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Separation and family law disputes can be overwhelming, particularly when important decisions about your children, finances and future need to be made quickly.
Getting the right advice early can make a significant difference: it helps protect your financial position, reduce conflict, and avoid unnecessary court proceedings.
Trusted Family Lawyers in Wollongong
At Maguire & McInerney, our experienced family lawyers provide clear, practical advice tailored to your situation. We assist clients across Wollongong and the Illawarra with all aspects of family law, including parenting, property division and divorce.
Where possible, we focus on resolving matters efficiently through negotiation or mediation. When this is not achievable, we provide strong and effective representation in court family law proceedings.
Our goal is simple: to help you move forward with confidence while achieving the best possible outcome.
How We Help You
We provide clear guidance at every stage of your matter:
- Initial consultation — understand your situation
- Clear legal advice — know your rights and options
- Strategy — negotiation, mediation, or court preparation
- Resolution — practical outcomes with minimal disruption
Early advice protects your position. Contact us today to book your initial consultation.
Family Law Services
We assist clients across Wollongong and the Illawarra with:
- Divorce and guidance through the legal process
- Parenting and custody arrangements focused on your children’s best interests
- Property settlement to protect your financial position
- De facto relationship matters and advice on your rights
- Domestic violence matters requiring urgent and sensitive support
- Court family law proceedings with strong representation when needed
Divorce
Divorce can be one of the most stressful experiences a person faces, particularly where children and financial matters are involved.
We help you:
- Navigate the divorce process with clarity
- Protect your financial position
- Reduce conflict and stress
- Avoid unnecessary court proceedings where possible
Our focus is on helping you move forward with certainty.
Parenting and Custody Arrangements
Parenting matters are often the most sensitive aspect of family law.
We assist with:
- Parenting arrangements (formerly referred to as custody)
- Living arrangements and time with each parent
- Decision-making responsibilities
- Matters involving domestic violence or high conflict
Our priority is achieving outcomes that are in the best interests of your children while minimising stress for your family.
Property Settlement and Financial Matters
Property and financial settlements can vary significantly depending on the relationship, assets, and personal circumstances involved.
We assist with:
- Division of assets and liabilities
- Spousal maintenance
- Complex financial structures and trusts
- Negotiated settlements and court proceedings
Getting legal advice early can protect your financial position and parenting arrangements. Delaying can lead to unnecessary cost, stress, and risk.
Binding Financial Agreements & Asset Planning
Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs), commonly referred to as prenuptial agreements, can provide certainty and financial protection before, during or after a relationship.
We advise clients on:
- Preparing and reviewing Binding Financial Agreements;
- Asset protection strategies;
- Financial arrangements before marriage or cohabitation;
- Agreements following separation; and
- Risk management for individuals with significant assets, businesses or family wealth.
A properly drafted agreement can help minimise future disputes and provide greater certainty for both parties.
Child Support
Child support arrangements play an important role in ensuring children’s financial needs are met following separation.
We assist clients with:
- Child support assessments;
- Private child support agreements;
- Binding and limited child support agreements;
- Child support disputes;
- Variations and reassessments; and
- Recovery of unpaid child support.
Our team provides practical advice to help parents understand their rights and obligations while achieving arrangements that support their children’s wellbeing.
De Facto Relationships
Family law protections are not limited to married couples. Individuals in de facto relationships may have rights relating to property settlement, financial support and parenting matters following separation.
We advise clients on:
- Determining whether a de facto relationship exists;
- Property settlements following separation;
- Financial agreements;
- Spousal maintenance claims; and
- Parenting arrangements involving children of the relationship.
Obtaining legal advice early can help protect your position and ensure your rights are properly recognised.
Same-Sex Relationships
The Family Law Act applies equally to same-sex couples in many family law matters, including property settlements, parenting arrangements and financial disputes.
We assist clients in same-sex relationships with:
- Property and financial settlements;
- Parenting and children’s matters;
- Binding Financial Agreements;
- De facto relationship disputes; and
- Family law court proceedings where necessary.
We provide inclusive, practical legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances and family structure.
Why Choose Maguire & McInerney Lawyers
- Extensive experience in family and property law matters
- Trusted Wollongong law firm with a strong local reputation
- Clear, practical advice tailored to your situation
- Focus on resolving matters without court where possible
- Strong representation in complex court family law proceedings
Get Support from Experienced Family Lawyers Today
If you are going through separation or a family law dispute, getting the right advice early can make a significant difference.
Speak with our experienced family lawyers for clear, practical guidance tailored to your situation. Contact our team today.
Steps To Get Started
FAQs
No. Many family law matters are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or family dispute resolution without going to court. These options are generally faster, less stressful, and more cost-effective. However, court proceedings may be necessary in complex or high-conflict situations.
The Court focuses on what is in the best interests of the child. This includes factors such as the child’s safety, their relationship with each parent, and each parent’s ability to provide for their needs. Parenting arrangements can often be resolved by agreement, but the Court will intervene if necessary.
A divorce application can be made jointly or by one party through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. You must be separated for at least 12 months before applying. Divorce only legally ends the marriage and does not resolve property or parenting matters, which must be dealt with separately.
The Court’s primary consideration is what is in the best interests of the child. This includes factors such as:
- The child’s safety
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs
- Practical living arrangements
- The child’s individual circumstances
- Any history of family violence or conflict
In many cases, parents are able to reach an agreement without going to court. Where this is not possible, the Court will make a decision based on the specific circumstances of the family.
Property division considers factors such as financial contributions, non-financial contributions, and future needs of each party. There is no automatic “50/50” split. Each matter is assessed individually, and outcomes can vary depending on the length of the relationship and the assets involved.
In most cases, you have 12 months from the date your divorce becomes final to commence property or financial proceedings. For de facto relationships, the time limit is generally 2 years from separation. These deadlines are strict, so it is important to seek advice early.
Family law deals with domestic relationships between married and defacto couples and family matters including divorce, parenting ‘custody’ arrangements, financial matters, property separation and spousal maintenance.
De facto partners generally have similar rights to married couples when it comes to property settlement and financial matters, provided certain criteria are met. This can include relationships of at least two years or where there are children or significant contributions. Legal advice can help determine your entitlements.
You should seek legal advice as soon as you separate or are considering separation. Early advice can help you understand your rights, protect your financial position, and make informed decisions about children, property, and next steps before issues escalate.
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