# Purcell and Purcell — Full Content Reference > Extended reference file for AI systems requiring detailed content. > See /llms.txt for the curated index. > Site: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au --- ## About the Firm Purcell and Purcell Pty Ltd was founded in Werribee by the late Margaret and Frank Purcell — two individuals whose commitment to their community and their clients defined what this firm would become. They established the firm in Werribee at a time when the Wyndham region was far smaller, and they grew alongside it. Francis Xavier "Frank" Purcell was more than a solicitor — he was a community leader and advocate for the marginalised. His involvement in landmark cases, including advocacy related to Aboriginal land rights, reflected a deep conviction that the law existed to protect people, not just institutions. The firm's founding principle: "The law exists to protect people — not just institutions." Margaret Purcell served as Principal of the firm, guiding it with steady purpose through decades of growth and change. Today, the firm is led by Anthony Purcell — son of the founders, and a lawyer of more than two decades' experience. Under Anthony's leadership, the team has grown to include Senior Associate Mark Haines. The practice areas cover family law, divorce, property settlement, wills and estates, estate planning, succession planning, probate, and mediation. Werribee and the broader Wyndham region have changed enormously over the decades. Through every chapter of that growth, Purcell and Purcell Pty Ltd has been here — same address, same commitment. No new firm can replicate that continuity. --- ## The Team **Anthony Purcell — Principal** Admitted to practice in 2004. Holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Bachelor of Laws from James Cook University, and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Son of the firm's founders, Anthony has grown up with this firm and understands its history, values, and obligation to the Werribee and Wyndham community. Practice areas: family law, mediation, estate planning, succession planning, wills, powers of attorney, contested estates, probate, and survivorship applications. **Mark Haines — Senior Associate** Admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria in October 2020. Holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (Distinction) from Deakin University, and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. A background spanning hospitality, education, public service, IT, and government policy gives him well-rounded insight across estate planning and family law. His approach is finding pragmatic solutions that acknowledge the individuality and unique story of every client. Practice areas: family law, mediation, estate planning, succession planning, wills, powers of attorney, contested estates, probate, and survivorship applications. --- ## Family Law in Victoria — Key Facts - The Family Law Act 1975 governs most family law matters nationally - Property settlement applications must be made within 12 months of divorce being finalised, or 2 years of de facto separation. There is no waiting period to start a property settlement — married couples can commence as soon as they separate, and do not need to be divorced first - Mandatory family dispute resolution (mediation) is required before most parenting order applications - De facto couples have the same property and parenting rights as married couples under federal law - The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia handles family law proceedings - Intervention orders are handled by the Magistrates Court of Victoria - Binding financial agreements must include independent legal advice for each party to be valid - Superannuation can be split as part of a property settlement — it is a divisible asset - Family provision claims (contesting a will) must be made within six months of probate being granted in Victoria --- ## Service Area Werribee, Wyndham Vale, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Tarneit, Truganina, Lara, Little River, Geelong and surrounding areas in Victoria's western suburbs and Wyndham local government area. Office: 4 Watton Street, Werribee VIC 3030 --- ## Consultations Free 30-minute initial consultation available for all family law matters (Family Law, Divorce, Property Settlement, Mediation, Intervention Orders) and for contested estate matters (Contesting a Will). No obligation. Book online at https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/booking or call (03) 9741 3777. --- ## Practice Area Detail ### Family Law Purcell and Purcell helps clients navigate separation, divorce, property settlements, children's matters, mediation, and binding financial agreements. They serve families across the Wyndham region with experienced lawyers handling the full range of family law matters. The firm emphasises straightforward advice and has been supporting local families since 1969. Free 30-minute initial consultation available. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/family-law ### Divorce The firm assists with divorce applications (available after 12 months of separation), property settlements, parenting arrangements, and mediation. They serve clients in Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Tarneit, and surrounding suburbs with honest, transparent guidance throughout the process. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/divorce ### Property Settlement Purcell and Purcell assists with dividing assets after separation including consent orders, superannuation splitting, and binding financial agreements. There is no automatic 50/50 split — division depends on each party's contributions and future needs under the Family Law Act. Time limits are critical: 12 months from divorce for married couples, 2 years from separation for de facto couples. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/property-settlement ### Children's Matters When parents separate, Purcell and Purcell helps families navigate parenting arrangements, formal court orders, and disputes with a focus on children's stability. The firm handles consent parenting orders and contested applications through the Federal Circuit and Family Court, as well as urgent matters and enforcement of existing arrangements. They emphasise resolution over litigation wherever possible. