Are you dealing with a child custody dispute or unsure how to proceed with parenting and child custody arrangements? Caloundra has many experienced family lawyers who can assist with child custody matters, child custody arrangements, child support assessment, binding child support agreements, and other family legal matters.
Choosing the right lawyer can feel overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of 5 highly recommended family law firms in Caloundra to help guide your decision. It should be noted doing your own research is important in finding the right family lawyer for your circumstances. We
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These professionals can also help you formalise arrangements through consent orders or parenting orders to ensure they are legally binding and enforceable under the Family Law Act. They can also assist with matters involving child support, family violence, and other complex family law issues. Choosing the right lawyer can feel overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of five highly recommended law firms in Caloundra to help guide your decision.
Who are the best child custody lawyers in Caloundra?
Caloundra Family Lawyers (DJ Hinton Lawyers)
Best choice for your child custody arrangements.
Child custody in Australia
Child custody matters in Australia are mostly organised by parents outside of court. In fact, 97% of cases don’t make it to court, although 16% do use alternative family dispute resolution services to reach an agreement. However, when issues such as family violence, child support, or the welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are involved, professional legal guidance becomes even more important. Family lawyers can also assist with child support assessment, applying for family violence orders, and navigating culturally sensitive matters to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all parties involved.
In many cases, parents formalise their arrangements through parenting orders or consent orders to ensure clarity and legal enforceability. Of the 3% that went before a judge, most involved family violence or other child safety concerns, with the court making parenting orders where agreement could not be reached. These cases often include child support assessment to ensure the child’s financial needs are met, alongside the implementation of appropriate parenting orders that prioritise the child’s best interests.
Custody arrangements cover all aspects of parenting arrangements. This includes physical child custody matters as well as how important long-term decisions will be made through parenting orders. These arrangements may also need to address concerns around family violence and ensure the safety of all parties involved. In addition, child support obligations—such as determining financial responsibilities through a child support assessment—are often considered alongside custody agreements to support the child’s wellbeing.
Family legal services can assist in navigating these arrangements, ensuring both parents understand their rights and responsibilities under parenting orders. Seeking professional family legal advice can help parents formalise these arrangements through consent orders or legally binding parenting orders, providing clarity and certainty. Additionally, legal advice can assist in creating a binding child support agreement to ensure financial responsibilities are clearly outlined and enforceable.
Comparison of Some of the Top 5 Child Custody Lawyers in Caloundra
We’ve carefully selected and reviewed five of the best child custody lawyers in Caloundra. Our aim is to help you make an informed choice and save time when looking for trusted legal support for your family legal matters. Whether you’re navigating parenting arrangements, dealing with family violence, or seeking clarity under the Family Law Act, having the right legal support can make all the difference. These professionals can also help you and the other parent work respectfully with each other to reach outcomes that prioritise the wellbeing of your children.
Each of these firms is experienced in handling child custody disputes and can assist with formalising parenting arrangements through parenting orders. Whether you need help negotiating parenting orders outside of court or require representation in court proceedings to secure parenting orders, these law firms can provide the guidance and support you need.
| Law Firm | Best For | Client Rating | Specialties | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Ferrall & Co. Lawyers
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Mediation-First Approach
|
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Child Custody, Parenting Plans, Property & DV
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Transparent advice, cost-effective solutions
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Caloundra Family Lawyers (DJ Hinton)
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Decades of Experience |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Parenting Arrangements, Property Settlements
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Free 30-min consultation, dedicated family law team
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RK Law
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Community-Focused Legal Support
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Family Law, Domestic Violence, Criminal & Estate Law
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Legal Aid supplier, holistic legal services
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Shanahan Family Law
|
Complex Custody Cases |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Parenting Orders, Divorce, Domestic Violence |
Over 15 years of experience, court representation
|
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Spire Law
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Accessible & Holistic Legal Service
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Child Custody, Mediation, Litigation, DV
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Multiple locations, experienced in mediation & court
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Choosing your recommendations
How did we determine which law firms would make it onto the list? We considered four criteria:
Reputability
A law firm’s reputation is one of the most critical aspects to consider. Child custody lawyers are held to the highest standards of professional conduct. These standards are formalised by institutions such as the Queensland Law Society. It’s also important to choose a firm that not only upholds these standards but can effectively assist with parenting orders and connect clients with relevant support services to help them navigate the emotional and practical challenges of child custody matters.
