce can be a relatively simple process, but there are still plenty of myths and misunderstandings about how the law works. And you can still find yourself at a disadvantage if you don’t have a Family Law expert help you navigate the right way through.
For example, a finalised divorce means you are no longer married under the law, but the act of divorce itself does not affect property, finance or parenting – all of which must be treated separately, either with an agreement by consent or by Order from a Judge.
The level of understanding, dedication and professionalism in ensuring the best possible outcome, were second to none. I was really impressed with their communication skills, Victoria explained everything very clearly , kept me updated and answered all my questions. She has been a constant support throughout the whole process, I have confidence in her ability to get the job done whilst having my best interest at heart.
Liz Donnelly
As importantly as it is to have a good family doctor, Antunes are able to provide that same family service in matters that sometimes seem trivial but can have severe ramifications. Thank you Tim! For your advise and personal service that has provided me with great comfort and security. I look forward to many years of the professional and personal relationship we have established.
Louis Fairlie
With you every step of the way on your journey to a new life.
Separation or divorce is a daunting process which can take a lot of out of you and your children both emotionally and physically, so at Antunes Lawyers we have developed our Family Law services to ensure there’s a strong foundation of understanding and support in what we do for you.
Above all else, it’s important to remember that your separation or divorce may mean the end of one relationship and an upsetting period of time, but if you have the right legal help the path ahead can be a smooth, seamless transition into the next exciting phase of your life.
Family law latest news and resources
What are Consent Orders and how can I apply for them?
There are risks to leaving any agreement on parenting or property arrangements undocumented. Consent orders protect both parties.
How to get divorced in Australia if you were married overseas?
If you were married overseas you are still able to apply for a Divorce in Australia, provided certain conditions are met. The experienced specialist accredited family lawyers at Antunes can assist…
What is my ‘date of separation’?
The date of separation is the date that one, or both, of the parties to the marriage decided that the marriage was over and is often characterised by one party leaving the former matrimonial home.
Call 02 9964 0499 now or fill in this form.