Frequently Asked Questions

At David Tamanika Solicitors, we specialise in various family law matters specific to Victoria, including divorce, property settlements, child custody and access arrangements, spousal maintenance, family violence intervention orders, adoption, binding financial agreements, contracts and wills & estates.

Scheduling a consultation with one of our family law solicitors in at David Tamanika Solicitors is simple. You can reach us by calling (03) 5331 7944 or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our team will promptly assist you in setting up an appointment at our Ballarat office.

For your initial consultation, it's beneficial to bring any relevant documents pertaining to your case, such as marriage certificates, financial records, property deeds, mortgage statements, any existing court orders, and documentation related to any family violence incidents. Additionally, if you're seeking advice on binding financial agreements, contracts or wills and estates, relevant documents, such as financial statements, contracts and estate planning documents would be helpful. 

If you're unable to gather these documents beforehand, our solicitors will guide you on what information is needed during the consultation.

The duration of the family law process in Victoria varies depending on factors such as the complexity of your case, whether it involves children, property matters, binding financial agreements, contracts or wills & estates, and whether it can be resolved through negotiation, mediation or if it requires court proceedings. Our solicitors will work diligently to streamline the process while ensuring that your rights and interests are protected.

The costs associated with hiring a family law solicitor in Victoria can vary based on factors such as the complexity of your case and the services required. During your initial consultation, our solicitors will discuss our fee structure and provide you with an estimate of costs specific to your situation.

Our team is committed to keeping you informed about the progress of your family law case. We will regularly update you on any developments and promptly address any questions or concerns you may have throughout the process, ensuring transparency and communication every step of the way.

Yes, we proudly provide legal representation to clients from diverse backgrounds, including same-sex couples, in Victoria. Our solicitors are knowledgeable about the unique legal considerations that may arise in same-sex relationships under Victorian law and are dedicated to advocating for the rights of all clients equally.

Yes, we prioritise client confidentiality and adhere to the strictest standards of confidentiality under Victorian law. Your personal information and case details will be kept confidential to protect your privacy and legal interests.

David Tamanika Solicitors specialises in criminal law services. We offer every type of criminal law service there is, focusing all our attention on securing the best possible outcome for our clients. We handle all matters of criminal law and cross-jurisdictional matters, like Intervention Orders and Family and Property matters.

We can also assist with domestic violence offences, drug and drink driving charges, weapon and firearm offences, fraud offences, driving and traffic offences, County Court appeals and trials, assault charges, intervention and personal safety orders, property offences, bail hearings and more. We have represented clients for a broad range of criminal law issues across all judicial courts.

We are a boutique firm that offers the same quality of services as a large company but with the attention to detail and personal care that only a smaller firm can provide. Our team is highly trained with years of experience, ensuring a comprehensive suite of quality legal services. Our solicitors offer impartial, non-judgemental legal counsel to help improve your chances of a positive outcome. Our lawyers go beyond merely providing legal counsel; we stand as steadfast support from the commencement of your case right up to its conclusion.

When a person is under investigation or arrested for any offence, it can be difficult to know what to do. The arresting officer may have told you there is no hope of avoiding a conviction. The criminal charges you face may be so serious that you feel there’s no way to avoid years or even life in prison.

It is important to remember that you always have options. With a competent criminal defence lawyer at your side, you can fight your charges. We can fully investigate your case to determine how to protect your rights. Whether this is your first arrest or you are facing serious charges, we can work to gather evidence on your behalf and develop a legal strategy that utilises the legal system in your favour.

Call our office now to ask any questions on (03) 5331 7944.

Whilst you may think your case is quite simple or the police say you should be able to represent yourself, the team at David Tamanika Solicitors would always recommend that you seek legal advice before fronting the Court.

Being represented by a criminal lawyer who is well-versed in all areas of the law is strongly recommended, as it will make a positive and dramatic difference to your end result. Whether you are pleading guilty or not guilty, the difference to your sentence could be a term of imprisonment versus a non-conviction fine.

David Tamanika, our principal solicitor, has been practising as a criminal defence lawyer in Ballarat for 15 years. He is highly experienced in County Court appeals, conducting bail applications, pleas and contested hearings in the Magistrates Court. Brooke Tamanika is a passionate solicitor who fights for the best outcomes for her clients. Brooke appears in the Children’s and Magistrates Court daily for all criminal matters and is passionate about Intervention Orders, family matters and Wills.

We handle all matters of criminal law and cross-jurisdictional matters. This includes Domestic Violence Offences, Drug Charges, Fraud Offences, Drink Driving Changes, County Court Appeals, Driving and Traffic Offences, Weapon & Firearm Offences, Property Offences, County Court Trials, Assault Charges, Sex Offences, Bail Hearings, and all children matters.

The lawyers at David Tamanika Solicitors appear in Court on a regular basis for all types of Intervention Orders and Personal Safety Intervention Orders. We can assist you if you are the Affected Family Member, Applicant or Respondent.

Whilst one may think family law proceedings and criminal law matters are worlds apart, they also share one thing in common: they can be high-stress matters and have the potential for long-lasting effects on people’s lives. The most common example of where criminal and family matters interact is when there are family violence accusations. This is why our lawyers are unique to Ballarat, as they can assist you with any Property and Family Matters, Wills & Estates, Financial Agreements and Consent Orders, Contracts, Parenting Plans and Agreements and Divorce Applications.

Our approach is full-service, meaning we don’t just stop at offering legal advice. We are your pillar of strength from the start of your case to its resolution. We understand the emotional turmoil you may experience when accused of a crime and offer unwavering support throughout your legal journey.

We take the time to understand your unique situation before deciding on the best course of action. We consider your needs at every step, from the first phone call to the initial meeting to your sentencing and beyond. Our objective is not just to represent you in Court but also to ensure we are proactive in planning your defence and keeping you updated with everything going on with your matter.

There are two main types of intervention orders in Victoria:

• Family Violence Intervention Orders: These orders are designed to protect individuals from family members or intimate partners who have engaged in violent or threatening behaviour.
• Personal Safety Intervention Orders: These orders are sought to protect individuals from non-family members, such as neighbours, acquaintances, or strangers, who have engaged in harassment, stalking, or other forms of intimidating behaviour.

If you believe you are at risk of harm from another person, you can apply for an intervention order at your local Magistrates' Court. Our solicitors can assist you in preparing and lodging your application, ensuring that all necessary information and evidence are provided to support your case.

In urgent situations, you can apply for a temporary or interim intervention order, which provides immediate protection until a final hearing can be held to determine whether a long-term order is necessary.