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/childrens-matters ### Parenting Plans Purcell and Purcell helps separated parents create written agreements about childcare arrangements through parenting plans, providing a clear framework for raising children without the cost or stress of going to court. Plans cover living arrangements, school terms, holidays, and decision-making responsibilities, and can be converted into legally enforceable court orders when needed. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/parenting-plans ### Parenting Disputes The firm specialises in contested parenting orders, urgent applications, mediation, and enforcement of existing arrangements, with same-day consultations available for emergencies. They emphasise children first and resolution before court wherever possible. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/parenting-disputes ### Mediation Purcell and Purcell offers family mediation services to help couples resolve parenting and property disputes outside court through a faster, cheaper process. The firm provides legal advice before and after mediation to ensure clients understand their rights and reach enforceable agreements. Understanding your rights before you negotiate makes all the difference. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/mediation ### Intervention Orders The firm provides legal assistance for family violence intervention orders in Victoria's Magistrates Court, representing both people seeking protection and those responding to applications. They help clients understand the process, prepare evidence, and navigate how these orders affect parenting arrangements, housing, and employment. Same-day assistance is available for urgent matters. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/intervention-orders ### Binding Financial Agreements Purcell and Purcell drafts binding financial agreements (BFAs) including pre-relationship agreements (commonly called prenuptial agreements) and post-separation agreements, prepared to withstand legal challenge. The firm independently advises each party on what the agreement means — as required by law — to ensure validity. They serve clients seeking certainty about asset division before or after a relationship. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/binding-financial-agreements ### Superannuation Splitting The firm handles the full superannuation splitting process — from valuing super interests and advising on split versus offset strategies, to preparing court orders and managing fund trustee implementation. They work with all fund types including complex self-managed super funds, ensuring clients don't overlook what often represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/superannuation-splitting ### Business and Complex Assets Purcell and Purcell assists clients navigating property settlement when the asset pool includes a business, trust, or complex financial structure. They handle business valuations, investment properties, family trusts, and self-managed super funds, working with accountants and financial advisers to identify and divide assets fairly. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/business-complex-assets ### De Facto Separation The firm provides family law guidance to de facto couples on property division, parenting arrangements, and superannuation splitting. While de facto couples have the same rights as married couples, these entitlements require prompt action — a two-year deadline applies for commencing property claims after separation. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/de-facto-separation ### Same-Sex and De Facto Couples Purcell and Purcell offers legal services to same-sex and de facto couples including property settlement, parenting orders, wills, and powers of attorney. Same-sex couples and de facto partners have the same legal rights as married couples under Australian law. The firm provides non-judgmental advice tailored to all relationship structures. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/same-sex-de-facto ### Same-Sex Couples The firm provides inclusive, experienced advice to same-sex couples on property settlement, parenting orders, wills, and estate planning. Same-sex couples have equal legal rights to opposite-sex couples under Australian law, and the firm focuses on ensuring clients have proper documentation in place to protect their relationships and assets. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/same-sex-couples ### Wills and Estates (Overview) Purcell and Purcell offers professional will drafting, powers of attorney, probate, and deceased estate administration to families in the Werribee area. The firm helps with everything from simple wills to complex arrangements involving testamentary trusts, business succession, and family provision claims. With over 20 years of experience as Werribee's oldest law firm, they focus on protecting clients' legacies and ensuring their wishes are carried out clearly. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/wills-estates ### Wills Purcell and Purcell drafts professionally prepared wills that are legally valid under Victorian law, clearly express your wishes, and minimise the risk of dispute — covering simple estates through to complex structures involving blended families, business interests, and testamentary trusts. The firm ensures your will works with your other financial structures. Related services include powers of attorney, estate planning, and guidance on contesting wills. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/wills ### Power of Attorney The firm prepares three types of power of attorney documents: Enduring Powers of Attorney for financial decisions after capacity loss, general Powers of Attorney for use while you retain capacity, and Medical Treatment Decision Maker appointments for healthcare decisions. All documents must be signed while the person still has legal capacity. The firm recommends everyone over 18 establish these documents alongside their will. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/power-of-attorney ### Probate and Estate Administration Purcell and Purcell guides executors through Victoria's probate process — court applications, asset collection, debt settlement, and distribution to beneficiaries. The firm manages estates involving real property, significant financial assets, or shares, helping executors avoid personal liability and navigate complications. They serve families across the Wyndham region who need support administering estates after a loved one's death. