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Family Lawyers Sydney
Our Sydney family lawyers take a strategic yet empathetic approach, resolving family law matters efficiently, with confidence and care.
2026
Best Family Law Firm 2026 - Sydney
by Acquisition International’s Global Excellence Awards
- Trusted By Over 5,000 Families
- Multi-Award Winning Law Firm
- Compassionate & Strategic Approach
ASSISTED OVER 5,000 FAMILIES
Our Awards
Work with an award-winning, highly rated team of Sydney family lawyers
Our Sydney family law team knows that family law matters can escalate quickly. Delays, unclear advice, or early decisions made without proper guidance can affect parenting arrangements, property outcomes, and long-term financial security. That’s why it’s important to work with a family law firm that you can trust with your future.
At Justice Family Lawyers, our Sydney family law firm has been recognised with multiple awards, including the ‘Family Law Firm of the Year in Australia (2026)’, ‘Best Family Law Firm 2026 – Sydney’, the ‘Inside Family Law Awards 2025’, ‘Local Business Awards’ and the ‘Best Business of 2024’. With an average rating of 4.9 from over 240 Google reviews, we are trusted by Sydney families for our compassionate and strategic approach to complex family law matters.
With a strong track record of successfully resolving family law matters and advocacy focused on achieving a fair outcome, you’ll always feel confident that your matter is in the right hands.
Awards and Recognition
- Winner, Family Lawyers of the Year in Australia – Lawyer Network Annual Awards 2026
- Legal Services CEO of the Year 2026 (Sydney): Hayder Shkara Community Impact Excellence Award 2026
- Family Law Firm of the Year in Australia (2026)
- Inside Family Law Awards (2025)
- Local Business Awards
- Best Business of 2024 by ThreeBest Rated
- Best Family Law Firm 2026 - Sydney by Acquisition International’s Global Excellence Awards
- Winner-2025 Sydney Young Entrepreneur Legal Award (Hayder Shkara)
Our Sydney family lawyers will ensure you understand your position early.
Whether you are dealing with separation, parenting or property, the legal process can feel uncertain if you don’t know where you stand. You may be given advice from friends or others who have gone through the process, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right course of action for your situation.
The truth is, family law requires a specific balance of strength, knowledge, and compassion – and this is what sets our team apart. Our Sydney family lawyers practise exclusively in family law, giving them the depth of knowledge needed to provide clear advice, tailored strategies, and practical support for every stage of your matter.
When you work with Justice Family Lawyers, you will always know:
- What your position is
- What your options are
- What happens next
You’ll receive direct advice on your position from the outset, with a clear plan and strategy tailored to your circumstances. Matters are approached with a focus on resolving issues through strong, measured negotiation, while also being carefully prepared should court become necessary.
Get clear advice before you make your next move.
How Can We Help You?
Divorce Applications
Guiding you through divorce and separation with clear advice on your rights, the process, and the steps needed to move forward with certainty.
Property Settlements
Helping you address property settlement with strategic advice on asset division, entitlements, and how to reach a fair and workable outcome.
Parenting & Child Custody
Advising on parenting and custody arrangements with a focus on your child’s best interests, while helping you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Consent Orders
Formalising your agreements through consent orders, ensuring your arrangements are legally binding and properly structured to avoid future disputes.
Prenups & BFAs
Preparing binding financial agreements that clearly set out financial arrangements, protect your position, and reduce risk if circumstances change.
Family Law Mediation
Resolving disputes through mediation with practical guidance, helping you reach informed agreements while avoiding unnecessary court involvement.
You Are In Safe Hands
Clear strategy. Strong negotiation. Proven experience.
Family law matters can move quickly, and the approach taken from the outset can have long-term consequences. You need more than advice alone. You need a strategy that makes sense for your circumstances and a team with the experience to move your matter forward effectively.
