The Best Family
Lawyers In Cairns

We’ve made it easy to find the best in Cairns

  • Find the best family lawyers near you
  • Connect with the best in your area
  • Save you time finding the best
  • Shortlisted results for 2023
Get In Touch With The Best Cairns Family Lawyer

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The Best Family
Lawyer List In Cairns

We’ve shortlisted the best family lawyers in Cairns 4870 QLD.

COLLIER FAMILY LAWYERS CAIRNS

Save time, money and sanity

Cairns Family Lawyers | Family Law

Need a Family Lawyer in Cairns? And looking to keep your issue out of costly court proceedings – so that you’ll settle your dispute as quickly and as affordably as possible?

Nardine Collier has practised for over 26+ years and is an accredited specialist in divorce & family law, and has successfully resolved hundreds of cases (focusing on fairly dividing property, divorce and children’s matters).

SERVICES

SEPARATION AND DIVORCE

The separation will probably be one of the hardest things you will do in your life, emotionally and financially.

We will be here every step of the way, working to get you the best result possible so you can move forward with your life.

MEDIATION

We will always work toward keeping your legal matter out of court to save you time and money. The best agreements are the ones you make yourself, not ones ordered to you by a court.

I am an accredited mediator and can help with any legal matter, from family law, to employment issues and more. (Yes, we can mediate any dispute!).

ARBITRATION

The only limitation placed on Arbitration is that it is limited to property settlement and spousal/de facto maintenance issues. An Arbitration cannot deal with parenting matters or child support issues.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHILDREN

We know you only want what’s best for your children, and so do we. We will make sure we get the best arrangements possible for your children so that you can focus on moving to the next chapter of your life.

DIY DIVORCE

If you’re looking to reduce your fees, we’ll be here to help you represent yourself every step of the way.

By doing as much preparation for your legal proceeding as possible, our ‘Lawyer Assisted’ program will offer you the extra help you need, such as looking over court documents and assisting with court etiquette and procedure, so you can effectively represent yourself. We can help from anywhere in Australia! While we’re happy to help you DIY, we always recommend hiring a lawyer where possible.

We are up to $50 cheaper an hour than those of our competitors.

E-CONSULTING

We know life is busy. We deal with our clients by email, phone and Skype if that suits you better than coming into the office.

You can now receive legal advice and assistance from your own home, anytime.

FINANCIAL AND PROPERTY SETTLEMENTS

Dividing property and finance can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before.

We can assist with Property Settlements and Financial Settlements, including Superannuation Splits and Consent Orders.

For some extra guidance, our FREE e-book on property settlement will hopefully help make navigating the post-separation world that little bit easier.

We know that money is tight, and that you want the best legal advice possible. This is why we offer affordable rates and flexible payment options.

We look forward to speaking to you today.

CONTACT – COLLIER FAMILY LAWYER CAIRNS

CAIRNS FAMILY LAW GROUP

Separation and divorce is stressful. At Cairns Family Law Group, we are here to listen and guide you through the legal aspects of your family law matter.

We can help you with any family law problem. Family Law is ALL we do. We are experts in our field and we strive to be the best. We genuinely want to know about you and your family and help you through this difficult phase of your life.

We offer a fixed fee initial consultation and value for money solutions to your family or divorce law problem.

Our firm and our Directors have been ranked as leading family lawyers in Regional Queensland in the prestigious Doyle’s Guide

CONTACT – CAIRNS FAMILY LAW GROUP

PRESTON LAW

Preston Law is a firm with strong connections within the community.

Our firm is one of the largest in regional Queensland, and our lawyers have been solving legal problems for the people of North Queensland for nearly thirty years.

Our Lawyers are all based in Cairns and possess an in-depth understanding of the issues which affect our clients, both locally and across Queensland.

Our focus at Preston Law is on you. Your interests are fundamental to any legal advice and services we provide. Whether you need help with a legal transaction or guidance on a personal matter, we have the knowledge and experience to ensure the best possible outcome for you.

