Family Lawyer Sydney: Separation Advice 2026

What can a family lawyer help with after separation?

You can seek advice about divorce, financial arrangements and parenting as separate matters, even when they arise from the same separation. Married couples do not need to wait for divorce before seeking property settlement or maintenance orders. Parenting proceedings are also separate from divorce.

NS Legal prepares settlement proposals and supporting evidence, negotiates on your instructions and drafts the documents needed to formalise an agreement or start proceedings. Bring any documents already received from your former partner or their solicitor so that we can assess what requires a response.

For the process of legally ending a marriage, see our divorce and separation services. For day-to-day care, school holidays and decisions about your child, our parenting services address the arrangements you need to put in place.

What property settlement time limits apply in 2026?

For married couples, an application for property adjustment generally needs to be made within twelve months after the divorce becomes final. For former de facto partners, the usual limit is two years after the relationship breaks down. If the other party does not consent to an application after the applicable time limit, you need the court’s permission, which may be refused. De facto applicants must also satisfy the relationship and jurisdictional requirements.

Financial disclosure extends to relevant direct and indirect interests, including interests held through companies or trusts. NS Legal organises your asset, debt and contribution records to prepare a property settlement proposal and plan any court application within the applicable deadline. If a family member contributed money, bring the transfer records and any written agreement about it.

Do I need mediation before applying for parenting orders?

You usually need to attempt Family Dispute Resolution, known as FDR, and obtain a certificate before applying for parenting orders. Exemptions may apply, including where there is urgency or family violence. The court’s paramount consideration in a parenting dispute is the child’s best interests, including safety, their needs and relationships that are safe to maintain.

NS Legal prepares a practical parenting proposal covering school arrangements, handovers, holidays and significant decisions, with evidence for a mediation exemption where appropriate.

An agreement can be recorded in a parenting plan or submitted for consent orders. A parenting plan is not legally enforceable.

Which courts deal with family law and domestic violence in Sydney?

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s Sydney registry is at the Lionel Bowen Building, 97–99 Goulburn Street. Family law proceedings use a different process from apprehended domestic violence orders, or ADVOs, dealt with in the NSW Local Court. Police can apply for a protection order on your behalf.

If you have an ADVO, an application for one or existing parenting orders, bring the complete documents. NS Legal prepares family law evidence addressing the parenting and protection terms together, and advises on the NSW protection order process. Bring the hearing notice that sets out the required location and attendance arrangements.

Tell us about safety concerns when arranging your appointment so that they can be considered from the outset.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Bring the documents you already hold and a short account of the separation, including the issues you want resolved. Relevant material may include:

• Marriage and separation information, any divorce order, court notices and correspondence.
• Property and mortgage records, account statements, income and superannuation information, and company or trust interests.
• Existing parenting orders, care arrangements and relevant school or medical records.
• Family violence orders, information about safety concerns and any FDR certificate.

Parenting and property proceedings generally require pre-action steps unless an exemption applies. NS Legal plans negotiations around urgent issues and deadlines, organises the evidence and prepares any necessary application documents. Bring information you lawfully hold; you do not need to obtain your former partner’s private records yourself before seeking advice.

Where is NS Legal’s Sydney office and how do I book?

Our Sydney office is at Level 7/263 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000. Call +61 2 8251 1999 or use our contact form to request a family law consultation. Include your preferred date, a brief description of the matter and any court or filing deadline. Once you submit the form, we will confirm the meeting place and available times.

Arrangements for a first consultation are explained when you book.

Compiled from official sources; updated 29 October 2026.