Cheralyn Hughes Legal – Experienced, Committed, Caring

Cheralyn@CheralynHughesLegal.com.au

Eltham, VIC

0416 056 233

Cheralyn Hughes

PRINCIPAL

Having lived in Eltham for more than 40 years, Cheralyn brings a mature and understanding approach to the Practice of Law, after an extensive career in Education and Business. Cheralyn has completed a Bachelor of Laws (Hons.), Masters of Environment and Planning, B. Mus. Ed and B.Ed.

As a mature age student Cheralyn completed her Law Degree with a focus on Family Law and has developed a passion for the Law in all its forms since obtaining employment with Robert Wood and Associates in Boronia. She has gained experience in all areas of Law, being able to advise on Family Law, neighbourhood disputes and environmental problems, as well as helping her clients with Estate matters, whether that be the drawing of a Will, Power of Attorney or obtaining Probate to enable the distribution of an Estate.

Cheralyn has extensive experience in business management. She has a sound background in the essentials needed to do this successfully. Cheralyn is able to provide advice to her clients in all areas of business, including work-place agreements, contracts and debt recovery.

Cheralyn’s main emphasis has always been to provide an empathetic and caring manner to her clients when they have been struggling with situations that are unfamiliar, difficult, and often emotional. In Family Law matters this has been combined with a common-sense approach to achieving an outcome which allows the family to move forward in the future.

With the unfortunate prevalence of family violence in our society, Cheralyn has acted for many clients requiring help with Criminal matters and Intervention Orders. Cheralyn uses a specialist team of Barristers to ensure her clients’ matters will be handled with the care, understanding and compassion, reflected in the philosophy of Cheralyn Hughes Legal.

Family Law

Parenting Issues, Property Disputes, Divorce, Intervention Orders

Family law disputes are often the most emotional and stressful of all services required of lawyers, especially when children are involved.

At Cheralyn Hughes Legal we understand the stresses and anxieties that surround Family Matters: whether it be a delicate children’s custodial matter or a difficult property dispute. Acting with expertise and compassion Cheralyn Hughes Legal will help you put the pieces into perspective.

When you bring your matter to us, we are here to gain the best outcome for you and your family. There are various mechanisms available to parties wishing to make arrangements outside of the Court system – Binding Financial Agreements, Parenting Plans and Child Support Agreements.

It is occasionally necessary to involve the courts. This can be an amicable process if the matters can be dealt with by consent of the parties. However, if all else fails we will strongly represent your interests in court, should there be matters that are disputed.

We can assist you in all aspects of Family Law including:

Property Disputes and settlements
Financial Agreements including Pre-Nups
Parenting Disputes
Divorce Applications – Fixed price based on Family law Court Scale
Domestic Violence Support

Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and Estate Management

Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and Estate Management

Wills

The death of a loved one is a traumatic experience. Wills are essential – if your loved one dies without a Will, their assets will be distributed according to law- and perhaps not as per their wishes.

Making a Will and organising your Estate is essential to ensure that your family, and in particular any young children you may have, are provided for as you would wish. Your Will should be updated as circumstances change in your life and the lives of your beneficiaries. It will be necessary for you to choose an Executor of your Will and this should be someone you trust to oversee your Will.

At Cheralyn Hughes Legal we provide fixed price basic Wills. We are happy to provide a free first half hour consultation to answer any questions and concerns you may have.

Powers of Attorney

Many clients confuse a Power of Attorney and a Will.

A Power of Attorney will only operate whilst the donor of the power is alive. It may operate if the donor does not wish to make financial or medical decisions, of if they are unable to make those decisions. They cease to have effect on the death of the donor.

Probate & Estate Administration

Probate is an Order of the Supreme Court. This Order will authorise the Executor of the deceased to administer the Estate and ensure that the wishes of the Deceased are carried out. If the Estate is a small one it may not be necessary to apply for Probate depending on the type and quantity of the assets in the Estate.