CONTACT – PRESTON LAW

MILLER HARRIS LAWYERS

Welcome to Miller Harris Lawyers. We provide a range of business and personal legal services across the North Queensland region from our office based in Cairns.

Established in 1990 and with a team of over 30 people, Miller Harris Lawyers has built an enviable reputation for providing high quality legal services to many of the region’s leading businesses, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and individuals. Our clients are the reason we exist and our commitment to client focus ensures our clients are at the centre of everything we do. We build strong relationships with our clients by being responsive, approachable and ensuring that the principles of mutual trust and respect are established through regular communication. We take the time to fully understand your personal circumstances so that the legal services we provide are tailored to your individual situation.

As a result of our focus on continuous improvement, the legal advice and levels of expertise offered by Miller Harris Lawyers are what sets us apart. Our lawyers demonstrate this commitment to excellence through continued professional development and training to ensure we are at the forefront of emerging issues that impact on our clients. Our commitment to ongoing professional development is demonstrated by the significant number of specialist accreditations held by the members our team. It means our clients have the peace of mind of knowing that we have the expertise to proactively deal with the range of legal issues they may face – now and into the future. The depth of our expertise spans the legal spectrum and our collaborative approach means our team works together, across departments and specialties, to develop the best possible solution for you.

We would love to talk to you about how we can offer assistance with your legal issue. Our service areas detail our key areas of expertise and can connect you with the best person from our team to assist you.

CONTACT – MILLER HARRIS LAWYERS

ROBERTS FAMILY LAW

Stephen has over 20 years’ experience practising in family law and qualified as a solicitor in 1991.

In 2009 he launched Cairns family law firm Roberts Family Law with a focus on providing a friendly and personalised service to clients. He has since helped hundreds of clients achieve a successful resolution of their family law issue. Stephen recognises that when a client separates, whether married or de facto, this can be a very stressful time. He uses every effort to ensure that clients feel at ease and can talk freely about their legal matter. Stephen believes in a “common sense first” approach to law and recognises that for many clients this may be their first contact with a lawyer.

Stephen has the experience to navigate negotiations in relation to financial settlements, however small or complex the asset pool. He also has the sensitivity to guide a client through negotiations relating to the emotive issue of the arrangements for the children of the relationship.

Stephen has substantial experience and success in negotiating successful outcomes through mediation, correspondence and drafting Family Court consent orders. He is also an experienced advocate, with many years of experience appearing in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

A Cairns local of 25 years Stephen is a big fan of the tropical lifestyle. Outside of work he is a keen musician, playing piano and guitar. Family law is a sensitive area that addresses your children, your property and ultimately your future. It is important to have the benefit of experience on your side.

Please contact us to find out more and arrange a consultation with Cairns family lawyer Stephen Roberts.

CONTACT – ROBERTS FAMILY LAW

HARTLEY WHITLA LAWYERS

When choosing Hartley Whitla Lawyers, you will be represented by the relevant partner, who will have direct carriage of your matter, and no one else. Jennifer Hartley leads Family Law. Richard Whitla leads Criminal Law.

Individually, both Jennifer and Richard are highly regarded, experienced lawyers and previously practised together. They have now combined to create Hartley Whitla Lawyers, a results driven firm practicing only in Family Law and Criminal Law matters.

Our firm practices exclusively in Family Law and Criminal Law matters. We act with confidence, integrity, and practicality. These principles, combined with our knowledge of the law and its application, deliver results.

We offer fixed fee and hourly rate retainers, so you are aware of your legal costs at the outset.

CONTACT – HARTLEY WHITLA LAWYERS

NEWMAN FAMILY LAW

Terry Newman OAM has established Newman Family Law to provide focused, cost-effective Family and Relationship Law advice.

The firm practices solely in the areas of Family Law and De Facto Law.

At Newman Family Law, we act for clients on the basis of private funding. Newman Family Law are also prepared to discuss with you funding arrangements that may include a fixed fee for service.

