Where are your Family Lawyers located?

We have family law solicitors in Wollongong and across the Illawarra including Thirroul, Dapto, and Shellharbour down to Kiama. With Kells, you can expect to receive practical legal advice and dedicated support for your family law issues.

How do I know if I need a Family Lawyer?

If you feel you are in a situation where you might need to seek legal advice you probably should. A solicitor will present the options available to you, highlighting your position and what actions can be taken. You may want to consult a family lawyer about the following circumstances: Separation De facto relationships Divorce Same sex relationships Property settlements Adoption Child support Children’s issues Custody of children Superannuation splitting Family violence Not all family violence involves physical harm. It can also be claimed as mental and emotional abuse as well as damage to property.

What does a family lawyer do in Australia?

A family law solicitor in Australia provides legal advice and representation in matters related to family relationships. This includes divorce, separation, child custody, property settlements, financial agreements, and family violence. They guide family law clients through the intricate aspects of the Family Law Act and help negotiate settlements, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court if necessary. Family law solicitors also offer support in non-contentious matters, such as adoption and prenuptial agreements, so that they can protect the rights and best interests of their clients.

What is the Family Law Act in New South Wales?

The Family Law Act 1975 is a federal law that governs family law matters across Australia, including New South Wales. It covers issues such as divorce, child custody, property settlements, and spousal maintenance. The Act emphasises the best interests of children in custody matters and encourages amicable resolutions through mediation and negotiation before litigation is to be considered. Although it's a federal legislation, its principles and guidelines are applied in family courts within New South Wales.

How does the Family Law Act protect children?

The Family Law Act prioritises the safety and wellbeing of children. It establishes that the best interests of the child must be the first and foremost consideration in any decision made by the court. The Act protects children by making sure they have a meaningful relationship with both parents, where appropriate, and are protected from harm, including physical, psychological, and emotional abuse. It also encourages shared parental responsibility, promoting cooperative parenting while keeping children from being exposed to family violence or neglect.

How long does the divorce process take in Australia?

The divorce process in Australia, including New South Wales, typically takes around four months from the time the application is filed until the divorce is finalised. This timeline, however, may vary depending on several key factors including the circumstances of the case, court availability, and whether the application is contested or uncontested. If you are considering filing for divorce, reach out to our experienced family law team today.

What is the difference between a legal separation and divorce?

Legal separation and divorce are two processes that are distinct, yet share the common goal of redefining the relationship between two individuals. Legal separation allows couples to live apart without officially ending the marriage. It can involve parenting arrangements, property division, and spousal support. Divorce, on the other hand, is more final as it involves the legal termination of a marriage. Once a divorce is finalised, both parties are free to remarry. While legal separation provides a breathing space, divorce offers a fresh start. Having supported and represented clients in both legal separations and divorces, Kells is well-equipped to guide you through these processes. Contact us to learn how we can assist with your situation.

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

Yes, child custody arrangements can be changed after they have been finalised. But to do so, you will need to demonstrate to the Family Court a significant change in circumstances that justifies the revision. This can include changes in the child's needs, parental relocation, or concerns about the child's safety. The court will always prioritise the best interests of the child when considering any modifications.

Do I need a lawyer to draft a prenuptial agreement?

While it’s not legally required to have a lawyer draft a prenuptial agreement, it is highly advisable due to the potential pitfalls that can arise without professional guidance and comprehensive legal advice. A lawyer can ensure that the agreement complies with the Family Law Act, is fair, and is enforceable in court. Each party should seek independent legal advice to make sure their rights are fully protected.

Expertise

Family Lawyers - Divorce Lawyers - Child Custody - Financial Agreements

FAMILY LAWYERS WOLLONGONG

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Extensive Experience

Kells' experienced family lawyers specialise in all areas of family law including divorce, separation, child custody, child support, property and financial agreements and settlements.

Dedicated Team

Conveniently located in Wollongong and across the Illawarra region, our family law team offers the highest level of service, whilst remaining affordable and easy to talk to.

Trusted Family Lawyers

Nothing is more important to our team than upholding your rights and best interests throughout your legal process.

Here to Help

Are you going through a separation? Perhaps you need assistance with your property settlement and/or financial agreements? Maybe you might be having trouble with child custody and support?

Relationship breakdowns are difficult. You’re in the middle of an emotional upheaval and the last thing you want to worry about is the legal implications. But, at some point, you’ll need to know what your options are.

At Kells, our family lawyers in Wollongong appreciate the emotional and financial strain that a family law matter can place on an individual and we strive to do all we can to guide our clients through the legal process and provide valuable support during what can often be a very difficult time for you and your children.

