Family Lawyers Sydney
Receive your clear plan forward, built on a foundation of solid, practical advice from a family lawyer who has consistently guided separating families through the grief of separation.
Book Free Initial Discussion
Find out if we’re a good fit for you.
Access bespoke advice
Timely advice from experienced family lawyers, tailored to your unique circumstances. Let us simplify what can feel like a complex and overwhelming process.
Know What To Expect
Our expertise extends across all areas of family law. We help you understand your rights and responsibilities, and empower you to make informed choices.
Reduce stress, time and costs
Letting the professionals manage the complexities of your family legal issue helps avoid expensive and stressful delays.
Family Law Solicitors
Why work with Sydney Law Group?
Sydney Family Law Firm
Do I need a family lawyer?
The lawyer you choose can make the difference in your family law matter. Separating from a spouse or partner is difficult, there are no two ways about it. We know that half of all relationships end in divorce but not one of us ever expects it to happen to our own relationship.
Whether the breakup is your choice or not, the grief you feel can be overwhelming in those early days. You might experience feelings of loss, anger, sadness and resentment, and you may also have to deal with how everyone else reacts to the separation – your partner, children, parents, friends and acquaintances.
Just when you’re feeling the most vulnerable, you find yourself with some incredibly difficult issues to work through. How will you and your partner tell the kids? How will you share the parenting? Where will you both live? How will you agree on who gets what? And here’s a big one, how can you avoid a long and expensive court process?
Unfortunately, separations can become ongoing arguments that leave everybody feeling damaged. This is what you want to avoid, and the good news is that you really can avoid it if you and your separating partner work together to resolve differences.
There’s no such thing as a fun separation, but there are separations where both sides keep their dignity intact so that they can move on positively to the next phase of their lives.
To achieve that outcome, you need the advice and guidance of an experienced family lawyer who is interested in keeping you out of court and helping you to move to the next chapter of your life without a nasty fight.
A lawyer with experience in all issues associated with divorce, and the breakdown of de facto and same-sex relationships, property settlement and asset division, parenting arrangements, financial agreements, spousal maintenance, agreements by consent, wills and probate, and cases of domestic and family violence.
Or Call (02) 8819 4399
Customer Feedback
Please pass on my thanks to Jeff and your team with this difficult divorce. I am extremely happy with my new life and have a wonderfull caring man who is so different – thank god.
K.G – Sydney
Our Family Law Services
Sydney’s Family Law Specialists
Family Law Dispute Resolution
If you and your former partner are disputing about children and property, Australian law requires you to make a genuine effort to resolve issues through family dispute resolution (‘FDR’). This must be undertaken before filing an application in court for orders.
Using counselling, mediation and negotiation, it’s been shown that as little as 5% of cases require a final hearing in a family law court. There are many advantages of avoiding court:
- You may be able to move on and come to terms with the situation sooner
- Reduced financial cost
- Empowerment to make your own decisions rather than having a court decide for you
- Maintaining or improving communication with your former partner
Your family lawyer can provide advice throughout this process, and help you develop options and draft settlements.
While some exceptions apply – including circumstances involving domestic violence – in most cases the courts only become involved after these measures have failed. Here, your lawyer will play a crucial role in advocating for you in court, and making sure the fairest outcome is reached.
Or Call (02) 8819 4399
Why are Sydney Law Group’s Family Lawyers the team to trust?
What sets us apart from other family law specialists in Sydney is our unique approach. We place a strong focus on providing services tailored to meet the distinct needs of your situation. We will become your strongest advocate.
Our people are discreet, sensitive, and compassionate. Alongside addressing the practical side of a case, we place an emphasis on your emotional wellbeing.
Are you looking for an expert family solicitor in Sydney or New South Wales? Our team comes highly recommended and will remain by your side at every stage. We are known for expert counsel based on the most current legal knowledge. Our lawyers offer peace-of-mind and a friendly ear when you need it most.
Step #1
FREE Appointment
On first meeting a client we work to establish a strong rapport. We’ll take steps to understand your situation, concerns and goals, before outlining your options.
Step #2
Ask Us Anything
Most people have little knowledge of family law, so you’re likely to have many questions. Asking the experts demystifies the process and provides much-needed reassurance.
Step #3
Take Your Next Steps With Confidence
Advice from an experienced family lawyer during a difficult time lets you know what to expect, and where you stand. It empowers you to make the most informed choices.
Contact Us
Step #1
Book Your Free Appointment
A consultation with our discreet and sensitive, Sydney based family law team offers sound legal advice designed to facilitate the best outcomes.