Reputability can be assessed through client reviews, community standing, and the firm’s standing among its peers. A reputable law firm upholds high ethical standards and best practices, particularly when handling sensitive issues such as family violence. They should also have experience navigating the Family Law Court system to effectively represent clients in complex parenting and custody matters.
Track record
An effective law firm will have a strong track record. Their performance should cover a range of child-related cases, from straightforward cases to complex legal disputes, including child support assessment. A law firm that’s able to cover all potential contingencies will provide value to the greatest number of clients.
Pro Tip:
When choosing a child custody lawyer in Caloundra, look for one with a strong track record in mediation and family dispute resolution. A lawyer skilled in negotiation can help you reach a fair agreement faster, reducing stress and legal costs while prioritising your child’s best interests.
For example, can a law firm manage jurisdictional issues or relocation orders to get a positive outcome? If child support lawyers are liaising with Services Australia, the child support agency, do they secure appropriate child support payments? Additionally, do they effectively address parental responsibility and ensure that child assistance assessment aligns with the child’s best interests?
It’s also important to consider whether the firm can assist with parenting orders, parenting plans, and consent orders to formalise parenting arrangements. A good family law firm should also be able to support family members who may be involved in the proceedings, ensuring that all parties understand their rights and responsibilities.
Communication
The best lawyers can communicate with a broad selection of different clients, including parents, carers, and extended family members involved in family law matters. Lawyers must be able to tailor their communication to the needs of the individuals they’re representing, particularly in sensitive cases involving parenting orders, parenting plans, consent orders, or allegations of child abuse.
Not every client will expect the same level of communication—some will be happy to allow their lawyer to manage the case with minimal input, while others will want to be updated regularly on the progress of parenting arrangements or court proceedings. A good lawyer will understand these needs and respond appropriately, whether the matter proceeds through negotiation.
Lawyers should also be able to walk clients through the details of the case and the law with clear and concise language. Clients should always understand what their case entails, the available options, and what the next steps will be.
Availability
Child custody lawyers are busy. Nobody can be expected to be available to every client at all times. However, it’s a lawyer’s responsibility to be available when needed. Does their team respond to emails promptly, or do you have to wait several days for an answer? If a lawyer can’t take a phone call, do they call back as soon as possible? A good lawyer will make themselves available by different means. If they can’t meet in person, they may be able to communicate over the phone or through email.
Now, let’s explore the top five child custody lawyers in Caloundra.
We’re about to get to the list. There’s just one more thing to clarify. This list highlights five reputable child custody lawyers, each offering unique strengths suited to different cases.Legal services for matters like child custody and child support should be tailored to individual circumstances, making it impossible to say that any one firm is best suited to represent every client across the board.
The Ferrall and Co. team always strives to ensure that clients are fully informed about every step of their case. By focusing on resolution-based strategies, they aim to avoid lengthy and costly litigation in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. This approach enables them to address key issues like parental responsibility, parenting plans, parenting orders, and consent orders in accordance with the Family Law Act. They also encourage the use of a family dispute resolution service to help parents reach agreements outside of court wherever possible. Their goal is to provide affordable legal services that achieve the best possible outcomes while prioritising the wellbeing of the children involved.
They provide transparent expert advice that cuts through the jargon, ensuring clarity in every step. Their competitive fee structure enables those in challenging times to access top legal representation. Whether you’re organising a parenting plan, establishing parenting arrangements, or need a binding child support agreement, Rowena and her team are here for you.
Key Services
Separation and divorce
Same-sex relationship rights
Property and parenting arrangements matters
Domestic violence matters
Criminal defence
Traffic matters
Best for
Their mediation-first approach achieves the best outcomes for children and families.
They have an effective communication style that prioritises clear and actionable advice.
Rowena’s years of experience give her an appreciation of a wide range of family circumstances that enables her to approach any case with compassion.
What their clients say
Rowena and her team at Ferrall & Co went above and beyond to help me achieve what no other firm I previously engaged were able to do. Not only that, it was achieved in a timely and cost-effective manner in comparison, with clear and effective guidance throughout.
