Family law in Australia – finding the right family lawyer

Are you looking for a lawyer? Find the best lawyers in Australia on Advisent.

People often search for a family lawyer in Australia during times of uncertainty, such as separation, divorce, or parenting disputes. Family law matters involve both legal and practical decisions that can affect your future and your family.

Knowing how family law works can help you make informed choices.

How family law works in Australia

Family law is governed by the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and applies nationally. It covers matters such as:

  • Divorce and separation
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Property settlements
  • Spousal maintenance

The law focuses on the best interests of the child and encourages resolution without court proceedings where possible.

When should you speak to a family lawyer?

Common reasons people seek family law advice include:

  • Separation or divorce
  • Disputes about children or parenting time
  • Property division after separation
  • Financial agreements

Early advice can help clarify your rights, obligations, and likely outcomes. Family law matters often benefit from proactive planning rather than reactive decisions.

Choosing a family lawyer in Australia

Clients commonly search for:

  • Divorce lawyer near me
  • Family lawyer in Sydney
  • Family lawyer in Brisbane
  • Family lawyer in Melbourne
  • Parenting lawyer Australia
  • Parenting lawyer in Queensland
  • Property settlement lawyer
  • Property settlement lawyer in NSW
  • Family lawyer in Perth
  • Family lawyer in Adelaide

The right family lawyer should have experience in negotiation, mediation, and court proceedings, and be able to provide practical advice tailored to your circumstances.

Finding a family lawyer in Australia through Advisent

Advisent helps connect you with experienced family lawyers across Australia, whether you are looking for a family lawyer in Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Western Australia, or the Northern Territory.

You can search by area of law and location, browse family lawyers in Australia, and book your first meeting at a fixed fee. This allows you to obtain initial legal advice and understand your options before deciding how to proceed.

Advisent is not a directory. It is a network of Australian-based family lawyers who are admitted to practise, fully insured, and have a minimum of five years’ experience in family law matters.

Browse our network of leading family lawyers in Australia to take the first steps toward clarity and stability for your future.

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About the Author

Amy Soong L.L.B (Hons), L.L.M, BBus (Accy), GradDipLP (QUT) is the Legal Practice Director of Ashworth Lawyers, a leading Brisbane criminal defence law firm founded in 2014. She has been exclusively practising as a criminal defence lawyer in Brisbane for over 16 years. Amy leads a team of the best Brisbane criminal lawyers for all serious and complex crimes in Qld.

This includes extensive experience in successfully defending rape and sexual violence, drugs, fraud, assaults and choking, murder, arson, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering, human trafficking, tax, and aviation offences.

Amy is admitted in the Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia. She is a Council member of the Society of Notaries in Qld and is a member of the Qld Law Society Wellbeing Working Group. She has achieved numerous recognitions including as a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards and under her leadership, Ashworth Lawyers is also recognised as Criminal Law Firm of the Year Qld (APAC Insider Australian Made Awards 2025) and Client Service Excellence Award (APAC Insider Australian Made Awards 2025).