Legal resources
Practical legal information for clients dealing with Australian legal matters, Sri Lankan legal matters and Australia–Sri Lanka cross-border issues.
The articles and resources on this page are intended to help clients understand common legal pathways, document requirements, practical risks and the importance of obtaining advice before taking action.
The information is general only and is not legal advice.
Location and service guides
Australian law resources
Resources about Australian family law, migration law, visa issues, civil disputes and practical steps for clients dealing with legal matters in Australia.
Sri Lankan law resources
Cross-border legal resources
Articles
1. How Sri Lankan Lawyers Can Become Solicitors in Australia
A short guide for Sri Lankan lawyers and law graduates who want to understand the basic pathway to becoming solicitors in Australia.
2. married in Sri Lanka but Divorcing in Australia: Will Your Australian Divorce Be Valid in Sri Lanka?
A practical guide for Sri Lankans living in Australia who were married in Sri Lanka and want to understand divorce in Australia and recognition of an Australian divorce in Sri Lanka.
3. Do Sri Lankans in Australia Need a Sri Lankan Lawyer or an Australian Lawyer?
A practical guide for Sri Lankans in Australia on whether they need Australian legal advice, Sri Lankan legal advice, or coordinated assistance involving both jurisdictions.
4. Visitor Visa to Australia: Why the Right Stream and Evidence Matter
A practical guide explaining why visitor visa applications need the correct stream, clear evidence, funds, return reasons and careful preparation.
5. Buying an apartment in Sri Lanka as an Australian citizen or Sri Lankan dual citizen
A practical guide for Australian citizens, Sri Lankan dual citizens and foreign buyers considering apartment purchases in Sri Lanka.
6. Can a will for Sri Lanka be signed in Australia?
Information for Sri Lankans in Australia about signing a will connected to Sri Lankan property, family or inheritance matters.
7. Can a Parent Take a Child to Sri Lanka After Separation?
Whether a parent may take a child from Australia to Sri Lanka depends on any parenting orders or pending proceedings, passport and watchlist restrictions, and whether the proposal is temporary travel or international relocation. Different rules apply to departure and overseas retention.
Read article8. Is Family Law Federal or State Law in Australia?
Australian divorce, parenting and property law is broadly governed by Commonwealth legislation, but it is not identical in every state. Western Australia has a distinct court and legislative framework, while child protection and family violence orders remain primarily state and territory matters.
Read article9. Can I Stay in Australia if My Partner Visa Relationship Ends Because of Family Violence?
Understand when a Partner visa may continue after separation involving family violence, including the relationship evidence and family-violence evidence that may be required.
10. Sole or Joint Divorce Application in Australia: Which Should You File?
Learn the differences between sole and joint divorce applications, including consent, signatures, formal service, overseas spouses and separation under one roof.
11. Does a Sri Lankan Power of Attorney Signed in Australia Need Two Witnesses?
Learn why two additional witnesses are not ordinarily required for a Sri Lankan power of attorney executed in Australia, and what attestation, authentication and registration steps may still apply.
12. Do I Have to Disclose Property I Own in Sri Lanka in an Australian Property Settlement?
Learn how Sri Lankan property, land, inheritances and other financial interests may need to be disclosed and treated in an Australian family law property settlement.
13. Is Property Always Split 50/50 After Separation in Australia?
Learn why Australian family law does not impose an automatic 50/50 property division, and how assets, liabilities, contributions and current and future circumstances may affect the outcome.
14. Can You Apply for a Partner Visa While in Australia on a Visitor Visa?
Learn when a person in Australia on a Visitor visa may be able to apply for an onshore Partner visa, including subclass 820, condition 8503 and bridging visa considerations.
15. How to Serve an Australian Divorce Application on a Spouse in Sri Lanka
A practical guide for people in Australia who need to serve a sole divorce application on a spouse in Sri Lanka, including the overseas-service timetable, proof of service and options where service is difficult.
16. I Inherited Property in Sri Lanka. Can My Ex Claim It If We Separate in Australia?
A practical guide for people in Australia who have inherited a house, land or other property in Sri Lanka and are separating from their spouse.
17. My Spouse Lives in Sri Lanka — Can I Get Divorced in Australia?
A practical guide for people living in Australia whose spouse is in Sri Lanka, including Australian divorce eligibility, sole applications, overseas service, missing spouses and marriage-certificate requirements.
18. Can Australian Property Settlement Orders Transfer a House or Land in Sri Lanka?
A practical guide explaining the difference between Australian family-law property orders and the steps required to implement arrangements involving houses or land in Sri Lanka.
19. How to Sell Property in Sri Lanka from Australia Using a Power of Attorney
A practical guide for people in Australia planning to sell a house or land in Sri Lanka, including property information, the scope of a Power of Attorney, signing pathways, registration and safeguards for the sale process.
Important note
The information on this page is general information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice about your own circumstances.
Australanka Lawyers Pty Ltd is an incorporated legal practice registered in Victoria. Miyuru Asiri Dissanayake is the Principal Solicitor. Australian legal services are provided through Australanka Lawyers Pty Ltd.
Based in Officer, Victoria 3809. Consultations are available by appointment, telephone and video throughout Australia.
Sri Lankan jurisdictional matters may be handled or referred through appropriately qualified Sri Lankan legal practitioners, including Dissanayake & Dissanayake Attorneys-at-Law and Notaries Public or Dissanayake Associates, depending on the nature of the matter.