Business Details
Your Trusted Family Law Partner in Central Coast
Central Coast Family Law specialises in guiding clients through complex family law matters with professionalism and empathy. Our team of experienced solicitors focuses exclusively on family law, providing tailored solutions for divorce, property settlements, child custody arrangements, and estate planning. With offices in Gosford and Newcastle, we combine deep legal expertise with a client-centred approach to protect your family, future, and assets.Our lawyers hold advanced qualifications in family law and dispute resolution, ensuring informed representation across all stages of legal proceedings. We prioritise alternative dispute resolution methods to reduce stress and costs while maintaining readiness for court advocacy when necessary. Our practice philosophy balances technical legal proficiency with compassionate support during life's most challenging transitions.
Services
Divorce Proceedings
Child Custody Arrangements
Property Settlements
Estate Planning
Power of Attorney
Enduring Guardianship
Spousal Maintenance
Family Mediation
Will Disputes
Court Representation
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined experience in family law across Gosford and Newcastle
- Our team includes accredited mediators and specialists in family dispute resolution
- We prioritise alternative dispute resolution to reduce emotional and financial costs
- Our solicitors hold advanced qualifications in applied family law and mediation
- We provide clear, practical advice tailored to each client's unique circumstances
What people say
Experienced team
Compassionate support
Clear advice
Effective representation
Timely resolution
Services
Divorce Proceedings
We guide clients through Australia's no-fault divorce process, ensuring compliance with the 12-month separation requirement. Our solicitors handle court applications, documentation, and hearing preparations while explaining your rights regarding child custody and property division. With expertise in complex divorce cases, we protect your interests throughout the legal process.
Child Custody Arrangements
Our family law specialists help establish custody arrangements prioritising children's best interests. We assist with parenting plans, visitation schedules, and dispute resolution while addressing education, healthcare, and living arrangements. The team advocates for practical solutions that maintain meaningful parent-child relationships through mediation or court proceedings when necessary.
Property Settlements
We manage equitable division of assets acquired during relationships, including real estate, investments, and business interests. Our solicitors provide strategic advice on financial disclosures, valuation processes, and negotiation strategies. With experience in complex property matters involving international assets or business structures, we protect clients' financial futures during separation.
Estate Planning
Our legal team assists with creating comprehensive estate plans including wills, power of attorney, and enduring guardianship documents. We provide guidance on asset protection, tax implications, and succession planning while ensuring compliance with NSW legal requirements for valid documentation.
Family Mediation
We facilitate alternative dispute resolution through accredited mediation services, helping couples reach agreements outside court. Our mediators specialise in parenting plans, property division, and maintenance arrangements while maintaining impartiality and focusing on mutually beneficial outcomes that reduce emotional and financial costs.
People
Tanya Hibberd
Senior Associate Lawyer | Family Law Team Leader
Experienced family law solicitor with expertise in complex parenting and property matters. Holds Masters in Applied Law (Family Law) and provides strategic legal guidance for clients in Gosford.
Caitlin Jones
Senior Associate Lawyer | Family Law Team Leader
Dedicated family law practitioner with experience in family violence cases and child support agreements. Committed to client support through clear communication and practical legal solutions in Newcastle.
Amelia Brayley
Senior Associate | Family Law
Accredited mediator specialising in family dispute resolution. Combines legal practice with mediation expertise to resolve parenting and property disputes while preparing for FDRP registration.
Natalie Russell
Senior Associate | Family Law
Experienced in complex property settlements involving business structures and international assets. Holds Masters in Applied Law with multiple academic achievements in family law specialisation.
Michelle Bromfield
Senior Associate Wills & Estates
Specialises in estate planning, contested wills, and property law. Provides comprehensive legal solutions for estate administration and litigation matters from the Gosford office.
Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in Australia?
The only ground for divorce is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage after 12 months separation. Fault or reasons for breakdown aren't considered by the court.
How are child custody arrangements determined?
The court prioritises children's best interests, considering relationship benefits with both parents and protection from harm. We help establish practical parenting plans addressing living arrangements and decision-making responsibilities.
What factors affect property division?
The court considers financial and non-financial contributions, future needs, and fairness. Homemaking contributions are valued equally to financial contributions in most cases.
Do I need a lawyer for family law matters?
While not mandatory, legal representation ensures proper documentation, protects your rights, and provides strategic guidance through complex legal processes with long-term implications.
How can I modify existing parenting orders?
Changes require demonstrating significant circumstances affecting the child's best interests. We assist with formal modifications through court applications or mediated agreements.
What happens if my ex-partner won't cooperate?
We can initiate court proceedings to enforce agreements or establish formal orders. The court may issue interim orders while final resolutions are determined through mediation or litigation.