Additional resources:
- Understanding Child Custody Laws in Australia
- 6 Best Family Lawyers Caloundra in 2024 (Updated)
- How to find the right child custody lawyer near me?
Are you dealing with a child custody dispute? Are you unsure how to proceed with parenting arrangements? Caloundra has many excellent child custody lawyers who are ready to assist. It can be overwhelming trying to decide which is best for you. Here’s a list of five family law firms we recommend in Caloundra.
Who are the best child custody lawyer in Caloundra?
Child custody in Australia
Child custody in Australia is mostly organised by parents outside of court. 97% of cases don’t make it to court, although 16% do use alternative dispute resolution services to reach an agreement. Of the 3% that went before a judge, most involved family violence or other child safety concerns, as well as child support assessment to ensure the child’s financial needs are met.
Custody arrangements cover all aspects of parenting arrangements. This includes physical custody of the child as well as how important long-term decisions will be made. A binding child support agreement can also be established to ensure financial responsibilities are clearly outlined and legally enforceable.
If you’re new to finding a child custody lawyer or want to understand more, we recommend reading this guide on how to find the right child custody lawyer.
Choosing our 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.
Reputability can be assessed through client reviews, community standing, and the firm’s standing among its peers. A reputable law acts with integrity and seeks to uphold the best practices of the field.
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.
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 support assessment aligns with the child’s best interests?
Communication
The best lawyers can communicate with a broad selection of different clients. Lawyers must be able to tailor their communication to the needs of the individuals they’re representing. Not every client will expect the same level of communication. Some will be happy to allow their lawyer to manage the case with minimum input. Others will want to be updated regularly regarding the nature of the case. A good lawyer will understand these needs and respond appropriately.
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.
For detailed insights on finding the right child custody lawyer, read more here: How to Find the Right Child Custody Lawyer.
Before we begin
We’re about to get to the list. There’s just one more thing to clarify. While we’ve labelled this article the “5 Best Lawyers,” it’s important to note that no single firm on this list is necessarily better than another. Legal services 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.
We’re about to get to the list. There’s just one more thing to clarify. While we’ve labelled this article the “5 Best Lawyers,” it’s important to note that no single firm on this list is necessarily better than another. 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.
Ferrall and Co. Lawyers have been passionate advocates for the Caloundra community since 2017. The firm is headed by Rowena Ferrall, who brings over 15 years of experience to child-related cases. Her team is dedicated to finding optimal solutions for children that focus on mediation. They provide transparent 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 Family Court. This approach enables them to address key issues like parental responsibility and parenting plan while providing affordable legal services that achieve the best possible outcomes.
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 at no cost.
Key services
Divorce/Seperation
De Facto and same sex couples
Property settlements
Spouse maintenance and all financial issues
Children & parenting arrangements matters
Mediation & alternative dispute resolution
Representation in Family Court
Best part
Their wealth of experience makes them an excellent choice for your child 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 at all times. As dedicated family lawyer, offering emotional support to clients is part of their holistic approach to the Family Law Act. This helps them build trust and ensures that cases involving child custody, child support, and other family law matters are worked through with the client’s full support.
Rowan King has been leading RK Law with distinction for many years. As experienced family lawyer, their team can assist in all areas of family law, including child support matters. They have a particular passion for helping victims of family violence resolve their cases quickly and safely. RK Law is a preferred supplier for Legal Aid Queensland, and if you would like to request legal aid, they can assist with your application. Rowan is active in the community, presiding over the Caloundra BNI Powerhouse chapter, and also contributes to professional development in the legal field. Beyond family law, the team also works in criminal law, traffic defence, and estate law.
Key services
Criminal defence
Traffic defence
Family 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 law matters, including child support and beyond, as dedicated family lawyers.
Expertise in other fields such as estate law enables them to achieve more for clients dealing with family law concerns.
What their clients say
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
A combination of legal expertise and emotional empathy has made Rowan a trusted adviser to Caloundra locals in family law matters, including child support. As a dedicated family lawyer, his good standing with his peers shows that he and his team always act with integrity and best practice.
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. As child support lawyers, they can also help with organising a child support assessment through the child support agency to ensure you’re financially secure as a parent. 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 established long-lasting relationships with its clients. Their glowing testimonials show the belief and comfort clients have when entrusting them with sensitive cases, especially in parenting matters. As experienced family lawyers, they are able to back up the good reviews with quality service, ensuring the best outcomes for their clients.
Armstrong Legal 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 law matters, including child support and parenting disputes.
They prioritise dispute resolution methods such as mediation in most cases where it’s appropriate. If this isn’t possible, their team is experienced in litigation and can help you achieve a suitable outcome for you and your family, including establishing parenting arrangements. Spire Law is involved in their community and has partnered with 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 are experienced in mediation and litigation and can find the best possible outcomes regardless of the family law matter. Whether assisting separated parents in resolving disputes 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 updated on the progress of their family law case, it can impact the lawyer/client relationship. Spire Law provides clear advice that ensures every client understands the steps required, the options available, and how their parenting arrangement will impact their relationship with the other parent.
Conclusion
Child custody cases are often taxing and emotionally difficult. You need a lawyer who’s able to represent you effectively and embody 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 support assessments, and achieve the best outcome possible.
If you’d like to discuss your child custody case, contact us for a free consultation.
Additional resources:
- Understanding Child Custody Laws in Australia
- 6 Best Family Lawyers Caloundra in 2024 (Updated)
- How to find the right child custody lawyer near me?