- James Walker
The Ferrall and Co. team always strives to ensure that clients are fully informed about every step of their case. By focusing on resolution-based strategies, they aim to avoid lengthy and costly litigation in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. This approach enables them to address key issues like parental responsibility, parenting plans, parenting orders, and consent orders while providing affordable legal services that achieve the best possible outcomes. Where necessary, they can also guide clients through parenting proceedings to help formalise arrangements that are in the best interests of the child.
Do you need assistance with a child custody dispute? Set up a free consultation today.
Caloundra Family Lawyers is a division of DJ Hinton Lawyers. David Hinton has been practising under the Family Law Act since 1989, and he and his team have decades of experience across all areas of family law. The Caloundra office is led by Meaghan Smyth, who has practised since 2005. Their core services include organising parenting plan, arranging living arrangements, addressing parental responsibility, and handling child support matters.
As dedicated family lawyers, the Caloundra office focuses exclusively on family law matters. They offer a free 30-minute consultation to help you understand your options and make an informed decision.
Key services
Divorce/Separation
De Facto and same sex couples
Property settlements
Spouse maintenance and all financial issues
Children & parenting arrangements matters
Mediation & alternative family dispute resolution
Representation in Family Court
Best part
Their wealth of experience makes them an excellent choice for your custody arrangements.
The 30-minute free consultation is an important part of how the team connects with clients in an obligation-free environment.
What their clients say
I am so very grateful to Meaghan for the amazing support that she has provided me through what can only be described as the most difficult time in my life. At all times Meaghan has been professional, extremely efficient, and most of all caring. She has gone out of her way to make sure that my children and I are ok.
- Cheryl Thomson
It’s crucial to the DJ Hinton team that they’re available to their clients when needed. As dedicated family lawyers, they believe that providing emotional support is an essential part of their holistic approach. This commitment helps them build trust and ensures that cases involving child custody, child assistance, and other family legal matters are handled with care and understanding. They encourage parents to communicate with each other and aim to help them reach an agreement wherever possible. Their team also assists in preparing a clear and practical parenting plan that reflects the best interests of the child and the family’s unique circumstances.
Rowan King has been leading RK Law with distinction for many years. As an experienced family lawyer, Rowan and his team assist clients in all areas of family law, including child support matters, parenting proceedings, and the preparation of parenting plans. They are also skilled in securing parenting orders and court orders to formalise parenting arrangements. The team is particularly passionate about helping victims of family violence resolve their cases quickly and safely.
RK Law is a preferred supplier for Legal Aid Queensland and can assist with your legal aid application in Caloundra. Rowan is also active in the community, leading the Caloundra BNI Powerhouse chapter and contributing to professional development in the legal field. Beyond family law, RK Law also provides services in criminal law, traffic defence, and estate law.
Key services
Criminal defence
Traffic defence
Family legal law
Domestic violence matters
Wills and estates
Best part
The team’s community-mindedness has contributed a great deal to Caloundra and speaks to their passion for assisting clients in family legal matters, including child assistance and beyond, as dedicated family lawyers.
Expertise in other fields such as estate law enables them to achieve more for clients dealing with family legal law concerns.
What their clients say
A combination of legal expertise and emotional empathy has made Rowan a trusted adviser to Caloundra locals in family legal matters, including child assistance. As a dedicated family lawyer, his strong standing among his peers reflects his commitment to integrity and best practice. Rowan and his team are experienced in handling court orders, parenting orders, and the preparation of a parenting plan, ensuring that each client’s rights and responsibilities are clearly understood and legally protected.
I work in the legal industry and refer various clients to Rowan at RK Law. Rowan always provides knowledgeable and insightful legal services, however it is the emotional support at RK Law that stood out for me. I highly recommend contacting RK Law for any family or criminal law matter.
- Tamara Engelbrecht
Shanahan Family Law has been operating on the Sunshine Coast for over 15 years. In that time, they have helped thousands of clients across a range of cases. As experienced family lawyers, they can assist with organising parental responsibility, either formally or informally.
Their expertise extends to handling complex cases, including those involving international jurisdictions and disputes with an ex-partner. As child support lawyers, they can also assist with organising a child assistance assessment through the child assistance agency to ensure you’re financially secure as a parent.
They have extensive experience in obtaining consent orders and parenting orders through the Family Court of Australia, ensuring clear, enforceable agreements. If necessary, they can represent you in court proceedings to protect your rights and achieve the best outcome for your family. With a free discovery call, you can see what they can achieve for you.
