Family lawyers acting across all of New South Wales
Separation and family law matters are among the most personally difficult legal matters a person can face. Julia Clarke Solicitor provides experienced, practical advice to clients across NSW — from the Hunter Region and Newcastle to Sydney, the Central Coast, the North Coast, New England, the Riverina, and beyond. We handle every matter with discretion, sensitivity, and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for you and your children.
We work with clients remotely across all of NSW. Consultations can be conducted by phone or secure video call at a time that suits you — morning, evening, or weekend by arrangement. Where attendance in person is required for a court hearing or document signing, we will attend at a Federal Circuit and Family Court registry or location convenient to you. You do not need to travel to our East Maitland office.
Separation and divorce
Separation is the starting point for most family law matters. There is no formal separation process in Australia — separation is a factual question. After 12 months of separation, a party can apply for a divorce. The divorce itself does not resolve property or parenting matters, which must be dealt with separately. We strongly recommend addressing property and parenting matters promptly after separation rather than waiting for the divorce.
Property settlement
The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) governs property division for both married and de facto couples across Australia. The Court applies a structured process assessing contributions (financial, non-financial, and as homemaker or parent), future needs, and whether the proposed division is just and equitable. There is no fixed rule — outcomes depend on the specific facts of the relationship.
There are strict time limits: applications must be made within 12 months of a divorce order, or within 2 years of the end of a de facto relationship. Missing these deadlines requires leave of the Court and can significantly affect your position. We advise on property matters promptly after separation.
Parenting arrangements
All decisions about where children live and how much time they spend with each parent are guided by the best interests of the child as the paramount consideration. Arrangements can be set out in a parenting plan or in enforceable consent orders. Where parents cannot agree, family dispute resolution is generally required before a court application can be made. We advise on parenting matters at every stage and represent clients in FCFCA proceedings where necessary.
Domestic violence and urgent matters
In circumstances involving domestic and family violence, urgent applications for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders can be made in any NSW Local Court. Urgent injunctions and interim parenting orders can be sought in the FCFCA without the usual requirement for prior mediation. We handle urgent applications promptly and sensitively. If you or your children are at immediate risk, please call us on (02) 4933 4277.
De facto relationships
The property and parenting provisions of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) apply to genuine de facto couples who have been together for at least two years, or who have a child together, or where one party has made substantial contributions. We advise de facto couples across NSW on the same basis as married couples.
Binding financial agreements
A binding financial agreement allows couples to agree in advance or at any stage of a relationship on how property will be divided if it ends. Both parties must receive independent legal advice before signing. We draft and advise on BFAs for clients across NSW.
Federal Circuit and Family Court registries across NSW
The FCFCA has registries in Sydney and Newcastle. We represent clients at both registries and can appear by phone or video where the Court permits. For clients in regional NSW — including Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Dubbo, and Coffs Harbour — the Court also sits on circuit at various locations. We advise on the most appropriate registry and appear at circuit sittings where required.