Family Lawyers in Parramatta, NSW

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Compassionate Family Law Advice You Can Rely On

Separation and family disputes are among the most stressful experiences anyone can face — but you don't have to navigate them alone. Crown Attorneys provides practical, compassionate and strategic family law advice from our office in the heart of Parramatta, acting for clients across Western Sydney, greater Sydney and the whole of New South Wales. We help separating couples and parents resolve matters as calmly and fairly as possible, with a focus on negotiation and mediation where appropriate, and confident court representation when agreement cannot be reached.

Australian family law is governed primarily by the Family Law Act 1975, a national law that applies the same way whether you were married or in a de facto relationship. Our role is to explain how that law applies to your situation in plain English, protect your interests and those of your children, and guide you toward a workable outcome — not to inflame conflict. From divorce and parenting arrangements to property settlements and binding financial agreements, we tailor our approach to what your family actually needs.

Our Family Law Services

We advise and act across the full range of family law matters, including:

• Divorce & Separation: Step-by-step guidance through the separation and divorce process, including sole and joint applications.
• Property Settlement & Division of Assets: Identifying, valuing and fairly dividing the asset pool, including the family home, superannuation, businesses and debts.
• Parenting & Child Custody Arrangements: Workable arrangements for who children live with and how they spend time with each parent.
• Child Support: Advice on assessments and child support agreements that protect your children's welfare.
• De Facto Relationships: Property and parenting advice for de facto and same-sex couples, who have broadly the same rights as married couples.
• Consent Orders: Drafting and filing legally binding orders to formalise agreed parenting or property arrangements.
• Binding Financial Agreements ("prenups"): Agreements made before, during or after a relationship to set out how assets are handled.
• Family Dispute Resolution & Mediation: Structured, less adversarial processes to help you reach agreement and avoid court.
• Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs): Advice and representation where family violence intersects with parenting or property matters.
• Family Court Representation: Skilled, measured advocacy when a matter has to proceed to court.

Dividing Property & Securing Your Financial Future

One of the biggest concerns after separation is what happens to the assets you have built together. Australian family law does not divide property automatically 50/50. Instead, the court works through a structured process — identifying and valuing the asset pool (including the family home, savings, superannuation, businesses, vehicles and debts), assessing each person's financial and non-financial contributions, considering future needs such as the care of children, age, health and earning capacity, and then checking that the overall result is just and equitable. We help you understand where you realistically stand and work to secure a fair, durable settlement, whether through negotiation or, where necessary, the court.

Parenting, Child Support & Putting Children First

When children are involved, the guiding principle under the Family Law Act 1975 is the best interests of the child — not the rights or wishes of either parent. We help parents reach practical arrangements about where children live, how they spend time with each parent, and how important long-term decisions are made. Many parents are able to agree with support, which we then formalise through a parenting plan or consent orders. We also advise on child support, including assessments and private child support agreements, so that your children's day-to-day needs are properly met. Where there are concerns about family violence, we can advise on apprehended violence orders (AVOs) and how safety considerations affect parenting arrangements.

How a Typical Family Law Matter Works

Every family is different, but most matters move through a similar sequence. Understanding the process helps you make calmer, better-informed decisions:

1. Initial advice and disclosure. We learn about your circumstances, explain your rights and obligations, and gather the financial and other information both parties are required to disclose honestly.
2. Attempting agreement through negotiation or mediation. Wherever it is safe and appropriate, we try to resolve matters by agreement — through direct negotiation or family dispute resolution — which is usually faster, cheaper and less stressful than court.
3. Formalising the agreement. Once terms are agreed, we draft and file consent orders or a binding financial agreement so the arrangement is legally enforceable and gives both parties certainty.
4. Applying to court if the matter cannot be resolved. If agreement is not possible, or there are urgent safety concerns, we prepare and run your application and represent you through to a final hearing.

Local to Parramatta — A Real Advantage in Family Court

Most family law matters in NSW are heard in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, which has a registry right here in Parramatta. With our office at 85 George Street just minutes from the court, we can attend filings, registrar appointments and hearings efficiently, and we know how the local registry operates. This local presence is a genuine advantage if your matter does end up in court. We act for families across Western Sydney, including Westmead, Blacktown, Liverpool, Bankstown, Auburn, Castle Hill and the surrounding suburbs, as well as clients throughout greater Sydney and regional NSW.

Why Choose Crown Attorneys for Family Law?

We understand that family law matters are deeply personal. Our team combines specialist family law expertise with clear communication, so you always understand your position and your options.

• In-depth knowledge of NSW family law and Federal Circuit and Family Court procedures.
• A measured, child-focused approach that aims to reduce conflict, not inflame it.
• Clear, straightforward communication — no unnecessary legal jargon.
• A registry on our doorstep at Parramatta, with strong local court experience.
• Fixed-fee options for some matters, such as straightforward divorce applications and consent orders.

Whatever stage you are at — whether you are thinking about separating, dealing with a parenting dispute, or working through a property settlement — early advice helps you protect your interests and your children. Contact our Parramatta office today on 1800 018 018 for a confidential consultation with one of our experienced family lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is property divided in a separation?

Australian family law does not split assets automatically 50/50. The court works through a structured process: identifying and valuing the asset pool, assessing each person's financial and non-financial contributions (including as a homemaker or parent), considering future needs such as care of children, age, health and earning capacity, and then checking that the overall division is just and equitable. Most property settlements are resolved by agreement and formalised through consent orders or a binding financial agreement, without a contested hearing.

Who decides parenting and custody arrangements?

Wherever possible, parents are encouraged to agree on arrangements themselves, often with the help of family dispute resolution. The guiding principle in the Family Law Act 1975 is the best interests of the child, not the rights of either parent. If parents cannot agree, the court can make parenting orders covering who the children live with, how they spend time with each parent, and how decisions about their long-term care are made. We help you reach workable arrangements and represent you in court if agreement is not possible.

Do we have to go to court to sort out our family law matter?

No. Most family law matters are resolved without a contested final hearing. For parenting disputes, families are generally required to attempt family dispute resolution before applying to court, except in cases involving family violence or urgency. Negotiation, mediation and consent orders allow many separating couples to settle their arrangements privately, which is usually faster, less expensive and less stressful. Court is the appropriate path when agreement cannot be reached or where there are safety concerns.

How long does a divorce take in Australia?

To apply for a divorce in Australia you must usually be separated for at least 12 months. Once an application is filed and the requirements are met, the divorce order generally takes a few months to be granted and becomes final one month and one day after the order is made. A divorce only ends the marriage itself — property settlement and parenting arrangements are dealt with separately, and there are time limits for bringing property claims after a divorce becomes final.

What about de facto relationships?

De facto couples, including same-sex couples, have broadly the same rights as married couples when it comes to property settlement and parenting under the Family Law Act 1975. To make a property or maintenance claim, a de facto couple generally needs to have lived together on a genuine domestic basis for at least two years, or have a child together, or have made substantial contributions. There are strict time limits for de facto claims, so it is important to get advice early.

How much does a family lawyer cost?

Costs depend on the type of matter and how complex it is, and whether it can be resolved by agreement or has to be litigated. We offer fixed-fee options for some matters, such as straightforward divorce applications and consent orders, while parenting and contested property matters are usually charged according to the work involved because they vary so much. In every case we provide a clear cost agreement up front so you understand the fees before any work begins.

Do you offer a free initial consultation?

Yes. We offer a confidential initial consultation so you can explain your situation and understand your options before deciding how to proceed. You can reach us on 1800 018 018 or at info@crownattorneys.com.