Terry Newman OAM is one of the most experienced and qualified Family Law Practitioners in Far North Queensland, being acknowledged and qualified as an Accredited Family Law Specialist. He brings with him over 40 years of experience acting for clients in Family Law matters. Terry Newman OAM has been recognised as a pre-eminent lawyer, and Newman Family Law have been recognised as a First Tier firm, in Doyle’s guide in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Terry Newman OAM was awarded an Order of Australia medal in June 2018 for services to Youth and the Law.

Newman Family Law delivers quality, cost-effective, prompt and realistic legal advice to clients at a time in their lives when they are in need of compassionate, sensible and directional assistance.

We “LISTEN, GUIDE and ADVISE” providing solutions in your Family Law and Defacto Law matters.

CONTACT – NEWMAN FAMILY LAW

MILLYARD FAMILY LAWYERS

A Cairns law firm specialising in the practice of family law

Director and Principal Amanda Millyard, an Accredited Family Law Specialist, has 20 years’ experience in the practice of family law.

Tailored advice is provided on divorce, property settlements, binding financial agreements (including pre-nuptial agreements), child custody issues and alternative dispute resolution options in family law matters.

Understanding that every case is unique, we find innovative solutions to our clients’ legal issues that are grounded in law. Separation matters are planned to be resolved effectively, cost-efficiently and, where possible, out of the Courtroom.

When the circumstances of the case call upon us to litigate, we have the professional judgement, determination, training and experience to effectively represent our clients’ interests through the Court process.

Our firm model provides the time to focus intently on each client matter. We have set our intention to deliver high-quality legal services in a caring manner that achieves each client’s best outcome.

CONTACT – MILLYARD FAMILY LAWYERS

REASTON DRUMMOND LAW

Reaston Drummond Law (Cairns Family & Commercial Lawyers) was established in 2016 by the merger of two leading law firms, Reaston Law and NQ Family Law Centre. Directors, Deanne Drummond, Bevlee & Jim Reaston are experienced lawyers with proven results. As long term residents of Cairns, they are passionate about representing Cairns’ families.

Cairns family lawyers – Bev Reaston and Deanne Drummond, have over 55 years combined experience specialising in family and de facto law in Cairns.

Jim Reaston is an expert in commercial law, conveyancing, wills and estates, having practised in these areas for over 38 years. Jim is a Queensland Law Society senior counsellor and recognised as one of Far North Queensland’s most respected and experienced lawyers.

Together, our team of Cairns Family & Commercial Lawyers offer a one stop shop for all personal and business matters in Cairns and surrounding areas. Our experience tells us, that a significant concern for clients is the uncertainty as to costs involved. We discuss costs with each client so there is no misunderstanding .We have a proven record for high quality, practical and cost effective services. Our relationship with each client is of utmost importance to us.

Our aim is to efficiently address client issues and bring a higher quality of service to our clients.

CONTACT – REASTON DRUMMOND LAW

HADLEY FAMILY LAW

Hadley Family Law are Cairns Family Lawyers providing advice for divorce, child support, marriage, prenuptial agreements, spousal maintenance and adoption.

Offering over 40 years of combined legal experience, Suzanne Hadley brings a combination of accredited specialisation, experience and dedication in the area of family law.

Family law covers a variety of issues, including divorce, child support, marriage, prenuptial agreements, spousal maintenance in certain situations and adoption. Family lawyers are often assumed to handle primarily divorce cases; however family law also covers concerns of child welfare.

Quite often the information can be complex with different legal rules applying to different aspects of family law. However, in this regard, Suzanne’s detailed legal knowledge enables her to assist clients to make informed decisions in progressing their cases.

Suzanne Hadley has gained extensive experience in the fields of civil litigation, family law and criminal law, and appears regularly in the Federal Circuit Court, Family Court, Supreme and District Courts and Magistrates Courts. Suzanne is a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law, and has obtained a great sense of justice for people, having been a member of the Committee of the Cairns Rape Crisis and Incest Service, served for several years on an advisory body, reporting to the Multiple Sclerosis Society Queensland. She has previous experience also as an Independent Children’s Lawyer.

