How do I know if I need a family lawyer?

If you’re unsure whether to seek legal advice, it’s likely a good idea to consult a family lawyer. A solicitor can explain your legal position, present your options, and outline potential actions. You may need assistance with issues such as: Separation De facto relationships Divorce Same-sex relationships Property settlements Adoption Child support Parenting and custody matters Superannuation splitting Family violence Keep in mind, family violence isn’t limited to physical harm. It can also include emotional or mental abuse and damage to property.

What does a family lawyer do in Australia?

Family lawyers in Australia specialise in legal matters relating to family relationships. They provide guidance on divorce, separation, child custody, property settlements, financial agreements, and family violence. A family lawyer helps clients navigate the Family Law Act, negotiate settlements, draft legal documents, and represent them in court if needed. They also assist with non-contentious matters, such as adoption and prenuptial agreements, ensuring their clients’ rights and interests are protected.

What is the Family Law Act in New South Wales?

The Family Law Act 1975 is a federal law governing family law matters across Australia, including New South Wales. It addresses issues like divorce, child custody, property settlements, and spousal maintenance. The Act focuses on the best interests of children and encourages mediation or negotiation before considering litigation. While it’s federal legislation, its principles are applied by family courts in New South Wales.

How does the Family Law Act protect children?

The Family Law Act prioritises the safety and wellbeing of children. It ensures that the child’s best interests are the primary consideration in any court decision. The Act promotes meaningful relationships with both parents where appropriate, protects children from harm (including physical, psychological, and emotional abuse), and supports cooperative parenting. It discourages exposing children to family violence or neglect.

How long does the divorce process take in Australia?

In Australia, the divorce process generally takes about four months from filing the application to finalisation. However, the timeframe can vary depending on factors like case complexity, court availability, and whether the divorce is contested. If you’re considering divorce, contact our experienced family lawyers to discuss your options.

What is the difference between a legal separation and divorce?

Legal separation and divorce serve different purposes: Legal Separation: Couples live apart without formally ending their marriage. It can include parenting arrangements, property division, and spousal support. Divorce: This legally terminates the marriage. Once finalised, both parties are free to remarry. While legal separation offers space to reassess the relationship, divorce provides a definitive conclusion. Kells can assist with either process, offering expert guidance tailored to your situation.

Can I change my child custody arrangement after it's been finalised?

Yes, custody arrangements can be modified if there’s a significant change in circumstances. This might include changes in the child’s needs, parental relocation, or safety concerns. The Family Court prioritises the child’s best interests when assessing any requested changes.

Do I need a lawyer to draft a prenuptial agreement?

It’s not mandatory to engage a lawyer for a prenuptial agreement, but it’s highly recommended. A lawyer ensures the agreement complies with the Family Law Act, is fair, and enforceable. Each party should obtain independent legal advice to fully protect their rights. Our family law team can provide expert assistance to help you create a secure and valid agreement.

Expertise

Family Lawyers - Divorce Lawyers - Child Custody - Financial Agreements

FAMILY LAWYERS SYDNEY

Call (02) 9233 7411

Request a Callback

E-mail Us

Extensive Experience

Kells' family lawyers in Sydney specialise in divorce, separation, child custody, child support, property settlements, and financial agreements.

Dedicated Team

Our Sydney family law team is committed to providing exceptional service. We aim to make the legal process approachable and affordable so you feel supported throughout.

Trusted Family Lawyers

Protecting your rights and best interests is our top priority. We understand the emotional and financial strain of family law matters and offer compassionate guidance at every stage.

Here to Help

Are you struggling with a separation? Do you need help with property settlements or financial agreements? Or perhaps you’re dealing with challenges related to child custody and support?

Relationship breakdowns are never easy. The emotional turmoil can be overwhelming, and dealing with the legal side of things often feels like too much to bear. But understanding your options is an important step forward.

At Kells, our Sydney family lawyers understand how emotionally and financially challenging family law matters can be. We are committed to guiding you through the legal process with care and professionalism. Our team provides personalised advice and support to help you and your children during this difficult time.

Our family law team is led by a NSW Accredited Specialist in Family Law and includes experienced lawyers, law clerks, paralegals, and administrative staff. Conveniently based in Sydney, we work collaboratively to keep legal costs as low as possible while making sure you always have access to informed, reliable legal advice.

