Six Central Coast family law firms in Gosford, Erina and Tuggerah, with what each one suits, who the accredited specialists are, and where to get free help.
Google ratings checked 23 October 2026 · Updated 23 October 2026
Best for Separating couples with a business, trust or super to divide
Justin Timmer says he has practised only in family law since 2016 and led the family law department of a large Central Coast and Newcastle firm before starting this one.
Kate O'Grady is listed on the Law Society of NSW register as an Accredited Specialist in Family Law.
Co-director Kate O'Grady is listed as a nationally accredited mediator, family dispute resolution practitioner and collaborative practice lawyer.
Free one hour initial consultation with no obligation, according to the firm.
Office
Level 2/5 Baker St, Gosford NSW 2250
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Family Law Partners is a Gosford family law practice run by Justin Timmer and Kate O'Grady. Timmer says he has worked only in family law since 2016 and previously led the family law team at a large Central Coast and Newcastle firm. O'Grady is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law with the Law Society of NSW and a mediator and family dispute resolution practitioner. That pairing covers hard fought property work and out of court resolution. It suits people with businesses, trusts or super in the mix. The first consultation is free and runs for an hour, the firm says.
Also worth knowing
Doyle's Guide listed Justin Timmer as a Recommended family lawyer for Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Central Coast in 2025.
The first consultation is free and runs for an hour, the firm says.
Lawyers
Justin Timmer, Director, Family Lawyer
Kate O'Grady, Director, Family Lawyer Accredited family law specialist
Best for Separating couples with complex property or parenting disputes
Michael Seton was accredited as a family law specialist by the Law Society of NSW in 2017 and joined its Family Law Specialist Accreditation Advisory Committee in 2024.
The team page lists ten lawyers, led by a Law Society of NSW accredited family law specialist, and the firm says senior associate Tim Bowring is also an accredited family law specialist.
Co-director Dominique Markwort is a nationally accredited mediator and family dispute resolution practitioner.
Accredited family law specialists (2)Michael Seton, Tim Bowring
Initial consultation arranged through the firm; terms not published. JustFund litigation funding available, according to the firm.
Office
Suite 7, 188 The Entrance Rd, Erina NSW 2250
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Seton Family Lawyers is an Erina firm set up in 2022 by Michael Seton, who co-founded Ryan & Seton Lawyers in 2013 and was accredited as a family law specialist by the Law Society of NSW in 2017. Co-director Dominique Markwort is a mediator and family dispute resolution practitioner. With ten lawyers listed, it has one of the deeper family teams on the Coast. The firm says it settles 98% of matters outside court. It suits complex property and parenting disputes. JustFund litigation funding is available, the firm says.
Founded in 2022
Also worth knowing
The firm says it settles 98% of cases outside court.
Lawyers
Michael Seton, Solicitor Director Accredited family law specialist
Dominique Markwort, Solicitor Director, Accredited Mediator and FDR Practitioner
Tim Bowring, Senior Associate Accredited family law specialist
Tanya Hibberd, Senior Associate
Tom Galton, Senior Associate
Jasmine Toomey, Solicitor
Ilyana Moloney, Solicitor
Hannah Bramich, Solicitor
Paris Gillard, Graduate Solicitor
Mia Eddy, Graduate Solicitor
Areas of family law handled
Property settlements
Parenting arrangements and plans
Divorce applications
Binding financial agreements
Child support and enforcement
Grandparents' rights
Surrogacy legal advice
Family dispute resolution and mediation
Arbitration
ADVOs and domestic violence
Federal Circuit and Family Court representation
Office
Suite 7, 188 The Entrance Rd, Erina NSW 2250
Other details
Other offices
Second Erina office at Suite 9, 168 The Entrance Rd
The Entrance Road, Erina, plus NewcastleFamily law firm, also wills and conveyancing
4.9
21 Google reviews (Google rating is for the firm's Newcastle office)
Checked 18 October 2026
Best for Parents facing a contested children's matter
Director Michelle Gillard was admitted in 2010, has worked almost solely in family law since and completed a Master of Applied Law (Family Law) in 2013.