Key services
Parenting arrangements and property matters
Separation and divorce
Domestic violence matters
Court representation
Best part
Their depth of experience enables Shanahan Family Law to tackle even the most complex child custody cases.
After 15 years of dedicated service, they have a strong connection to the community.
What their clients say
In facing a relationship breakup, it was important to find the right help and support when I really needed it. I saw the near perfect reviews and wondered if a team could be as good as the reviews suggested?… Early on I realised yes, it can.
- Rodger Christensen
Shanahan Family Law has built long-lasting relationships with its clients and their family members. Their glowing testimonials reflect the trust and confidence clients have when entrusting them with sensitive parenting matters. As experienced family lawyers, they consistently deliver quality service backed by years of expertise.
They assist clients in navigating complex issues such as court orders, parenting arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities concerning the care and welfare of children. When required, they can represent clients and connect them with relevant support services. Their commitment to client care ensures the best possible outcomes for families.
Spire Law is a respected law firm with five offices across the Sunshine Coast. Led by their Director, Glen Carpenter, their focus is on finding solutions for clients quickly so you can move on with life. As experienced family lawyers, the team provides tailored legal advice for a wide range of family legal matters, including child assistance and parenting disputes.
They prioritise family dispute resolution methods such as mediation wherever appropriate, recognising the importance of reducing conflict in any family legal matter. If this isn’t possible, their team is experienced in litigation and can help you achieve the best outcome for you and your family, including parenting arrangements and decision making responsibilities through a legally binding parenting order.
They are also equipped to address serious concerns such as family violence orders, child abuse allegations, and decision-making responsibilities in the best interests of the child. Spire Law can assist First Nations families and others with child support assessment and the preparation of a binding child support agreement, ensuring financial obligations are clearly outlined and fair.
They can liaise with the child support agency on your behalf and help navigate disputes involving an ex-partner.If needed, their team is ready to represent you in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Additionally, Spire Law is actively involved in the community and supports local organisations such as Wishlist and SunnyKids.
Key services
Separation and divorce
Financial agreements
Binding child support agreements
Domestic violence matters
Court litigation
Spousal maintenance
Child custody
Best part
With numerous locations on the Sunshine Coast, they’re always easily accessible to their clients. They can assist with matters involving an ex-partner, including applying for consent orders and parenting orders to formalise agreements. If disputes escalate, their team is experienced in managing court proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, ensuring your rights and your child’s best interests are protected.
They are experienced in mediation and litigation and can find the best possible outcomes regardless of the family legal matter. Whether assisting separated parents in resolving disputes, addressing concerns related to family violence, or navigating complex legal issues, their team is committed to securing the most favourable results for their clients.
What their clients say
Mia from Spire Law was fantastic to deal with. Always available to speak to and kept us regularly updated during our matter. She was very thorough and diligent throughout the entire process. Could not recommend her enough!
- Jahna Cafe
It’s important for a family lawyer to be available to clients when needed. If a client isn’t kept informed about the progress, it can negatively impact the lawyer/client relationship. Spire Law provides clear and practical advice to ensure every client understands the steps involved, including court orders, parenting proceedings, and how their parenting arrangement may affect their relationship with each other.
Their team helps parents reach an agreement on arrangements where possible and encourages clients to seek legal advice early to avoid unnecessary conflict. They focus on the child’s best interests, promoting cooperative approaches to parental responsibility while ensuring the child’s safety remains a top priority. By keeping clients informed, they aim to achieve the best possible outcome for families.
Conclusion
Child custody cases are often taxing and emotionally difficult, especially when dealing with disputes involving an ex-partner or navigating complex family legal matters. You need a lawyer who can represent you effectively and meet the four criteria we have outlined. The five law firms we selected for this guide will, in our opinion, represent you with integrity, handle child assistance assessments, and guide you through the process of obtaining consent orders, parenting orders, family violence orders, and court orders when necessary.
They are also experienced in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and are equipped to manage court proceedings in the Family Court of Australia to help you achieve the best outcome possible. When parents separate and cannot agree on parenting arrangements, the court considers a range of factors—particularly the child’s best interests. In such cases, the court may issue parenting orders that determine who the child lives with, spends time with, and how parental responsibilities are shared.
If you’d like to discuss your child custody case, contact us for a free consultation.
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