getting started with Unbundled Family Law FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions before booking? Here are some of the most common questions new clients ask.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Most clients can book a consultation time within a few days. Because everything is handled online, scheduling is flexible. You simply choose a time that suits you and your solicitor will meet with you via video call or phone. 

What if I’m not sure what kind of help I need yet?

That’s completely fine. Your first consultation is designed to clarify your situation. We’ll chat about your matter, discuss your options, outline likely next steps and help you decide what support makes the most sense.

Can I book another session later if I need more help?

Absolutely. Our services are designed to help clients who want to self-represent, but who need a little bit of added assistance occasionally. You can return at any time for additional support or to handle a new stage in your matter.

Will the court accept documents prepared by me with Unbundled’s help?

Yes. We always ensure your documents meet the court’s standards and are ready for filing.

Can you handle my matter fully if it becomes too complex for me to handle on my own?

This is likely to happen only in family law matters. If at any stage of your family law matter you would prefer to hand over control to a solicitor for a more traditional service, we can help. We have limited time availability to run full family law matters in house, but work closely with trusted firms that can service clients around Australia.

If your matter gets to this point, we can discuss options with you, and if you would like to be referred to a more traditional law firm, we can manage the referral for you and arrange an introductory appointment, to ensure continuity and clarity in your representation at all times.

Do you only work online?

Yes, we’re 100% online, which is both convenient and affordable. All our meetings take place by video or phone, and we have systems in place to prepare and share your documents securely. It’s efficient and means we can help you no matter where you’re located in Australia.

Is everything you do for self-represented people?

We offer full services across wills, estates and property law, and an ‘unbundled model’ in family law. While we are called Unbundled Family Law, think of unbundled in the sense of you choosing the service you want, and us helping you achieve it.

Is self-representation right for me?

Self-representation is not for everyone. This model requires you to keep a good handle on your own matter, and to be able to provide good instructions to us.

If you find the legal process confusing, or you don’t feel comfortable handling your own negotiation or speaking in Court (if your matter is there), then self-representation might not be for you and that’s OK.

If you’re unsure of the right approach for you, book an advice consultation with us so we can discuss what this model could look like for you, and provide you with some other options if you want a more traditional avenue.

Is there a difference between a lawyer and a solicitor?

In Australia, the terms lawyer and solicitor are often used interchangeably and mean the same thing. Both refer to a legally qualified professional who is admitted to practise law and can provide legal advice, prepare documents and represent clients.

In practice, most people use the word lawyer as a broad, everyday term, while solicitor is the more formal legal title. When we refer to either on this website, we are talking about the same thing — a qualified legal professional.

Ready to start?