Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Trusted Family Law Partner in Sandgate
Established in 2010, Sarah Cleeland Family Lawyers is a specialised boutique family law firm dedicated to providing expert legal advice, representation, and conflict resolution services. With over 24 years of experience, Principal Solicitor Sarah Cleeland leads a team of highly trained professionals, including senior family lawyers, mediators, collaborative lawyers, and parenting coordinators. Our practice focuses exclusively on family law, offering compassionate support during challenging times such as separation, divorce, property settlements, and parenting disputes. We prioritise a nuanced approach, combining legal expertise with emotional understanding to guide clients through complex matters like child support, domestic violence, and child protection.Recognised on the DOYLES List for Parenting and Family Lawyers for four consecutive years and named in the Brisbane Best Lawyers List (2022-2023), we pride ourselves on delivering trustworthy, client-centric solutions. Our team's extensive experience, including over 50 combined years in family law, ensures tailored support for each client's unique circumstances. We maintain strict confidentiality and offer obligation-free consultations, alongside accessible resources to empower informed decision-making. Our commitment to excellence extends to community engagement, supporting local sporting clubs, schools, and events. With a focus on transparency and ethical practice, we aim to demystify family law while advocating for clients' best interests.
Services
Divorce
Property Settlements
Parenting Disputes
Child Support
Mediation
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer 24+ years of dedicated family law expertise led by Principal Solicitor Sarah Cleeland.
- Our team includes senior lawyers, mediators, and parenting coordinators with 50+ combined years in family law.
- We provide compassionate, client-centric support during emotionally challenging times.
- Recognised in the DOYLES List for Parenting and Family Lawyers for four consecutive years.
- We offer obligation-free initial consultations and accessible legal resources.
Associations and certifications
- DOYLES List
- Brisbane Best Lawyers List
What people say
Amazing support
Favourable outcome
Patient and understanding
Highly recommended
Excellent guidance
Services
Divorce
Our experienced team assists with preparing divorce applications, court representation, and finalising legal separation. We guide clients through procedural requirements, including service arrangements and court appearances when children are involved. With affordable support and clear explanations, we simplify the divorce process while maintaining professional standards.
Property Settlements
We provide expert advice on property division for both pre-relationship agreements and post-separation settlements. Our services include binding financial agreements, consent orders, and court representation to ensure fair asset distribution. We help clients understand their entitlements regarding real estate, investments, and personal assets during separation.
Parenting Disputes
Our team specialises in resolving parenting conflicts through mediation and legal representation. We assist with parenting plans, court orders, and alternative dispute resolution methods. We represent parents, caregivers, and extended family members in matters concerning child welfare, visitation rights, and custody arrangements.
Child Support
We help negotiate binding child support agreements and provide guidance on government assessments. Our services include drafting formal agreements, advising on payment arrangements, and resolving disputes through mediation or court proceedings. We ensure compliance with legal requirements while prioritising children's best interests.
Mediation
Our accredited mediators facilitate constructive discussions to resolve family law disputes amicably. We offer mediation services for property division, parenting arrangements, and financial support matters. This alternative to court proceedings promotes cooperative solutions while maintaining legal compliance and protecting client interests.
People
Sarah Cleeland
Principal Solicitor
With over 24 years of family law experience since qualifying in 1999, Sarah established the firm in 2010. Recognised in the DOYLES List and Brisbane Best Lawyers List, she specialises in complex family law matters including mediation and child protection cases.
Shelby MacDonald
Senior Associate
Experienced family law practitioner providing expert legal representation in divorce, property settlements, and parenting disputes. Works closely with clients to achieve favourable outcomes through negotiation or litigation.
Kathryn McLoughlin
Senior Associate
Specialises in parenting arrangements and child support matters. Offers practical legal solutions while maintaining compassionate client support throughout the legal process.
Laura Buchanan
Senior Family Lawyer
Focuses on property settlements and financial agreements. Provides clear guidance on asset division and binding financial arrangements during relationship transitions.
Olivia
Personal Assistant
With extensive family law experience, assists clients in coordinating legal services and maintaining smooth communication between clients and assigned lawyers.
Questions
What family law services do you specialise in?
We specialise in divorce, property settlements, parenting disputes, child support, mediation, and child protection cases.
How can I book an appointment?
Contact us directly through our website or phone to schedule an obligation-free consultation with our team.
Do you serve areas outside Sandgate?
While based in Sandgate, we serve clients across Brisbane and surrounding regions.
Are there payment plans available?
We offer flexible payment options – please discuss your specific needs with our team during consultation.
Do you handle emergency family law matters?
We prioritise urgent cases like domestic violence or child protection – contact us immediately for assistance.
What resources do you offer for family law education?
We provide downloadable guides, parenting coordination resources, and links to official family law legislation and support services.
