Family lawyers advise on separation, parenting arrangements, property division and divorce.
firms
2,444
regions
16
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A family lawyer's early advice shapes everything that follows: what a fair property split looks like for your circumstances, how parenting time is likely to be arranged, and which steps must happen before court. Most matters resolve through negotiation or mediation, with consent orders making the agreement binding.
Why family law matters
Separation affects where children live, the home, super and future finances. Decisions made in the first months, often informally, can shape the final outcome, so early advice avoids costly mistakes.
The Australian context
Family law is federal. The Family Law Act 1975 governs parenting and property for married and most de facto couples, heard by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, except in Western Australia, where the Family Court of WA hears these matters. Parenting disputes usually require family dispute resolution before court.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Milton, NSW · South Coast
New on GoogleOnly 2 Google reviews so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Shoalhaven Lawyers provides legal services in Milton, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Criminal Law and Drink & Drug Driving.
Family Law+7 moreCriminal Law · Drink & Drug Driving · Employment Law · Contested Wills & Family Provision · Personal Injury · Divorce & Separation · Business & Commercial LawFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Mackay, QLD · Mackay & Whitsundays
New on GoogleOnly 2 Google reviews so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Sibley Lawyers provides legal services in Mackay, QLD. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Employment Law and Traffic Offences.
Criminal Law+7 moreEmployment Law · Traffic Offences · Family Law · Class Actions · Assault & Violent Offences · Domestic Violence & AVOs · Fraud & White Collar CrimeFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Cleveland, QLD · Brisbane South & Logan
New on GoogleOnly 2 Google reviews so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Sibley Lawyers provides legal services in Cleveland, QLD. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Employment Law and Traffic Offences.
Criminal Law+7 moreEmployment Law · Traffic Offences · Family Law · Class Actions · Assault & Violent Offences · Domestic Violence & AVOs · Fraud & White Collar CrimeFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Box Hill, VIC · Eastern Melbourne
New on GoogleOnly 2 Google reviews so far, not enough for a reliable rating
SJ Conveyancing provides conveyancing services in Box Hill, VIC. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Commercial Property & Leasing and Business & Commercial Law.
Property & Conveyancing+3 moreCommercial Property & Leasing · Business & Commercial Law · Family LawFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Tuggerah, NSW · Central Coast
New on GoogleOnly 2 Google reviews so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Strive Family Law and Mediations provides legal services in Tuggerah, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Mediation & Dispute Resolution and Litigation & Dispute Resolution.
Family Law+5 moreMediation & Dispute Resolution · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Property & Conveyancing · Divorce & Separation · Parenting & Child CustodyFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Yass, NSW · Southern Highlands & Tablelands
New on GoogleOnly 2 Google reviews so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Taylor Legal provides legal services in Yass, NSW. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Family Law.
Wills & Estates+7 moreLitigation & Dispute Resolution · Family Law · Probate & Estate Administration · Powers of Attorney & Guardianship · Property & Conveyancing · Business & Commercial Law · Building & Construction
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Joondalup, WA · Perth North
New on GoogleOnly 2 Google reviews so far, not enough for a reliable rating
The Bitcoin Lawyers provides legal services in Joondalup, WA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Myrtleford, VIC · Hume & North East
New on GoogleOnly 2 Google reviews so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Toner and Associates provides legal services in Myrtleford, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Property & Conveyancing and Business & Commercial Law.
Family Law+2 moreProperty & Conveyancing · Business & Commercial Law
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Dandenong, VIC · South East Melbourne
New on GoogleOnly 2 Google reviews so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Vera Lawyers provides legal services in Dandenong, VIC. Listed practice areas include Business & Commercial Law, Property & Conveyancing and Immigration & Visas.
Business & Commercial Law+7 moreProperty & Conveyancing · Immigration & Visas · Family Law · Wills & Estates · Probate & Estate Administration · Binding Financial Agreements · Commercial Litigation3 languagesLanguages mentioned on the firm’s website: hindi, punjabi
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Penrith, NSW · Western Sydney
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Amanda Little & Associates provides legal services in Penrith, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Property & Conveyancing and Wills & Estates.
Family Law+7 moreProperty & Conveyancing · Wills & Estates · Planning & Environment · Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts · Criminal Law · Divorce & Separation · Probate & Estate AdministrationFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Yarraville, VIC · Western Melbourne
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Anderson Family Lawyers provides legal services in Yarraville, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Property & Conveyancing and Business & Commercial Law.
