Family lawyers for the Central Coast
Separation and family law matters are among the most personally difficult legal matters anyone faces. Julia Clarke Solicitor provides experienced, practical family law advice to clients across the Central Coast. We handle every matter with sensitivity and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for you and your children, with the minimum of cost and conflict.
We conduct consultations by phone, video call, or in person — whichever is most convenient for you. Many of our clients across the Central Coast handle their entire matter without visiting our East Maitland office. Where we need to attend a court appearance or a formal signing, we will arrange to attend at a registry or location convenient to you.
Separation and divorce
Separation is the starting point for most family law matters. In Australia, there is no formal separation process — separation is a factual question of whether the parties have separated and communicated that to each other. You can apply for a divorce after 12 months of separation. The divorce itself does not resolve property or parenting matters — these must be dealt with separately, and we recommend doing so promptly after separation.
Family law matters for Central Coast clients are heard in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia at the Sydney Registry, or at the Newcastle Registry. We represent clients at both registries and offer phone and video appearances where the Court permits.
Property settlement
The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) governs the division of property following separation for both married and de facto couples. The Court applies a structured process: first identifying and valuing all assets and liabilities of both parties; then assessing each party's financial and non-financial contributions (including as homemaker and parent); then considering each party's future needs including income, age, health, and the care of any children; and finally determining whether the proposed division is just and equitable.
Property settlements on the Central Coast commonly involve family homes, investment properties, and in some cases small business interests. The strong local property market means that residential property is often the largest single asset in the pool. We advise on valuations, contributions, and future needs in this context.
There is a strict time limit on making property settlement applications — 12 months from the date of a divorce order, or 2 years from the end of a de facto relationship. Missing these deadlines can have serious consequences. We advise on your property position promptly after separation.
Parenting arrangements
All decisions about parenting arrangements — where children live, how much time they spend with each parent, and how major decisions are made — are guided by the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). Parenting arrangements can be set out in a parenting plan (a written agreement that is not enforceable by the Court) or in consent orders (enforceable court orders made by consent).
Where parents cannot agree, mediation through a registered family dispute resolution practitioner is generally required before a court application can be made. We advise on parenting matters at every stage and can represent you in FCFCA proceedings where negotiated resolution is not possible.
Domestic violence and urgent orders
In circumstances involving domestic and family violence, urgent applications for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) can be made in the NSW Local Court, or for injunctions and parenting orders in the Federal Circuit and Family Court. We handle urgent applications sensitively and promptly. If you or your children are at risk, please call us immediately on (02) 4933 4277.
The Central Coast property market has experienced strong growth, and property settlements for Central Coast clients often involve high-value residential property alongside superannuation and financial assets. We advise on valuations and on the realistic range of outcomes before you commit to a course of action.
De facto relationships
The property and parenting provisions of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) apply to genuine de facto couples who have been in a relationship for at least two years (or who have a child together, or where one party has made substantial contributions). We advise de facto couples on the same basis as married couples for the purposes of property settlement and parenting arrangements.
Binding financial agreements
A binding financial agreement (BFA) — sometimes called a "prenuptial agreement" — allows couples to agree in advance on how their property will be divided if the relationship ends. BFAs can be made before, during, or after a relationship. Both parties must receive independent legal advice before signing. We draft and advise on BFAs for couples across the Central Coast.