Trusted Family Lawyers for Binding Financial Agreements
in Queensland

Protect your financial future with clarity and confidence

Whether you’re starting a relationship, already married, or separating, a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) can give you certainty and peace of mind about your financial future. 

At CK Family Lawyers, we provide clear, practical advice so you understand exactly what a BFA means, how it works, and whether it’s the right step for your situation.

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50+

Years of Combined Experience in Family Law

3K+

Families and Individuals Helped

$2B+

Worth of Asset Pools Handled

Protect Your Assets, Protect Your Peace of Mind

Every relationship is unique, and so are the financial circumstances that come with it. A Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) allows you and your partner to make clear decisions now about how assets will be managed, so you don’t face uncertainty later.

We’ll walk you through the process step by step, ensuring your agreement reflects your intentions and protects your interests. Our role is to make things simple, transparent, and stress-free.

From the first conversation through to finalising the agreement, we’ll handle the legal details so you can focus on your relationship with confidence, knowing your financial future is secure.

Our goal is to reduce conflict, protect what matters most, and give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything has been properly taken care of.

We listen, we care, and we act.

When you’re facing difficult family problems, you need a legal partner who really listens and prioritises you. At CK Family Lawyers, you’re not just another case number. Here’s what makes us different:

Sleep easy, knowing your case is our priority

We’re a small firm, and that means your matter won’t get passed around between many lawyers. We are laser-focused on your matter to help you achieve the best outcome.

Get clarity on your situation, anytime you need it

You can reach out to us anytime you need our legal advice. We always respond within a day and make ourselves available for appointments even on weekends and after hours.

Get the best outcome without blowing your savings

Family law doesn’t have to be ruinously expensive and draining. We can help you save money and energy by seeking the earliest possible resolution and avoiding court whenever possible.

Make important decisions confidently

We’ll help you understand everything about your matter and guide you through your options so you can make the best decisions for you and your family.

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Get a response within 24 hours.

The process for completing a binding financial agreement was easy peasy with CK Family Lawyers.

Maree Taylor

Your most pressing questions about binding financial agreements, answered.

What is a Binding Financial Agreement?

A Binding Financial Agreement (sometimes called a “prenup” or “postnup”) is a private contract between you and your partner that sets out how your assets, property, and financial resources will be divided if your relationship ends.

BFAs can be made:

  • Before marriage or moving in together (to protect assets from the start).
  • During a marriage or de facto relationship (to provide clarity if circumstances change).
  • After separation or divorce (to finalise property and financial matters without going to court).

My partner and I agree on terms – can we use the same lawyer for a BFA?

No. For a Binding Financial Agreement to be legally enforceable, each party must receive independent legal advice from separate lawyers. This is a strict requirement under the Family Law Act to ensure that both people fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of the agreement. If you both use the same lawyer, the agreement could be challenged later and set aside.

If we have children (or our situation changes), will the BFA automatically be voided?

Not automatically. A BFA will usually remain valid even if you have children later or your circumstances change. However, the Family Court does have the power to set aside an agreement if it becomes unfair or impractical because of significant changes — for example, if having children creates a serious financial imbalance. That’s why it’s important to get tailored advice and review your agreement if your situation changes.

When is the best time to make a BFA – before marriage/de facto status or later?

You can make a BFA before, during, or after a relationship. The “best” time depends on your goals:

  • Before – often called a “prenup,” this is best for protecting existing assets you want to keep separate.
  • During – useful if circumstances change (for example, one partner receives an inheritance or starts a business).
  • After separation – allows you to formalise how assets will be divided without going to court.

The key is that the agreement must reflect your current situation and intentions.

What is the difference between a Consent Order and a Binding Financial Agreement?

  • Consent Order: Approved by the Federal Circuit & Family Court of Australia. It has the same effect as a court order and usually relates to property settlements or parenting arrangements.
  • Binding Financial Agreement: A private contract between you and your partner, without the need for court approval, provided it meets strict legal requirements.

Both can protect you, but a BFA gives more flexibility in tailoring arrangements, while a Consent Order has the additional layer of court oversight.

Are there better alternatives than a BFA (e.g. a trust, or an informal agreement)?

  • Trusts or company structures can sometimes protect assets, but they don’t replace a BFA. The Family Court can still look behind these arrangements in a separation.
  • Informal agreements (like a handwritten note or handshake deal) carry no legal weight and won’t stop a partner from making a claim later.

A properly drafted BFA is generally the most secure way to prevent future disputes over finances.