Family Law+3 moreProperty & Conveyancing · Business & Commercial Law · Litigation & Dispute ResolutionFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Deer Park, VIC · Western Melbourne
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Ascot Solicitors provides legal services in Deer Park, VIC. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Property & Conveyancing and Probate & Estate Administration.
Wills & Estates+5 moreProperty & Conveyancing · Probate & Estate Administration · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Family Law · Building & ConstructionFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Caroline Springs, VIC · Western Melbourne
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Ascot Solicitors provides legal services in Caroline Springs, VIC. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Property & Conveyancing and Probate & Estate Administration.
Wills & Estates+5 moreProperty & Conveyancing · Probate & Estate Administration · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Family Law · Building & Construction
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Southport, QLD · Gold Coast
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Attwood Marshall Lawyers provides legal services in Southport, QLD. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Wills & Estates and Business & Commercial Law.
Property & Conveyancing+7 moreWills & Estates · Business & Commercial Law · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Family Law · Planning & Environment · Employment Law · DefamationNo win, no feeThe firm mentions no win, no fee arrangements. Confirm terms in writing.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Melbourne, VIC · Melbourne CBD
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Belleli King & Associates provides legal services in Melbourne, VIC. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Family Law and Wills & Estates.
Property & Conveyancing+7 moreFamily Law · Wills & Estates · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Divorce & Separation · Parenting & Child Custody · Domestic Violence & AVOs · Probate & Estate AdministrationFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.7 languagesLanguages mentioned on the firm’s website: french, german, greek, malay, polish, tamil
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Gosnells, WA · Perth East
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Biddulph & Turley provides legal services in Gosnells, WA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and Probate & Estate Administration.
Family Law+7 moreWills & Estates · Probate & Estate Administration · Divorce & Separation · De Facto Relationships · Property & Conveyancing · Parenting & Child Custody · Contested Wills & Family Provision
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Bondi Junction, NSW · Eastern Suburbs & Inner West
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Bob Zelden Solicitors provides legal services in Bondi Junction, NSW. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Defamation and Family Law.
Property & Conveyancing+7 moreDefamation · Family Law · Wills & Estates · Estate Planning & Testamentary Trusts · Criminal Law · Personal Injury · Planning & Environment
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Bondi Junction, NSW · Eastern Suburbs & Inner West
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Bondi Conveyancing provides legal services in Bondi Junction, NSW. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing and Family Law.
Property & Conveyancing+1 moreFamily LawFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.5 languagesLanguages mentioned on the firm’s website: greek, hebrew, indonesian, spanish
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Wagga Wagga, NSW · Riverina & Murray
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Briggs Law Wagga/ Julie Briggs Management Services provides legal services in Wagga Wagga, NSW. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Business & Commercial Law and Family Law.
Wills & Estates+2 moreBusiness & Commercial Law · Family Law
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Wollongong, NSW · Illawarra & Wollongong
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Burke Legal provides legal services in Wollongong, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law.
Family Law
Understand the next step
A practical guide to family law
What to discuss at the first meeting
Start by separating immediate arrangements from longer-term decisions. A family-law consultation can identify whether parenting, finances, divorce or personal safety requires a separate step, and who should advise on each.
A general family-law engagement should specify which issues it covers rather than promising to resolve every consequence of separation.
How the engagement may progress
01
Explain the relationship history, current arrangements and outcome you want. Identify immediate concerns and provide every existing order or agreement.
02
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.
03
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.
Questions to ask a family law adviser
Which issue should be addressed first?
Will you coordinate related property and estate work?
Will you handle parenting, property and divorce together or separately?
How will you communicate with me safely?
What would change the proposed approach or budget?
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What are consent orders?
Consent orders are an agreement about parenting or property that the court makes into formal, enforceable orders without a hearing. Both parties must agree and sign.
Do I have to go to court?
Most family matters are resolved without a trial. Court becomes necessary when negotiation fails, when there is urgency, or when safety is at risk.
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced?
Not always. A simple divorce application can be filed online without one. It's worth getting advice before you apply if you have children, shared property or superannuation, because divorce starts the clock on time limits for property claims.
How long do I have to settle property after separating?
Married couples generally have 12 months from the date the divorce becomes final. De facto couples generally have two years from separation. After that you need the court's permission, which is not guaranteed.
