Family Law Services — Australia
Family Lawyers for Separation, Parenting & Property Disputes
Whether you are going through a separation, navigating a parenting dispute, dividing assets after a relationship breakdown, or dealing with a family violence order — you need a family lawyer who understands the Family Law Act 1975 and the Australian legal system. Submit your request and get connected with the right family lawyer.
⚠ Property settlement claims have strict time limits — 12 months after divorce or 2 years after de facto separation. Submit your request now to avoid missing your window.
Family Law Practice Areas
Every family law matter handled — from first advice to final order.
Select the area that matches your situation. Each page covers the specific law, deadlines, and what to expect — and connects you directly with a family lawyer.
Divorce & Separation
Applying for divorce, understanding the 12-month separation requirement, filing fees, and what happens when parties cannot agree on arrangements.
Get help with divorce →Property Settlement
Dividing assets, superannuation splitting, spousal maintenance, and binding financial agreements after separation or divorce.
Get help with property →Child Custody & Parenting Orders
Parenting arrangements, recovery orders, relocation disputes, and court-ordered parenting plans — with the child's best interests at the centre.
Get help with parenting orders →Family Violence & Intervention Orders
Applying for or responding to AVOs, ADVOs, FVIOs, and DVOs — including urgent interim orders to protect yourself or your children.
Get urgent help →De Facto Property Settlement
Property and financial claims for de facto couples — including same-sex couples — after a relationship breakdown of 2 or more years.
Get help with de facto claims →Child Support
Change of assessment applications, enforcing child support obligations, varying administrative assessments, and private child support agreements.
Get help with child support →Spousal Maintenance
Applying for or contesting spousal maintenance — including urgent applications and varying existing maintenance orders when circumstances change.
Get help with maintenance →Binding Financial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, and post-separation BFAs — legally enforceable under the Family Law Act if properly executed.
Get help with BFAs →Key Deadlines
Family law time limits are strict — and missing them can end your claim.
Unlike some areas of law, family law deadlines are enforced by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Courts rarely grant extensions unless you can demonstrate exceptional circumstances.
12 months after divorce — property settlement
Once a divorce order takes effect, you have 12 months to commence property settlement proceedings in the FCFCOA. After that, you need the court's leave — which is rarely granted without showing hardship and a prima facie case.
2 years after de facto separation — property claims
De facto partners have 2 years from the date of separation to apply for property settlement or maintenance orders. The same leave requirement applies if you miss this window.
Before filing — Section 60I Family Dispute Resolution
In most parenting matters, parties must attempt Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) and obtain a section 60I certificate before applying to the court — except in urgent, family violence, or abuse cases.
Interim orders — can be filed at any time
Urgent interim orders — including parenting orders and family violence injunctions — can be applied for at any time without the FDR requirement where there is a risk of harm to a child or party.
12 months from date of divorce — maintenance claims
Spousal maintenance applications must also be made within 12 months of a divorce order. A court may extend time if you can demonstrate you would suffer hardship without leave.
First steps — earlier is always better
Regardless of the specific deadline, earlier legal advice protects your position before assets are dissipated, children's arrangements become entrenched, or informal agreements create legal obligations without your knowledge.
How It Works
One request. The right family lawyer.
Describe your situation in plain language — you do not need to know the legal details. A family lawyer who handles your type of matter will follow up for a free consultation.
Submit Your RequestDescribe your family matter
Select the area above that matches your situation, or submit directly below. Mention the key facts — separation date, children involved, assets at stake, any urgency.
Matched to the right lawyer
Your request is reviewed and matched to a family lawyer with experience in your specific issue — parenting, property, family violence, or otherwise.
Free consultation arranged
A family lawyer contacts you for a free consultation to assess your matter, explain your options, and advise on next steps. No obligation to proceed.
About Family Law in Australia
The Family Law Act 1975 — what you need to know.
Family law in Australia is governed primarily by the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) — a federal Act that applies across all states and territories. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) has jurisdiction over divorce, parenting orders, and property settlement for both married and de facto couples.
The court approaches parenting matters through the lens of the Section 60CC best interests of the child test — considering the benefit of a meaningful relationship with both parents alongside the need to protect children from harm.
Property matters follow a four-step process: identifying the asset pool, assessing contributions (financial and non-financial), considering future needs, and arriving at a just and equitable outcome.
De facto relationships — including same-sex couples — are covered under Part VIIIAB of the Family Law Act, giving de facto partners the same property settlement rights as married couples, subject to a 2-year relationship or other qualifying circumstances.
Family violence is taken seriously by the FCFCOA. Courts can make urgent injunctions under section 68B and family violence orders to protect parties and children — these can be applied for at any stage without notice to the other party in urgent circumstances.
Early legal advice — before you separate, or immediately after — is the most important step to protect your position across all of these areas.