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/probate ### Contesting a Will The firm assists people in Victoria who believe they were inadequately provided for in a will or who need to challenge a will's validity. Strict six-month time limits apply from the grant of probate. Eligible persons include spouses, children, and dependants. The firm aims to settle most cases through negotiation rather than court proceedings. Free 30-minute initial consultation available. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/contesting-a-will ### Testamentary Trusts Purcell and Purcell helps clients create trusts through their wills that take effect upon death, offering tax advantages and asset protection for beneficiaries. The service is particularly valuable for families with minor children, blended families, and beneficiaries facing creditor or relationship risks. The firm honestly assesses whether the administrative costs justify the benefits for each estate. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/testamentary-trusts ### Letters of Administration The firm handles Supreme Court applications for letters of administration where the deceased left no valid will, and guides administrators through their legal duties. They advise on how intestacy rules distribute the estate to surviving spouses, children, and other relatives in a fixed order under Victorian law, and can assist family members who believe the outcome is unfair. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/letters-of-administration ### Estate and Succession Planning Purcell and Purcell provides comprehensive estate and succession planning including wills, powers of attorney, and testamentary trusts. Their approach addresses both what happens to assets after death and what happens if a client loses capacity. They serve both individuals and business owners seeking coordinated plans to protect their legacies. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/estate-planning ### Succession Planning The firm offers business succession planning to help family business owners protect their legacy through buy-sell agreements, shareholder arrangements, and coordinated estate planning. They ensure legal documents, business structures, insurance, and family dynamics all align to enable smooth transitions when owners die, retire, or exit the business. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/succession-planning ### Survivorship Application When a property is held as joint tenants and one owner dies, the surviving owner must apply to formally remove the deceased's name from the title — this is a survivorship application (also called a Transmission Application by Survivorship). Purcell and Purcell handles the process from start to finish, lodging electronically via PEXA with a typical turnaround of 2–4 weeks once documents are in order. This is distinct from probate and does not require a Supreme Court grant. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/survivorship-application --- ## Blog Posts ### No Automatic 50/50: How Property Settlements Really Work Published: 2026-09-05. Explains that there is no automatic 50/50 split of assets after separation under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). Covers identifying the asset pool (real estate, savings, investments, superannuation, business interests, vehicles, liabilities, regardless of whose name they are held in), financial and non-financial contributions including homemaker and parent roles and post-separation contributions, the effect of family violence and children's housing needs since June 2025, and future needs factors such as age, health, income-earning capacity and care of children. Clarifies the two distinct 12-month periods: the 12-month separation required before a divorce application, and the 12-month deadline after a divorce takes effect for property or financial orders — noting there is no waiting period for a property settlement itself, which married couples can commence as soon as they separate. De facto couples must apply within two years of separation. Covers formalising a settlement by Consent Orders or a Binding Financial Agreement. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/blog/property-settlement-guide ### Full and Frank: Your Financial Disclosure Obligations in Family Law Published: 2026-07-31. Explains the duty of full and frank financial disclosure under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) — what income, assets, liabilities, superannuation and business interests must be disclosed, that the duty is ongoing until the matter resolves, and the consequences of concealing or misstating financial information, including adverse costs orders and orders being set aside. Applies to married and de facto couples in Victoria. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/blog/financial-disclosure-family-law ### Succession Planning in Victoria: Wills, Trusts, and What Most People Miss Published: 2026-06-30. Explains that succession planning encompasses more than a will — including powers of attorney, Binding Death Benefit Nominations for superannuation, testamentary trusts, and business succession arrangements. Covers Victorian law. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/blog/succession-planning-guide ### Power of Attorney: What You Need to Know (And Why You Shouldn't Wait) Published: 2026-05-26. Explains Enduring Powers of Attorney and Medical Treatment Decision Makers under Victorian law — what they cover, why they matter, and what happens if you don't have them in place. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/blog/power-of-attorney-guide ### Untying the Knot: A Practical Guide to Divorce in Australia Published: 2026-05-26. Covers Australia's no-fault divorce system, the 12-month separation requirement, property settlement time limits, and parenting arrangements. Source: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/blog/divorce-guide-australia --- ## Contact and Booking Address: 4 Watton Street, Werribee VIC 3030 Phone: (03) 9741 3777 Email: mail@purcellandpurcell.com.au Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm Online booking: https://purcellandpurcell.com.au/booking