Suzanne focusing on assisting clients to resolve issues in this most difficult and emotionally charged area of practice. She strives to always to assist her clients to emerge as quickly as possible from the process with dignity. Suzanne approaches her practice of family law with the sensitivity her clients expect in what is a most private and stressful situation. She focuses always on doing her best to minimise the emotional and financial stress to her clients without compromising the outcome.

Suzanne can provide you with advice that enables you to make the most appropriate decisions that will benefit you and your family in the event of family breakdown.

It’s important to be aware and gain reassurance from the underlying principles of family law in Australia, that both parents are important in their children lives; and understand that there’s a great onus in achieving equality in that regard. Today there is a larger emphasis on the caring and sharing of responsibilities of children.

We offer sound advice to our prospective clients, considering at all times that every client is an individual, each with their own unique circumstances.

At Hadley Law the key focus to achieving outcomes for clients comes from a commitment to continuing legal education, client guidance and to the community.

CONTACT – HADLEY FAMILY LAW

Ready to find the best
Family Lawyer for you?

It’s so easy to find the perfect lawyer that practices family law in your area. Simply use the search tool and let out website do the rest.

Your law firm not listed on FamilyLawyerFinder? Click here to submit your Family Law Practice

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the divorce process take in Cairns?

The divorce process in Cairns, like most other places in Australia, typically takes around four to six months to complete. However, the exact time frame can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

Factors such as the complexity of the property division, the presence of children, and the willingness of both parties to cooperate can all impact the length of the divorce process. In some cases, the divorce process may take longer than six months. It’s important to consult with a family law attorney for more information about the divorce process in Cairns.

Can I get a legal separation instead of a divorce in Cairns?

In Australia, there is no legal provision for a legal separation, as divorce is the only means to legally end a marriage. However, couples may choose to separate and live apart without seeking a divorce. They are still considered married until a divorce order is granted by the court.

Couples who separate without seeking a divorce may make agreements about property, finances, and children, but these agreements are not legally binding. If a couple wishes to make their agreements legally binding, they can apply to the court for Consent Orders. It is important to note that if a couple has been separated for at least 12 months and both parties agree to the divorce, it can be obtained.

But, In some circumstances, the court may grant a divorce even if one party does not agree, but it will be a more complex process and requires evidence to show the marriage has broken down irretrievably. It’s always recommendable to consult with a family law attorney in Cairns for more information about your specific situation.

How do I file for child support in Cairns?

There are several ways to file for child support in Cairns. One way is through the Department of Human Services (DHS), which administers the Child Support Program in Australia.

Parents can apply for child support online through the DHS website, or they can visit a DHS Service Centre in person. Another way to file for child support is through a private agreement between the parents. This agreement can be made through a family law attorney, a mediator, or a family dispute resolution practitioner.

When filing for child support, you will need to provide information about yourself and the other parent, including your income and the cost of raising your child. The DHS will use this information to calculate the amount of child support that should be paid. It is also possible to apply for child support via court order. This can happen when parents are unable to agree on the child support amount, or when the child support amount is being disputed.

In these cases, it is recommendable to consult with a family law attorney in Cairns for legal advice and representation. Keep in mind that child support is a legal obligation, and failure to pay can result in penalties, including fines, wage garnishments and even jail time.

What are the grounds for divorce in Cairns?

In Australia, the only ground for divorce is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.

This is established by showing that the parties have been separated for a period of at least 12 months, and there is no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation.

This means that you and your spouse have been living separately and apart for at least 12 months, and have no intention of getting back together. It is important to note that, while there are no specific grounds such as infidelity or abuse that need to be proved to obtain a divorce, certain conduct such as domestic violence or adultery may be relevant to the court when making decisions about property settlement and parenting arrangements.

Additionally, the courts will look at the best interest of the children when making decisions, which may include the safety and welfare of the children if there is a history of domestic violence. It’s always recommendable to consult with a family law attorney in Cairns for more information about your specific situation and what evidence is required for your case.