The firm names two accredited family law specialists, Michelle Gillard and Luke Shearston, and says its specialists are Law Society of NSW accredited.
Doyle's Guide listed Michelle Gillard as a Leading family and divorce lawyer for Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Central Coast in 2025.
Accredited family law specialists (2)Michelle Gillard, Luke Shearston
Fixed fee initial consultation with no set time limit, in person or by video, with a questionnaire sent beforehand, according to the firm. Appointments are usually available the same week.
Office
The Foundry, Suite 1, 220 The Entrance Road, Erina NSW
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Gillard Family Lawyers is a Newcastle based family law firm with an office in Erina, run by director Michelle Gillard. Michelle has worked almost entirely in family law since 2010 and is qualified to act as an Independent Children's Lawyer. She and Luke Shearston are accredited family law specialists, and the firm says its specialists are accredited by the Law Society of NSW. The firm runs its own mediations, which gives clients a route to settle without court. It suits parents in contested children's matters. First consultations are fixed fee with no set time limit, and clients fill in a questionnaire beforehand, the firm says.
Also worth knowing
The Central Coast page lists Michelle, Luke Shearston and mediator Alan Wright as working from Erina.
Lawyers
Michelle Gillard, Director, Independent Children's Lawyer, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner Accredited family law specialist
Luke Shearston, Special Counsel, Independent Children's Lawyer Accredited family law specialist
Alan Wright, Family law mediator
Areas of family law handled
Parenting matters
Property settlements
Separation and divorce
Consent orders
Child support
Spousal maintenance
De facto relationships
Binding financial agreements
Grandparents' rights
Family law mediation
Independent Children's Lawyer work
Office
The Foundry, Suite 1, 220 The Entrance Road, Erina NSW
Other details
Other offices
Newcastle (Honeysuckle Drive), with mediation rooms in Newcastle West
Free 15 minute discovery call, then a fixed fee 90 minute initial consultation in person or online with a senior family lawyer, with no obligation to continue, according to the firm. The firm doesn't currently accept Legal Aid.
Orbell Family Lawyers was founded by Sheree Orbell, who has more than 15 years in family law and was named a Leading family lawyer for the Central Coast, Newcastle and Hunter in Doyle's Guide. The Erina office lists eight lawyers, including two practice leaders and two senior associates. The firm also has offices in Newcastle, the Northern Beaches and Chatswood. It says 97% of its matters resolve without court. It suits people who want a well resourced, family law only team. A free 15 minute discovery call comes first, then a fixed fee 90 minute consultation, according to the firm.
Also worth knowing
It offers a free 15 minute discovery call before a fixed fee 90 minute consultation.
Fixed fee initial consultation, not charged by time, booked for one to two hours, according to the firm. No documents are required but they help.
Office
Suite 4.22, Element, 200 Central Coast Highway, Erina NSW 2250
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Catalyst Family Lawyers is an Erina practice that says family law is all it does. Principal Paul Fawcett is accredited by the Law Society of NSW as a family law specialist and, the firm says, ran the family law practice of another Central Coast firm for five years before setting up Catalyst. Beyond the usual parenting and property work, it covers international family law, grandparents' issues and LGBTIQ couples and families, and offers collaborative law and mediation as alternatives to court. It suits people who want a specialist to handle their matter directly. The first consultation is a fixed fee session booked for one to two hours.
Also worth knowing
First consultations are a fixed fee and booked for one to two hours.
Lawyers
The site lists one lawyer.
Paul Fawcett, Solicitor Director Accredited family law specialist
Areas of family law handled
Separation and divorce
Parenting and living arrangements
Property, finances and debt
De facto relationships and property
Child support
Grandparents' issues
LGBTIQ couples and families
International family law
Collaborative family law
Mediation
Court representation
Office
Suite 4.22, Element, 200 Central Coast Highway, Erina NSW 2250
Free personalised separation plan, then an initial consultation with a family lawyer, according to the firm. Legal Aid panel member.
