How do I check a lawyer is licensed in New South Wales?

Practising certificates in New South Wales are managed by the Law Society of New South Wales. You can check a solicitor's status on its public register or by contacting it directly.

De Facto Relationships lawyers in Illawarra & Wollongong, NSW

What to discuss at the first meeting

Explain the relationship history, living arrangements and financial connections. The lawyer can assess which issues require advice without assuming the same pathway applies to every unmarried couple.

Ask about the relevant jurisdiction and requirements before relying on assumptions based only on the length of the relationship.

Working with a firm in Illawarra & Wollongong

A search across Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama can help you compare local and broader Illawarra options. For a building, property or employment dispute, prepare a short chronology so the firm can identify the right team.

For de facto relationships, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant NSW experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Illawarra & Wollongong. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.

How the engagement may progress

Explain the relationship history, current arrangements and outcome you want. Identify immediate concerns and provide every existing order or agreement.
Discuss negotiation and family dispute resolution. Parenting applications generally involve prior dispute resolution unless an exception applies; ask the lawyer to assess the appropriate process.
Ask how an agreement would be documented and implemented. Clarify who handles related transfers, finance and estate-planning work.

Fees and the scope of work

Ask for separate estimates for advice, negotiation, document preparation and court work. A fixed divorce-application fee does not necessarily cover parenting or financial disputes.

Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.

Dates to raise at first contact

Highlight court dates, proposed travel or relocation and any planned property sale. Ask which time limits apply to your particular issues rather than assuming there is one deadline for everything.

Courts and tribunals in New South Wales

In New South Wales, most criminal and minor civil matters start in the Local Court, with more serious matters in the District Court and Supreme Court. Tenancy, strata, consumer and guardianship disputes usually go to NCAT. Solicitors are licensed by the Law Society of New South Wales, and complaints about lawyers go to the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner.

Frequently asked questions

Are de facto couples treated like married couples?

Largely, yes, for property and parenting under federal law, if you meet the de facto definition. Different rules apply for some matters under state law.

What is the time limit for de facto property claims?

Generally two years from the date of separation.

Which courts hear cases from Illawarra & Wollongong?

Most matters start in the Local Court. More serious cases go to the District Court or the Supreme Court of NSW. Family law matters are heard by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

De Facto Relationships lawyers in Illawarra & Wollongong

South Coast Family Law Group

Why de facto relationships matters

The Australian context

A practical guide to de facto relationships in Illawarra & Wollongong

What to discuss at the first meeting

Working with a firm in Illawarra & Wollongong

How the engagement may progress

Fees and the scope of work

Dates to raise at first contact

Courts and tribunals in New South Wales

Frequently asked questions

Seacliff Family Law

DGB Lawyers

Rossi Simicic Lawyers

Questions to ask a de facto relationships adviser

De Facto Relationships lawyers in other NSW regions

Other lawyers in Illawarra & Wollongong

Explore