Our Sydney family lawyers simplify the process, explain your options clearly, and provide a structured path forward. Every available option is explored to reach a resolution, whether through mediation, negotiation, or court proceedings, if required. Your matter will be approached strategically to reduce unnecessary conflict and cost, ensuring you feel informed and confident in your decisions.
With every case, your options are carefully assessed, and clear guidance is provided about the next steps. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. You receive personalised support based on your family’s needs and the outcome you are working towards.
No matter what you are facing, we’ll ensure you have the right strategy in place to protect your position and achieve the best possible outcome.
Expert Insights On The Australian Family Law System
At Justice Family Lawyers, we share clear, practical insights on divorce, parenting and property matters through our YouTube channel. Presented by our Director Hayder Shkara, we explain how the law applies in real situations so you can understand your options and take the next step with confidence. Please note, this is general information only, not legal advice.
Family Law Explainers
Hayder Shkara
Director
Hayder Shkara is recognised for his thought leadership and is considered an authority in Australian family law, supported by his strong public presence and consistent industry recognition.
As the founder and director of Justice Family Lawyers, he has built a reputation for delivering structured, outcome-focused advice across complex family law matters.
Hayder is known for combining clear legal strategy with practical, client-focused guidance. His work reflects a balance of strong technical knowledge and measured, empathetic support, helping clients understand their position and make informed decisions.
An Olympian who represented Australia in Taekwondo at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, Hayder brings discipline, strategic thinking and composure to high-pressure legal situations.
Harpreet Bawa
Senior Associate
Family law specialist with expertise in complex financial splits, recovery and relocation orders, and high-conflict parenting matters.
Monique Alexander
Senior Associate
Family law practitioner skilled in property and parenting matters, drawing on her background as a Court Associate to provide informed, effective advocacy.
Laila Sayed
Solicitor
Family law solicitor specialising in parenting and property disputes, known for her empathy, advocacy, and client-focused approach.
Bree Campbell
Solicitor
Family and criminal law solicitor specialising in AVO matters, criminal defence, and parenting and property disputes.
Karly Muller
Solicitor
Karly graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 2021 and completed her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) with the College of Law in 2022.
Justice Family Lawyers - Expert advice. Confident decisions. Real outcomes.
Working with our team means getting the guidance that considers the legal, personal, and financial impact of every decision. Whether it’s achieving a fair split of assets, creating practical and workable parenting plans, or managing complex financial arrangements, we focus on solutions that protect your long-term position.
You’ll receive clear advice from the outset, practical decision-making, and strong negotiation where appropriate. Matters are handled efficiently to avoid unnecessary delays or costs, while keeping you fully informed at every step.
By the end of your matter, you’ll have legally binding arrangements that protect your position – and the certainty to focus on what comes next, knowing your family and financial future are secure.
We Help You Make Informed Decisions
Working with experienced family lawyers Sydney means you get practical guidance and realistic outcomes.
We have resolved a wide range of matters, from parenting disputes to high-value property cases. Our track record shows consistent results for clients involved in property settlement negotiations or court proceedings. As skilled property settlement lawyers, we make sure your financial future is taken seriously and handled with care.
We understand that many clients are under emotional pressure. That’s why we provide legal clarity while managing the financial and psychological stresses that can come with family law disputes. Whether you’re separating, dividing assets or making parenting arrangements, we will help you make well-informed choices.
Our divorce law firm is built on compassion, professionalism and commitment to our clients. We take pride in building lasting trust through consistent, responsive service.
Parenting arrangements for your family's future
When children are involved, reaching the right outcome is critical. Parenting arrangements should always support the child’s best interests while also allowing both parents to participate meaningfully in their child’s life.
Working with a child custody lawyer ensures your plan is thorough and fair. We focus on setting expectations, promoting healthy communication and avoiding future conflict through clearly drafted parenting plans.
Your agreement should cover decision-making responsibilities, visitation schedules, school arrangements and other day-to-day care matters. A qualified child custody lawyer will assist you in drafting a practical plan that reflects your child’s needs and your family’s structure.