Can de facto or same-sex couples make binding financial agreements, too?

Yes. The Family Law Act applies to married, de facto, and same-sex couples alike. If you are living together on a genuine domestic basis — or planning to — you can enter into a Binding Financial Agreement to protect your assets and future arrangements.

Find your way forward in 3 simple steps

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Initial Consultation

We'll sit with you for as long as it takes during our consultation to truly understand your story and explain your options clearly. We will even send the first crucial letter to get things moving. Our initial consultation fee is $275.

Thorough Preparation and Strategic Negotiation

You'll work directly with Chris, our principal lawyer, to resolve your matter quickly through preparation and strategic negotiation. We aim to keep your costs down while protecting what matters most to you.

Resolution and Preparation for Your New Chapter

Once we've achieved the best possible outcome and formalised those arrangements, we can make make sure you're completely set up for your new life by helping you update your will and connecting you with trusted mortgage brokers and financial planners who understand your situation.

Our Clients Say It Best

Chris quickly understood my custody matter and focused on delivering the best outcome for my children at all times. His calm approach to my matter appeased the stresses associated with legal processes, allowing me to trust his guidance and ultimately reach the outcome I intended. Both Chris and Krystina’s communication was always prompt and on point, keeping me up to speed with any progress. Highly recommended for your family matter

Tim Bamford

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Christopher and Krystina for their unwavering support through my five year separation settlement. The dedication and commitment saw me through to the end, and I am deeply thankful to have had them by my side during this incredibly challenging period. I would like to thank the both of you from the bottom of my heart.

Maria Okane

We recently went through the process of selling our home, and working with CK Family Lawyers made it an experience that was both smooth and stress-free. Their professionalism was evident from the start, and they took care of every detail, allowing us to feel completely supported. The team was not only efficient but also genuinely personable, making it clear they cared about how the process felt for us. Knowing that we were in such good hands made all the difference. I would highly recommend CK Family Lawyers to anyone looking for a team that values both expertise and empathy.

Robyn Holland

FAQ

Unlike some firms where you might be "passed around," your matter will primarily be handled by Chris and Krystina themselves. We focus on resolving matters sooner and aim to help people resolve their issues efficiently. We also offer post-resolution support, because we believe in solving the entire problem for you. We can assist with the transfer of property and your new estate planning.

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The length of a family law case depends on a variety of factors, including:

  • the complexity of the issues involved
  • whether the case goes to court
  • the willingness of both parties to negotiate

Here's a general range to give you an idea:

  • simpler cases (uncontested divorces, straightforward property settlements) can be resolved in a few weeks to a few months.
  • more complex cases (disputes over child custody and significant assets) can take several months or even a year or more.

Absolutely! At CK Family Lawyers, we strongly encourage exploring alternative dispute resolution options like mediation and negotiation whenever possible. These methods can be faster, more cost-effective, less stressful, and more likely to produce a lasting solution.
We'll discuss all your options during your initial consultation and help you choose the best approach for your specific situation.

Yes! At CK Family Lawyers, we believe in building strong client relationships. You'll be working directly with Christopher Jones, our Principal lawyer, throughout your case. He has extensive experience handling a variety of family law matters. Krystina Jones, our Client Relationship Manager, will also be available to assist you and ensure your needs are met.

You won’t get passed around between many lawyers. This approach allows you to develop a trusting relationship with your family lawyer, who understands the specifics of your case.

Yes, CK Family Lawyers offers appointments after hours, early in the mornings, and on weekends to accommodate clients' work schedules and needs. Chris is also generally available via text or call on weekends

Yes, we regularly assist people in dividing their assets and liabilities, whether large or small. We will never turn away a client simply because they don't own enough. If your asset pool is small, we will emphasise the importance of sorting things out sooner to reduce costs, often recommending mediation to reduce expenses.

While we have offices in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, we have experience in handling cases across Queensland. Our main office is located in Sherwood Road, Sherwood Qld 4075

My experience of dealing with Chris and Krystina has been nothing short of exceptional and professional every time. I appreciate the level of detail and compassion given to my matters and the support that I’ve received from them. I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Jacki Wuersching

Take the first step to protect your future

A Binding Financial Agreement isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about protecting yourself and your partner with honesty, fairness, and transparency. With the right guidance, you can move forward knowing
your financial future is secure.

At CK Family Lawyers, we’ll make the process simple and stress-free, giving you clear advice and a legally binding agreement that reflects your intentions.

Get a response within 24 hours.