We strive to deliver value-based services in the most efficient way. Our goal is always to deliver the best outcomes as quickly as possible. Our people are here to offer peace-of-mind and a friendly ear when you need it most.
Or Call (02) 8819 4399
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday & Sunday: By Appointment Only
We are proud members of
Latest Family Law Articles
The 5 Steps to Take to Work out What Offer to Make in a Family Law Financial Matter
How do I work out what offer to make in a property matter? Family law has the capacity to ignite emotions in a way...
How to Pick the Right Lawyer for You
So, you’ve made the decision that it’s time to hire a lawyer. But how do you decide which lawyer is right for you? The...
Surviving the Financial Fall-Out After Separation
“Divorce is one of the most financially traumatic things you can go through. Money spent on getting mad or getting...
Frequently Asked Questions
Hidden First Field
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
When can I apply for a divorce?
Australian law states that for a divorce application to be made, a couple must demonstrate they have been separated for a continuous period of 12 months.
Length of separation can clearly be demonstrated where the couple has lived at different addresses during that time. However, if you can show the court you have led separate lives during that period while remaining in the same home, you will also be eligible.
Couples who have lived together during the separation period should ask a divorce lawyer for advice on the steps required to maintain an acceptable level of independence. The court will request confirmation of separation from an independent third-party, in the form of an affidavit.
What is involved when sorting property and finances after a divorce?
The most advantageous route to separating your property is an agreement reached between the couple themselves, without the need for court intervention.
In circumstances where a couple has difficulty agreeing to the terms of their property division, a family lawyer can provide advice. If necessary, they can facilitate FDR measures, such as professional mediation and negotiations.
After an agreement is reached, it’s important to make it legally binding by applying to the court for a legal ‘Property Settlement’.
Where independent discussions and FDR measures have failed, the court can step in. At this stage all decisions will be taken out of your hands, and a Property Settlement developed on your behalf.
Is the process of dividing property different for de-facto couples?
In cases where a de facto couple is seeking property distribution, the legal process largely reflects that which applies to married couples.
However, one difference is the need to demonstrate the existence of a de facto relationship, as defined by the Family Law Act. This means it must be considered a ‘marriage type’ relationship.
In making this determination, the court might consider the length of the partnership, whether it was sexual in nature, living and financial arrangements, and any shared children. Gender is not a consideration, meaning same sex couples are equally able to meet the definition.
Documentation such as joint bank accounts, shared mortgages, tenancy leases and tax invoices can help demonstrate the existence of a de facto relationship.
To seek a legal binding ‘Property Settlement’ through the courts, a de facto couple must meet one of the following criteria:
- the relationship lasted at least two years
- you share a child with your partner
- you have made a substantial contribution to property and finances
- the relationship was registered, or
- for at least one third of your relationship you lived in any Australian state or territory except Western Australia (where the uniform family law legislation does not apply).
De facto couples must apply for a legal Property Settlement within two years of the relationship ending.
Hidden First Field
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
How are arrangements for the care of children decided following separation?
During separation, important decisions need to be made about who you children will live with. Arrangements are also needed to ensure children can maintain appropriate contact with both parents.
In many instances parents can mutually agree on arrangements for the future care of their children, without external intervention. A ‘Parenting Plan’ will need to be developed, which allows for children to spend close to equal time with each parent.
Where parents struggle to reach an agreement, FDR measures are necessary. These include mediation, counselling and negotiation, and must be entered into before the court will step in.
How are financial child support payments determined?
Here, considerations include the financial circumstances of both parents, and the agreed percentages of care. It is most advantageous where parents can come to an agreement without court intervention.
However, in certain situations the court may be required to step in and make its own judgements about how child care expenses will be managed, as well as custody and access.
A specialist family lawyer can provide support at any stage in this process, as parents and/or the courts work to develop a plan in the best interests of the children.
What if my partner refuses to comply with court orders?
For Sydney families and all others across Australia, noncompliance and breaches of court orders are serious offenses. Your lawyer will outline your rights and responsibilities, and may recommend steps to resolve the matter without court involvement.
If court intervention is necessary, you must file an application for the contravention of orders, accompanied by an affidavit, and a certificate from an FDR practitioner (except where circumstances are deemed to be exceptional).
Where the court determines one party has demonstrated non-compliance, they must consider whether they have a reasonable excuse. This could include failure to understand their responsibilities, or a reasonable belief that non-compliance was necessary for somebody’s protection or wellbeing.
Based on the above, the court will determine what action must be taken. This might include amending the order, demanding compensation, or imposing community service, a fine or imprisonment.