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Strive Family Law & Mediations is the Tuggerah practice of Kate Walker, an Accredited Specialist in Family Law with the Law Society of NSW and an accredited family dispute resolution practitioner. She has worked in family law since 2009 and sits on Legal Aid panels, including as an Independent Children's Lawyer, the firm says. Her preference is to settle through mediation and keep costs down, going to court when needed. It suits northern Coast families who want advice and mediation from one practice. The firm starts with a free separation plan.
Also worth knowing
Doyle's Guide listed her as a Recommended family lawyer for Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Central Coast in 2025 and 2026.
She won the DRCA Peacemaker of the Year award at Dispute Resolution Centre Australia's first ADR awards, the firm says.
Lawyers
The site names no other lawyers.
Kate Walker, Principal, Family Lawyer and Accredited FDR Practitioner Accredited family law specialist
Firm details come from each firm's own website. Google ratings are shown as published on Google and don't set the order. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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How we compiled this list
We include firms with an office on the Central Coast, in Gosford, Erina or Tuggerah, that do family law as a main part of their practice. Some also have offices in Newcastle or Sydney. For each firm we read its own website in October 2026 and wrote the description ourselves. We name an accredited specialist where the firm's site or the Law Society of NSW names the lawyer and the area, we say where the claim comes from, and we name the Law Society where the source does. Free consultations and fee terms are as the firm describes them, so confirm them when you call. We show Google ratings with the date we checked them.
Some firms pay for a featured listing, which affects where they appear on this page. Payment doesn't buy the write-up. We write those ourselves, and firms don't get to edit them. If something here is out of date, let us know. There's more detail on how we rank law firms.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules are as published by the Federal Circuit and Family Court, the Local Court of NSW and Legal Aid NSW in October 2026.
Where Central Coast family law cases are heard
Divorce, parenting and property cases go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The court's list of New South Wales locations doesn't include Gosford, Wyong or anywhere else on the Central Coast. Before you file, check the registry list on fcfcoa.gov.au, or ask your lawyer where your case is likely to be heard.
Filing: divorce applications are filed online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal
Enquiries: 1300 352 000. Court staff can't give legal advice. For urgent after hours family law matters, such as a real risk that a child will be taken out of Australia before the next working day, the court's after hours line is (02) 9966 7988
Duty lawyers: Legal Aid NSW has family law duty lawyers at the family law courts when they're sitting. You don't need to qualify for legal aid, and they help with urgent problems such as a child not being returned or a threat to take a child overseas
Family Advocacy and Support Service: duty lawyers and support workers for people affected by family violence who have a family law issue, whether or not you have a lawyer. Duty lawyer 1800 551 589, support for women 1800 11 3277, support for men 1300 00 3277
AVOs are a NSW matter and are heard in the Local Court, which sits on the Coast at Gosford, Wyong and Woy Woy. Many cases settle through negotiation, mediation or family dispute resolution, so ask any lawyer you call how they approach settlement.
Time limits and court fees
What you need to do
The rule
Apply for divorce
After 12 months and 1 day of separation. You can be separated under one roof, with an affidavit explaining it
Property or spousal maintenance after a marriage
Within 12 months of the divorce taking effect. A divorce becomes final a little over a month after the order, unless the court shortens that
Property after a de facto relationship
Within 2 years of the relationship ending
Parenting orders
No deadline, but you generally need a family dispute resolution certificate first, and it's valid for 12 months
If you miss a property deadline, you can still apply if your former partner consents. Otherwise you need the court's permission, which is generally only given where refusing would cause hardship. Get advice before the deadline passes.
Court fees from 1 July 2026
Fee
Application for divorce
$1,170, or $390 at the reduced rate for eligible concession card holders or financial hardship
Application for consent orders
$215
Initiating application for final orders, parenting or property
$455
Initiating application for final orders, parenting and property
$740
Conciliation conference
$510
Setting down a defended matter for hearing
$820 in Division 2, $1,115 in Division 1
Fees are set by the Family Law (Fees) Regulations 2022 and usually rise each 1 July. For a joint divorce application, you both have to qualify for the reduced fee. These are court fees only, on top of anything you pay a lawyer.
