Family Lawyers in New Zealand & Australia

Family lawyers help with the legal side of family life — especially when relationships end or families disagree. That includes arrangements for children, protection from family violence, and disputes that end up in the family courts.

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Common situations

Agreeing on parenting and care arrangements after a separation
Applying for, or responding to, a protection order
Guardianship and decisions about children
Disputes between family members that may go to court
Adoption and surrogacy

Find a family lawyer near you

New Zealand

Northland (Whangārei)Auckland Waikato (Hamilton)Bay of Plenty (Tauranga)Gisborne Hawke's Bay (Napier)Taranaki (New Plymouth)Manawatū-Whanganui (Palmerston North)Wellington Tasman (Richmond)Nelson Marlborough (Blenheim)West Coast (Greymouth)Canterbury (Christchurch)Otago (Dunedin)Southland (Invercargill)

Australia

New South Wales (Sydney)Victoria (Melbourne)Western Australia (Perth)South Australia (Adelaide)Tasmania (Hobart)Australian Capital Territory (Canberra)Northern Territory (Darwin)

Free and low-cost help

New Zealand: Family disputes in New Zealand are usually heard in the Family Court. Community Law Centres offer free help, and you may be eligible for Legal Aid.

Australia: Most family law matters in Australia are handled by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Legal Aid commissions and community legal centres can help if cost is a concern.

General information only — not legal advice. Browse all practice areas or the full directory.