At Cheralyn Hughes Legal we understand how difficult a time this is for the family and provide compassionate advice to help make this process a straight forward one.

Criminal Law

Intervention Orders, Traffic Offences, Police Charges

Being charged with an offence is a daunting experience. Attending Court without Legal advice or assistance will not be likely to provide the best outcome.

With Cheralyn Hughes Legal, we will look at your matter and advise you of the strengths and weaknesses of your case. If you wish for us to represent you at Court we will provide experienced Counsel to present your case in the best possible way. This will help ensure your sentence or fine is as low as possible. We will advise you of the steps you will need to take to present yourself in the best possible way.

Conveyancing

Sale and Purchase of Domestic & Commercial Properties, Retirement Village Contracts

Domestic and Commercial Properties

For most people property is the largest financial investment they will make. At Cheralyn Hughes Legal we believe that it makes sense that you receive legal advice before you sign the contract.

In purchasing or selling your property or business one of the first decisions to make is whether to choose a Solicitor or Conveyancer.

At Cheralyn Hughes Legal we will assess the Contract of Sale, provide advice and deal with any issues thrown your way. You will have the advantage of competitive, fixed price conveyancing, with the assurance that we will be able to address and manage any complex legal issues which may arise.

Retirement Village Contracts

At Cheralyn Hughes Legal we have experience in advising clients who will be entering a retirement village. This can be a somewhat confusing time. We will explain the complex resident management contracts which are often required to be entered into, in plain language, as well as what is to be paid upfront and when exiting the village.

“Cheralyn was a pleasure to work with. She kept us well informed throughout the process, and I can’t recommend her enough.”

Joshua Diffey

“Thank you Cheralyn Hughes for your patience and understanding. You made me feel very comfortable. I will recommend you to my friends.”

Zoltan Csaki

“We have used Cheralyn’s services a couple of times now and have found her to be thoroughly professional. Cheralyn also kept us well informed throughout the process of both matters, will definitely use her services again.”

Robert Tregenza

“Having recently sold a property which was part of a family estate, we found Cheralyn’s expertise and professionalism invaluable. We are most grateful for her experience, knowledge and understanding, which simplified for us what would otherwise have been a stressful experience”

Angie Lethborg

“Great Service, we have used Cheralyn Hughes on several occasions to do conveyancing for us, we never need to stress about anything as she handles the entire process. Cheralyn always does a great job, very thorough and ultra professional.”

Peter Watts

“Cheralyn Hughes was my Solicitor twice over the past 2 years; when I purchased my Melbourne apartment and for my Will. All communication from Cheralyn was professional, clear and personable. She responded to all queries quickly and thoroughly. The Apartment settled without a hitch. Cheralyn is very approachable and I would certainly recommend her.

Julie Miller

“I have engaged Cheralyn Hughes for four matters. One was a personal matter and the others were Business related. I am very impressed with Cheralyn’s attention to detail and the necessary firmness to drive and achieve the required outcome for the client. I would recommend Cheralyn and her team to anyone looking for the right legal representation and perspective.”

Scott Staples

“Cheralyn helped me with a Family Law matter when I separated, dealing with financial and child custody issues. She fought for a fair solution for both myself and my eight-year-old son. Cheralyn understood the emotional turmoil I was going through and resolved the issues with honesty and trust. Be completely honest with Cheralyn and you will get the same respect back.”

Peter Livingston

On selling an unencumbered rural property in Victoria, I found I had encumbered water rights created by a 2007 Law. A bureaucratic nightmare ensued. I contacted Cheralyn Hughes to resolve this for me. She proposed a strategy covering all possibilities but focused on negotiating a sensible solution with Vic Water. I recommend Cheralyn to act on your behalf, offer clear legal advice and find a way to resolve the issue. When the purchaser attempted to make unreasonable post sale demands, they were dealt with professionally and quickly by Cheralyn.