Business Details
6 Years
experience
Your Trusted Family Law Partner in Sydney
Santo Family Lawyers is a boutique law firm dedicated exclusively to family law, established to help clients resolve legal matters with timeliness, cost-consciousness, and dignity. Our firm prioritizes prompt and candid advice, ensuring clients receive superior service tailored to their unique circumstances. We specialize in property disputes, parenting arrangements, divorce, de facto matters, spousal and child support, and binding financial agreements, including prenuptial arrangements. Our approach emphasizes swift yet thoughtful resolutions through negotiation while maintaining extensive litigation expertise when necessary. We guide clients through the complexities of family law with transparency, keeping them informed and prepared throughout the process.The firms principal, Carla Santo, brings nearly two decades of experience and accreditation as a family law specialist by the Law Society of NSW. Her expertise spans financial and property matters, parenting disputes involving family violence or relocation, and international Hague Convention proceedings. Carlas qualifications include a Bachelor of Business and a Juris Doctor with Honours, enabling her to navigate complex financial structures and taxation issues. Clients consistently praise our assertive advocacy, professionalism, and compassionate support during lifes most challenging transitions. We empower clients to make informed decisions by providing objective perspectives and prioritizing their rights and entitlements.
Services
Divorce
Property Settlements
Parenting Matters
Child Support
Financial Agreements
Details
- Year established: 2020
Highlights and features
- We offer 20 years of specialized family law expertise with accreditation by the Law Society of NSW.
- Our principal lawyer handles all cases directly, ensuring consistent communication and personalized service.
- We prioritize transparent billing practices without 6-minute increment charges or restrictive fixed fees.
- Our team excels in complex financial and parenting disputes, including international child relocation cases.
- Clients consistently praise our compassionate support and assertive advocacy in court proceedings.
Associations and certifications
- Law Society of NSW - Family Law Specialist
What people say
Thoughtful, professional approach
Supportive during stressful times
Exceptional communication skills
Strong courtroom advocacy
Highly recommendable service
Services
Divorce Proceedings
We guide clients through the divorce process with clarity and efficiency. Our services include preparing applications, advising on separation requirements, and representing clients in court when necessary. We ensure compliance with 12-month separation rules and provide strategic counsel for post-divorce property settlements within the 12-month timeframe.
Property Settlements
Our expertise covers complex property division matters involving real estate, financial accounts, trusts, and business structures. We help clients identify assets, assess contributions, and negotiate fair settlements. When litigation is required, we advocate for equitable outcomes in both court and mediation settings while addressing taxation implications.
Parenting Arrangements
We specialize in creating parenting plans that prioritize children's best interests. Services include negotiating custody arrangements, addressing relocation requests, and handling cases involving family violence or substance abuse. Our experience extends to international Hague Convention proceedings for child abduction cases.
Financial Agreements
We draft and review binding financial agreements to protect assets before or during relationships. Our services ensure legal compliance while addressing property division, spousal maintenance, and future financial security. We provide clear advice on enforceability and long-term implications of these agreements.
Child Support
We advise on child support obligations and entitlements under Australian law. Our services include calculating payments, modifying existing arrangements, and enforcing compliance through legal channels. We help clients understand their rights while balancing the children's needs with financial realities.
People
Carla Santo
Principal Lawyer
Carla Santo is an accredited family law specialist with nearly 20 years' experience. She holds a Juris Doctor with Honours and Bachelor of Business, enabling expertise in financial structures and taxation. Carla specializes in complex property disputes, parenting matters involving family violence, and international child relocation cases. Her assertive advocacy and compassionate approach have earned consistent client praise.
Questions
What areas of family law do you specialize in?
We specialize in divorce, property settlements, parenting arrangements, child support, spousal maintenance, domestic violence cases, and financial agreements including prenuptial contracts.
How do you handle complex financial disputes?
Our principal lawyer combines legal expertise with financial acumen to address complex asset divisions involving trusts, business structures, and taxation issues through negotiation or litigation.
Can you assist with international child custody matters?
Yes, we handle Hague Convention proceedings for international child abduction cases and have experience in cross-border parenting disputes involving relocation requests.
What makes your firm different from general practice lawyers?
We exclusively practice family law with specialist accreditation, avoiding general practitioners. Our principal handles all cases directly, ensuring consistent communication and specialized expertise.
How are legal fees structured?
We charge transparent hourly rates without 6-minute increment billing. We avoid restrictive fixed fees, charging only for actual work performed while providing cost-effective resolution strategies.
When should I seek legal advice during separation?
Seek advice as soon as possible, even before separation. Early consultation helps protect financial interests and establish parenting arrangements, potentially preventing lengthy disputes.