Our family law team is led by a NSW Accredited Specialist in Family Law and includes highly experienced and dedicated lawyers, law clerks, paralegals and administrative staff conveniently located throughout the Illawarra region. Our team approach helps to minimise legal costs and means there will always be someone available to talk to you in an informed way.

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

Call (02) 4221 9311

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Hear Our Story

How Can Our Expert Family Lawyers Help?

Our experienced family lawyers in Wollongong and the Illawarra support people who are going through a challenging time in their lives as a result of separation, divorce, children’s issues, adoption, family violence, superannuation splitting, binding financial agreements, and property settlements. We also handle cases involving same-sex relationships and de facto separation.

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Adoption

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Divorce

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Child Custody and Child Support

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Collaborative Law

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Property Settlements

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Binding Financial Agreements/ Prenuptial

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Family Violence and AVO

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Same Sex Relationship

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De Facto Relationship

Separation

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where are your Family Lawyers located?

We have family law solicitors in Wollongong and across the Illawarra including Thirroul, Dapto, and Shellharbour down to Kiama. With Kells, you can expect to receive practical legal advice and dedicated support for your family law issues.
How do I know if I need a Family Lawyer?
If you feel you are in a situation where you might need to seek legal advice you probably should. A solicitor will present the options available to you, highlighting your position and what actions can be taken. You may want to consult a family lawyer about the following circumstances:
- Separation
- De facto relationships
- Divorce
- Same sex relationships
- Property settlements
- Adoption
- Child support
- Children’s issues
- Custody of children
- Superannuation splitting
- Family violence
Not all family violence involves physical harm. It can also be claimed as mental and emotional abuse as well as damage to property.
What does a family lawyer do in Australia?

A family law solicitor in Australia provides legal advice and representation in matters related to family relationships. This includes divorce, separation, child custody, property settlements, financial agreements, and family violence. They guide family law clients through the intricate aspects of the Family Law Act and help negotiate settlements, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court if necessary. Family law solicitors also offer support in non-contentious matters, such as adoption and prenuptial agreements, so that they can protect the rights and best interests of their clients.
What is the Family Law Act in New South Wales?

The Family Law Act 1975 is a federal law that governs family law matters across Australia, including New South Wales. It covers issues such as divorce, child custody, property settlements, and spousal maintenance. The Act emphasises the best interests of children in custody matters and encourages amicable resolutions through mediation and negotiation before litigation is to be considered. Although it's a federal legislation, its principles and guidelines are applied in family courts within New South Wales.
How does the Family Law Act protect children?

The Family Law Act prioritises the safety and wellbeing of children. It establishes that the best interests of the child must be the first and foremost consideration in any decision made by the court. The Act protects children by making sure they have a meaningful relationship with both parents, where appropriate, and are protected from harm, including physical, psychological, and emotional abuse. It also encourages shared parental responsibility, promoting cooperative parenting while keeping children from being exposed to family violence or neglect.
How long does the divorce process take in Australia?

The divorce process in Australia, including New South Wales, typically takes around four months from the time the application is filed until the divorce is finalised. This timeline, however, may vary depending on several key factors including the circumstances of the case, court availability, and whether the application is contested or uncontested. If you are considering filing for divorce, reach out to our experienced family law team today.
What is the difference between a legal separation and divorce?

Legal separation and divorce are two processes that are distinct, yet share the common goal of redefining the relationship between two individuals.

Legal separation allows couples to live apart without officially ending the marriage. It can involve parenting arrangements, property division, and spousal support. Divorce, on the other hand, is more final as it involves the legal termination of a marriage. Once a divorce is finalised, both parties are free to remarry.

While legal separation provides a breathing space, divorce offers a fresh start.

Having supported and represented clients in both legal separations and divorces, Kells is well-equipped to guide you through these processes. Contact us to learn how we can assist with your situation.
Can I change my child custody arrangement after it's been finalised?

Yes, child custody arrangements can be changed after they have been finalised. But to do so, you will need to demonstrate to the Family Court a significant change in circumstances that justifies the revision. This can include changes in the child's needs, parental relocation, or concerns about the child's safety. The court will always prioritise the best interests of the child when considering any modifications.
Do I need a lawyer to draft a prenuptial agreement?

While it’s not legally required to have a lawyer draft a prenuptial agreement, it is highly advisable due to the potential pitfalls that can arise without professional guidance and comprehensive legal advice. A lawyer can ensure that the agreement complies with the Family Law Act, is fair, and is enforceable in court. Each party should seek independent legal advice to make sure their rights are fully protected.