How do I know if I need a family lawyer?

If you're uncertain about seeking legal advice, consulting a family lawyer is often a wise choice. A solicitor can clarify your legal standing, outline your options, and suggest possible courses of action. You may need legal support for matters such as: Separation De facto relationships Divorce Same-sex relationships Property settlements Adoption Child support Parenting and custody matters Superannuation splitting Family violence It's important to remember that family violence isn’t limited to physical abuse — it can also include emotional, psychological, or financial harm, as well as property damage.

What does a family lawyer do in Australia?

Family lawyers in Australia handle legal issues related to family relationships. They assist with matters such as divorce, separation, child custody, property division, financial agreements, and domestic violence. A family lawyer helps clients understand the Family Law Act, negotiate settlements, draft legal documents, and represent them in court if needed. They also provide legal support for non-dispute matters like adoption and prenuptial agreements. This helps ensure their clients' rights and interests are protected.

What is the Family Law Act in New South Wales?

The Family Law Act 1975 is federal legislation that governs family law issues across Australia, including in New South Wales. It covers divorce, child custody, property settlements, and spousal maintenance, with an emphasis on protecting the welfare of children. The Act encourages mediation and negotiation before resorting to litigation. While it applies nationwide, family courts in NSW implement its principles when handling cases.

How does the Family Law Act protect children?

The Family Law Act places a strong emphasis on the safety and wellbeing of children. It ensures that all court decisions prioritise the child’s best interests. The Act promotes meaningful relationships with both parents (where safe and appropriate), safeguards children from harm — including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse — and supports cooperative parenting. Courts discourage exposing children to conflict, neglect, or family violence.

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Kells' family lawyers in Hawkesbury have extensive experience handling divorce, separation, child custody, child support, property settlements, and financial agreements.

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Our Hawkesbury family law team delivers high-quality legal services. We focus on making the process straightforward and cost-effective so you always feel confident and informed.

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Your rights and best interests come first. We recognise the challenges of family law matters and provide thoughtful, practical advice to help you through every step.

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Are you dealing with a family law matter and unsure about your rights? Do you need legal support to protect your child’s future?

These situations, or family law matters in general, can feel like too much to handle, both emotionally and financially. But understanding what your options are is a crucial step forward to making informed decisions.

At Kells, our Hawkesbury family lawyers provide personalised advice and support to help you through this challenging time.

Led by a NSW Accredited Specialist in Family Law, our team includes experienced lawyers, law clerks, support staff, paralegals, and administrative staff. Based in Hawkesbury, we work to keep legal costs low while making sure you receive legal advice that is high quality and reliable.

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How Can Our Hawkesbury Family Lawyers Help?

Our experienced family lawyers in Hawkesbury assist families going through challenging times. Whether you're dealing with separation, divorce, child-related matters, adoption, family violence, superannuation splitting, financial agreements, or property settlements, we’re here to support you. We also handle cases involving de facto separations and same-sex relationships.

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Child Custody and Support

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Collaborative Law

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Property Settlements

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Binding Financial Agreements and Prenuptial Agreements

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Family Violence and AVOs

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Same-Sex Relationships

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De Facto Relationships

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a family lawyer?
If you're uncertain about seeking legal advice, consulting a family lawyer is often a wise choice. A solicitor can clarify your legal standing, outline your options, and suggest possible courses of action. You may need legal support for matters such as:
- Separation
- De facto relationships
- Divorce
- Same-sex relationships
- Property settlements
- Adoption
- Child support
- Parenting and custody matters
- Superannuation splitting
- Family violence
It's important to remember that family violence isn’t limited to physical abuse — it can also include emotional, psychological, or financial harm, as well as property damage.
What does a family lawyer do in Australia?

Family lawyers in Australia handle legal issues related to family relationships. They assist with matters such as divorce, separation, child custody, property division, financial agreements, and domestic violence. A family lawyer helps clients understand the Family Law Act, negotiate settlements, draft legal documents, and represent them in court if needed. They also provide legal support for non-dispute matters like adoption and prenuptial agreements. This helps ensure their clients' rights and interests are protected.
What is the Family Law Act in New South Wales?

The Family Law Act 1975 is federal legislation that governs family law issues across Australia, including in New South Wales. It covers divorce, child custody, property settlements, and spousal maintenance, with an emphasis on protecting the welfare of children. The Act encourages mediation and negotiation before resorting to litigation. While it applies nationwide, family courts in NSW implement its principles when handling cases.
How does the Family Law Act protect children?

The Family Law Act places a strong emphasis on the safety and wellbeing of children. It ensures that all court decisions prioritise the child’s best interests. The Act promotes meaningful relationships with both parents (where safe and appropriate), safeguards children from harm — including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse — and supports cooperative parenting. Courts discourage exposing children to conflict, neglect, or family violence.

How long does it take to get a divorce in Australia?

The divorce process in Australia typically takes around four months from filing to finalisation. However, the timeline may vary based on factors such as court schedules, case complexity, and whether the divorce is contested. If you're thinking about divorce, our experienced family lawyers can help you understand your options.
What is the difference between legal separation and divorce?
Legal separation and divorce serve different legal purposes:
- Legal Separation: Spouses live apart but remain legally married. This can involve arrangements for parenting, finances, and property division without formally ending the marriage.
- Divorce: A formal legal process that dissolves the marriage, allowing both individuals to remarry.
While separation provides time for reflection, divorce is a final decision. Our Hawkesbury family law team can guide you through either process based on your circumstances.
Can I modify a child custody arrangement after it's been finalised?

Yes, custody arrangements can be adjusted if significant circumstances change. This could include a parent relocating, a shift in the child’s needs, or concerns about safety and wellbeing. The Family Court always prioritises the best interests of the child when reviewing modification requests.
Do I need a lawyer to draft a prenuptial agreement?

Although it’s not legally required to have a lawyer draft a prenuptial agreement, it is highly advisable. A lawyer ensures that the agreement aligns with the Family Law Act, is legally binding, and protects both parties fairly. Each person should seek independent legal advice to safeguard their rights. Our family law team is available to assist in drafting a secure and enforceable agreement.