Business Details
16 Years
experience
Expert Family Law Services in North Sydney
At Pigdon Norgate Family Lawyers, we are a specialist family law firm driven by the pursuit of what is best for our clients. Our team of lawyers combines experience and ingenuity into strategies tailored to individual circumstances, avoiding unnecessary litigation. Founded in 2010 by accredited family law specialists Suzanne Pigdon and Rosemary Norgate, we have built a reputation for providing outstanding legal advice and client care. Our expertise spans separation, divorce, financial arrangements, parenting disputes, and child support, with recognition in Doyles Guide as leading family lawyers.We prioritise transparency, frequent communication, and collaboration when possible, offering services across Sydney and regional New South Wales. Our approach includes conflict checks, personalised consultations, strategic case management, and support throughout the legal process, with a focus on achieving successful outcomes through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.
Services
De Facto Relationships
Same Sex Relationships
Property Settlements
Spousal Maintenance
Financial Agreements
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Relocating with Children
Child Abduction (Hague Convention)
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer over 14 years of combined experience in family law from accredited specialists.
- Our tailored strategies prioritise your unique circumstances and avoid unnecessary litigation.
- Recognised in Doyles Guide as leading family lawyers in Australia.
- We provide transparent communication and collaborative dispute resolution options.
- Our team supports clients across Sydney and regional NSW with flexible services.
Associations and certifications
- Doyles Guide
Services
Property Settlements
We handle property settlements for married and de facto couples under the Family Law Act 1975. Our process involves identifying and valuing assets, assessing contributions, and determining fair divisions. Applications must be filed within 12 months of divorce or 2 years post-separation. We assist with negotiations, financial agreements, and court proceedings to ensure equitable outcomes.
Spousal Maintenance
Our spousal maintenance services address financial support for parties unable to self-support post-separation. We evaluate needs, financial capacity, and factors like age, health, and living standards. Applications can be urgent, interim, or final, with orders typically time-limited. We guide clients through court processes and enforceable agreements.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
We specialise in mediation, collaboration, and arbitration to resolve disputes without court. Suzanne Pigdon, a National Accredited Mediator, leads these efforts. This approach reduces costs, stress, and time while fostering cooperative solutions for parenting, financial, and property matters.
De Facto Relationships
We advise on property, maintenance, and parenting rights for de facto couples under the Family Law Act 1975. Services include financial agreements, separation guidance, and court representation. Applications must be filed within 2 years of separation, with exceptions for limited circumstances.
Child Abduction (Hague Convention)
We handle urgent cases under the Hague Convention for wrongful child removal or retention. Our expertise includes court applications, cross-border negotiations, and compliance with international treaties to secure the child's return and resolve custody disputes.
People
Suzanne Pigdon
Director
Suzanne Pigdon is an accredited family law specialist and mediator with over 14 years of experience. She co-founded Pigdon Norgate in 2010, focusing on complex family disputes, property settlements, and parenting matters. Her expertise includes court representation and alternative dispute resolution.
Rosemary Norgate
Director
Rosemary Norgate is a family law accredited specialist and collaboratively trained lawyer. She co-founded Pigdon Norgate in 2010, specialising in divorce, financial agreements, and child custody cases. Her approach prioritises client needs through tailored legal strategies.
Jack Hensley
Director
Jack Hensley is a senior associate with expertise in family law litigation and dispute resolution. He joined Pigdon Norgate after practising in major firms, focusing on property settlements, spousal maintenance, and complex parenting disputes.
Hannah Gore
Senior Associate
Hannah Gore specialises in family law, including de facto relationships, child support, and financial agreements. She joined Pigdon Norgate in 2020, bringing experience in court advocacy and client-focused legal advice.
Jessica Preston
Senior Associate
Jessica Preston is a senior associate with a focus on property settlements, parenting arrangements, and spousal maintenance. She joined Pigdon Norgate in 2019, offering strategic legal solutions for high-conflict family law cases.
Questions
How do I apply for a divorce?
You can apply for divorce online in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia after 12 months of separation. Applications require proof of separation and details of childcare arrangements.
Do de facto couples have the same rights as married couples?
Yes, de facto couples have equal rights under the Family Law Act 1975 for property, maintenance, and parenting matters.
What is alternative dispute resolution?
Alternative dispute resolution includes mediation and collaboration to resolve family law issues without court, reducing costs and stress while fostering cooperative solutions.
How are property settlements determined?
Courts assess property value, contributions, and future needs to divide assets fairly. Applications must be filed within 12 months of divorce or 2 years post-separation.
What if we have children under 18?
The court requires proof of childcare arrangements, housing, education, and financial support before granting a divorce.
Can I get spousal maintenance?
Spousal maintenance is available if you cannot self-support and your ex-partner can afford payments. Applications can be urgent, interim, or final.