We are here to support and guide you through the process during this difficult time.

Call (02) 9233 7411

Request a Callback

Hear Our Story

How Can Our Expert Family Lawyers Help?

Our experienced family lawyers in Sydney support people who are going through a challenging time in their lives. Whether you’re dealing with separation, divorce, child-related issues, adoption, family violence, superannuation splitting, financial agreements, or property settlements, we’re here to help. We also handle cases involving same-sex relationships and de facto separations.

A woman is holding a little girl in her arms and they are smiling for the camera.

Adoption

A woman is holding two wedding rings in her hands.

Divorce

A little girl is sitting on a couch holding a piece of paper with a drawing on it.

Child Custody and Support

A man and a woman are sitting at a table looking at a laptop.

Collaborative Law

A man is holding two wooden houses in his hands.

Property Settlements

A person is signing a document with a pen.

Binding Financial Agreements and Prenuptial Agreements

A woman is sitting on a couch with her head in her hands.

Family Violence and AVOs

A person is holding two paper people and a heart in their hands.

Same-Sex Relationships

A small model house with the words de factor rights written on wooden blocks.

De Facto Relationships

Separation

A person is holding a paper cut out of a family in their hands.

Care & Protection

Get The Right Family Law Advice

Do you have a question about family law or relationship law?

Send us your information, and a member of our staff will reply to you.

Call (02) 9233 7411

Request a Callback

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a family lawyer?
If you’re unsure whether to seek legal advice, it’s likely a good idea to consult a family lawyer. A solicitor can explain your legal position, present your options, and outline potential actions. You may need assistance with issues such as:
- Separation
- De facto relationships
- Divorce
- Same-sex relationships
- Property settlements
- Adoption
- Child support
- Parenting and custody matters
- Superannuation splitting
- Family violence
Keep in mind, family violence isn’t limited to physical harm. It can also include emotional or mental abuse and damage to property.
What does a family lawyer do in Australia?

Family lawyers in Australia specialise in legal matters relating to family relationships. They provide guidance on divorce, separation, child custody, property settlements, financial agreements, and family violence. A family lawyer helps clients navigate the Family Law Act, negotiate settlements, draft legal documents, and represent them in court if needed. They also assist with non-contentious matters, such as adoption and prenuptial agreements, ensuring their clients’ rights and interests are protected.
What is the Family Law Act in New South Wales?

The Family Law Act 1975 is a federal law governing family law matters across Australia, including New South Wales. It addresses issues like divorce, child custody, property settlements, and spousal maintenance. The Act focuses on the best interests of children and encourages mediation or negotiation before considering litigation. While it’s federal legislation, its principles are applied by family courts in New South Wales.
How does the Family Law Act protect children?

The Family Law Act prioritises the safety and wellbeing of children. It ensures that the child’s best interests are the primary consideration in any court decision. The Act promotes meaningful relationships with both parents where appropriate, protects children from harm (including physical, psychological, and emotional abuse), and supports cooperative parenting. It discourages exposing children to family violence or neglect.
How long does the divorce process take in Australia?

In Australia, the divorce process generally takes about four months from filing the application to finalisation. However, the timeframe can vary depending on factors like case complexity, court availability, and whether the divorce is contested. If you’re considering divorce, contact our experienced family lawyers to discuss your options.
What is the difference between a legal separation and divorce?
Legal separation and divorce serve different purposes:
- Legal Separation: Couples live apart without formally ending their marriage. It can include parenting arrangements, property division, and spousal support.
- Divorce: This legally terminates the marriage. Once finalised, both parties are free to remarry.
While legal separation offers space to reassess the relationship, divorce provides a definitive conclusion. Kells can assist with either process, offering expert guidance tailored to your situation.
Can I change my child custody arrangement after it's been finalised?

Yes, custody arrangements can be modified if there’s a significant change in circumstances. This might include changes in the child’s needs, parental relocation, or safety concerns. The Family Court prioritises the child’s best interests when assessing any requested changes.
Do I need a lawyer to draft a prenuptial agreement?

It’s not mandatory to engage a lawyer for a prenuptial agreement, but it’s highly recommended. A lawyer ensures the agreement complies with the Family Law Act, is fair, and enforceable. Each party should obtain independent legal advice to fully protect their rights. Our family law team can provide expert assistance to help you create a secure and valid agreement.