Making Complex Legal Processes Easier To Understand

Case Study | How We Helped Catton & Tondelstrand With Their Disclosure Infosheet

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n the world of family law, clarity is paramount.

Clients often find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of legal processes, especially during emotionally charged situations like separations or divorces. For lawyers, providing information that is both branded and easy to understand is crucial, especially during initial consultations.

It’s not just about explaining the process once—it’s about leaving something tangible that clients can refer to later, something that can help them remember and explain the process to others.

This is where infographics and diagrams come into play. These visual tools convert complex information into simple, digestible pieces, making it easier for lawyers to communicate effectively without repeating themselves. In just one glance, a well-designed infographic can break down intricate processes into clear, understandable steps, adding value not only to the consultation but also to the client’s overall experience. For Catton & Tondelstrand, this approach was particularly beneficial, helping them streamline their disclosure process with a branded, easy-to-understand flyer that their clients could take home.

The Story of Catton & Tondelstrand

Catton & Tondelstrand Lawyers are a highly respected legal firm based on the Sunshine Coast, known for their integrity and dedication to their clients. Founded by Liz Catton and Angela Tondelstrand, both accredited Family Law Specialists with over 40 years of combined legal experience, the firm has earned a reputation as a leading Family & Divorce Law Firm, recognized in the prestigious Doyle’s Guide. Angela Tondelstrand also won the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network – 2023 Corporate Business Woman of the Year. With a team of nearly 20 dedicated professionals, Catton & Tondelstrand provide expert legal advice across all stages of a relationship, from cohabitation agreements to property settlements and divorce.

Their commitment to providing clear, compassionate, and realistic advice is at the core of their practice. They understand that no family law matter is ever the same, and each client requires a tailored approach. This philosophy extends to how they communicate with clients, particularly when explaining complex legal processes like asset disclosure. Catton & Tondelstrand needed a way to make this process understandable, accessible, and consistent with their brand values—an opportunity that led to the creation of a custom infographic that would serve as a valuable tool during their consultations.

The Challenges and Opportunities

When Catton & Tondelstrand approached us to create an infographic for their disclosure process, the challenge was clear: we needed to simplify a complex legal process into a format that was both easy to understand and visually appealing, all while staying true to the firm’s brand.

1 – Understanding the Process

The client provided basic files outlining their services, but it was crucial for us to delve deeper to truly grasp how they viewed the process and what they wanted their clients to take away from it. This understanding informed every aspect of the design, ensuring that the final product was not just visually pleasing but also functionally effective.

2 – Creating Custom Icons

One of the key elements of this project was the creation of custom icons. Icons are a powerful tool in graphic design, as we’ve discussed in our previous article. They allow us to convey complex ideas quickly and effectively. We developed a series of icons that visually represented different aspects of the disclosure process. For instance, a suitcase symbolized employment, a pool of assets was assembled into a literal pool (a stroke of genius we were particularly proud of), and a set of scales illustrated the balance between savings and loans.

3 – Inclusivity in Design

In the “What to Disclose” infographic, we created a non-binary icon to ensure that the diagram was inclusive, reflecting the diverse identities of the firm’s clients. Additionally, we designed the “contribution” part of the infographic to show that, even after a separation, the two individuals remained connected through their contributions to their children, visually represented by overlapping entities.

4 – Maintaining Brand Consistency

Colour and branding were another critical consideration. It was essential that the infographic aligned with Catton & Tondelstrand’s established brand colours and fonts. This consistency not only reinforced the firm’s identity but also ensured that the document felt like a natural extension of the consultation process.

5 – Adding a Touch of Humour

While maintaining professionalism, we infused a touch of humour into the design. While lawyers are often associated with seriousness, that doesn’t mean their materials need to be dry or dull. The playful icons added a lighthearted element to the infographic, making the information more engaging without sacrificing clarity or professionalism.

The Results

Catton & Tondelstrand were thrilled with the final infographic, praising its clarity and the way it transformed a complex disclosure process into a simple, visually appealing tool. The infographic has become a staple in their consultations, helping to facilitate smoother discussions and ensuring that clients leave with a clear understanding of their obligations and rights.

Overall, the project was a success, enhancing both the consultation experience for Catton & Tondelstrand’s clients and the firm’s reputation for delivering high-quality, client-focused legal services.

Find them here:

Website: https://www.ctlawyers.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctlawyers.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-catton-315t1/

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In the world of family law, clarity and compassion go hand in hand. By simplifying complex processes through effective design, Catton & Tondelstrand are able to provide their clients with the clear, understandable advice they need. If you’re looking to make your own complex information more accessible, we at Visual Targets are here to help. Reach out to us today to start your own project!