If you are dealing with a relocation issue or have concerns about parental capacity, a child custody lawyer can also help present your case with clarity and professionalism.
Legal Clarity for Family Law
Legal proceedings often involve complex paperwork, high emotions and uncertainty. Clarity reduces misunderstandings and helps all parties move forward more confidently.
This is particularly true in property settlement cases. Whether you are working with property settlement lawyers or resolving matters directly with the other party, it’s important to understand what assets and liabilities are being discussed.
We provide our clients with complete breakdowns of the asset pool, clarify likely outcomes and ensure they understand their legal obligations. Our property settlement lawyers help you plan for the next phase of life with security and control.
If matters escalate, we are ready to pursue court outcomes with a strong, strategic approach.
How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Australia?
On average legal fees vary from $3,000 to $25,000 depending on the type of matter and the complexity of your case. An average family lawyer charges between $400 – $600 per hour.
A simple separation may be resolved quickly, while cases involving property settlement lawyers and child custody disputes may take longer.
At your initial consultation, you will receive a cost estimate based on the scope of your matter. This allows you to make informed financial decisions about whether to proceed and how to manage expenses.
Why Work With Justice Family Lawyers?
Family law decisions carry long-term consequences, which is why clear advice early matters. At Justice Family Lawyers, you are guided through each stage with practical, strategic insight grounded in real-world application of the Australian Family Law Act 1975.
We focus on resolving matters efficiently where possible, while preparing thoroughly if court becomes necessary. You will understand your options, your risks and your next steps, so you can move forward with confidence and make informed decisions about your future.
How We Work Together
Step 1. Book Free Discovery Call
We listen to your situation, identify the immediate issues and help you understand the most sensible next step.
Step 2. Get Clear Advice
We explain your legal position, answer your questions and outline a practical strategy for divorce, parenting and property matters.
Step 3. Confident Resolution
We work toward a legally binding outcome through negotiation, mediation, or court, where required, so you can move forward with certainty.
Get Started Today
If you are separating or considering divorce, early advice can shape the outcome. Speak with our Sydney family lawyers to understand your position, your options, and the most effective way to move your matter forward. Book your free discovery call today.
Related Articles
Hayder Shkara is the Director of Justice Family Lawyers and a recognised authority in Australian family law. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Communications from UTS, and provides clear, strategic advice across divorce, parenting and property matters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with Justice Family Lawyers?
If you’d like to work with our family lawyers in Sydney, you can book a consultation online or by phoning us on 1300 614 732. Our family lawyers will assess your situation and advise on the process, likely timeframe, and expected costs.
Do I need a lawyer to get a divorce?
Many people in Australia apply for a divorce without using a divorce lawyer, especially when it’s a fairly straightforward matter. This can be done by deciding whether to file a joint or sole application, and by filing the correct forms, paperwork, and identification documents on the Commonwealth Courts Portal, and paying the filing fees.
Working with a divorce law firm can help you streamline the process and save time, and it is generally a better option for those with more complex divorce applications, such as overseas marriages, different jurisdictions, issues serving paperwork or locating your former partner. If you have children under 18, you will also need to satisfy the court that proper arrangements have been made for their care when filing for a divorce.
It’s also important to be aware that filing for a divorce does not address parenting and property matters, which each have their own legal processes. There are also time limits for property settlement, and once you have filed for divorce and a divorce order is granted, you have a 12-month window from when the divorce order takes effect to initiate property settlement, or you may be unable to do so without special permission from the court.
Do people in de facto relationships have the same rights as married couples during separation?
In many cases, yes. Under section 4aa in the Family Law Act, de facto couples living together in a genuine domestic relationship have similar rights, entitlements and obligations to married couples when it comes to property division, financial support and parenting matters. The courts will require some proof of the nature of the relationship and will consider factors such as whether you lived together and for how long, and whether you share children. Time limits and eligibility criteria apply, so it is important to get advice early.
How are parenting arrangements decided after separation?
Parenting arrangements are determined based on what is in the child’s best interests under section 60cc of the Family Law Act 1975, including factors such as safety, relationships and overall wellbeing. There is no set share of care defined in Australian family law, so it’s up to co-parents to decide what works best for their children, where possible, to avoid a court deciding on the outcome. We often see issues arise when parents expect they will have 50/50 shared care, or a set division of time, when in reality, the arrangement needs to be based on what is going to be best for the child, or children involved.
Arrangements may also change over time as children grow, so it’s worth discussing the bigger picture early on. Many families reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation, which can then be formalised to create a clear, workable structure. This is generally done with a written agreement, called a parenting plan, or via consent orders, which are approved by the court and are legally binding.
What does a child custody lawyer do?
A child custody lawyer, or parenting lawyer, helps you to reach an agreement with your former partner regarding the care of your children, often through mediation or negotiation. They may assist you in drafting parenting agreements, such as parenting plans and consent orders, filing court applications, and resolving disputes over where the child lives or how decisions are made.
Most matters can be resolved without going to court, but urgent matters – such as safety risks, recovering a child or relocation – and complex disputes or international parenting matters may require court proceedings. Our Sydney family law team has extensive experience helping families resolve straightforward and complex disputes, both within Australia and across jurisdictions.
How are assets divided during a separation?
Under section 79 of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), married and de facto couples’ assets and debts are divided based on a number of factors, including:
- Financial and non-financial contributions of each party
- Current and future needs of each party
- Length of the relationship, and if there are children involved
The court generally follows a four-step process of identifying the pool, contributions and current and future needs to reach an outcome. Other factors, such as family violence, the health of both parties and their future earning capacity, are also taken into account to determine what is a just and equitable division in their specific circumstances. A property settlement lawyer will help you determine what’s in the asset pool, what contributions each party made and how future needs affect each party’s entitlements.
Can you help with international family law matters?
Yes. Our Sydney family lawyers have experience handling a wide range of cross-border and international family law matters. This includes international divorce and separation, parenting arrangements involving children living in Australia or overseas, and property disputes with assets located across multiple jurisdictions. We also assist with urgent recovery of children under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, as well as complex relocation and parenting issues.
Our team can also assist you in a number of languages, including English, Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, Punjabi and Vietnamese, ensuring clients from many backgrounds can get the support they need.
How do I find your Sydney CBD office?
Justice Family Lawyers are located in Sydney’s CBD between Hyde Park and the Downing Centre, at Level 2, 255 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000. We are a 2-minute walk from the Downing Centre Court and 5 minutes from Sydney’s Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Lionel Bowen Building, which is located at 97–99 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
Do you have other office locations?
Justice Family Lawyers are primarily a Sydney based law firm, but we are connected and affiliated with law firms across Australia including:
- Melbourne Family Lawyers & Dandenong Family Lawyers in Victoria
- Collective Family Law Group (Gold Coast, Queensland)
- ABA Lawyers, JMR Lawyers & Melrose Keys Lawyers (Brisbane, Queensland)
If you need representation in Sydney, or wider New South Wales, please contact Justice Family Lawyers on 1300 614 732.
What are the best parking and transport options?
Our Sydney CBD office is accessible by public transport and has secure parking in close proximity. Parking is available next door at Wilson Parking (233 Castlereagh St) or across the street at Secure Parking (242 Castlereagh St entry).
If you are catching public transport, we are a 2-minute walk from Museum Station (City Circle) and the new Gadigal Metro Station (Bathurst St entry). Town Hall Station and the Light Rail are also within a 6-minute walk. There are also several major CBD bus routes that stop at Museum Station, Stand F, located directly outside our building.
Please get in touch with our Sydney family lawyers to book a time for your next visit, or organise a call if you are unable to make it into our office.