Family dispute resolution comes first
Before the court will hear an application for parenting orders, you generally need a certificate from a family dispute resolution practitioner. The certificate says whether the other parent refused or didn't attend, whether you both made a genuine effort or one of you didn't, or whether dispute resolution wasn't appropriate, or stopped being appropriate.
Since 10 June 2025, the court must reject a parenting application for filing if there's no certificate and no exemption has been granted. You claim an exemption by filing an affidavit explaining why you haven't got a certificate, and a registrar decides. Grounds include family violence or child abuse or a real risk of it, urgency, a recent serious breach of a parenting order, or someone being unable to take part effectively. Applications for consent orders don't need a certificate at all. The court can also refer you to dispute resolution at any stage.
Interrelate Family Relationship Centres: Level 1, 40 Mann Street, Gosford, and Unit 6, 1 Pioneer Avenue, Tuggerah, both on 1300 473 528. Both offer family law counselling and the Parenting Orders Program, and the Tuggerah centre lists family dispute resolution
Legal Aid NSW Family Dispute Resolution Service: mediation for parenting, property and maintenance disputes, with a lawyer able to attend. There's no up front fee, but if you receive a cash payment of $30,000 or more in a property settlement you contribute to your lawyer's costs. Call LawAccess on 1300 888 529 to check if you're eligible
Family Relationship Advice Line: 1800 050 321, 8am to 8pm weekdays and 10am to 4pm Saturday. It can refer you to your nearest Family Relationship Centre
At Family Relationship Centres, information and individual sessions are free, and so is the first hour of joint family dispute resolution. The second and third hours cost $30 an hour if you earn $50,000 or more.
What changed in family law in 2024 and 2025
Parenting, from 6 May 2024. The presumption of equal shared parental responsibility was removed. The law has never required equal time. Courts now look at a shorter list of best interests factors, starting with arrangements that keep the child and each carer safe, including from family violence. Before reopening a final parenting order, the court must consider whether circumstances have changed significantly and be satisfied that it's in the child's best interests, unless everyone agrees.
Property, from 10 June 2025. The steps a court follows are now set out in the Act: identify the property and debts, assess each person's contributions, consider current and future circumstances such as children's housing needs, and make orders that are just and equitable. Courts must consider the economic effect of family violence, and the definition now expressly names economic and financial abuse. Pets are treated separately, and the duty to fully disclose your finances is now in the Act itself.
The 2024 parenting changes and the 2025 property framework apply to existing cases too, unless the final hearing had already started. The new duty of disclosure in the Act applies to cases started on or after 10 June 2025. Get advice that reflects the current law.
AVOs and the Central Coast Local Courts
In NSW, protection orders are made under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007, by the Local Court. An apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) protects someone in a domestic or family relationship with the defendant, and applies across Australia. An apprehended personal violence order (APVO) covers people with no domestic relationship, such as a neighbour.
Who applies: police can apply for you. If everyone to be protected is under 16, only police can apply, but an adult applying for themselves can include their children. You can also apply yourself at a Local Court registry
After an incident: police can get a provisional order straight away, made by a senior police officer or an authorised officer. Police must serve it on the defendant as soon as they can, and it can only be enforced against the defendant once it's served. The court can then make an interim order until the case is decided
How long: if the court doesn't set a period, an ADVO lasts 2 years by default, or 1 year if the defendant is under 18. The court can set a different period
Breaches: breaking an AVO is a crime, with up to 2 years in prison
At court: for matters first listed since 4 May 2026, each Local Court is to list AVO matters on a set day of its sitting week, so support services can attend wherever possible
Local Court
Address and contact
Gosford
Corner of Donnison Street and Henry Parry Drive. 1300 679 272, registry 9am to 4:30pm
Wyong
6 Anzac Avenue. 1300 679 272, registry 9am to 4:30pm
Woy Woy
78 to 80 Blackwall Road. (02) 4344 0111, registry 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm
The Central Coast Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service covers Gosford, Woy Woy and Wyong courts, on (02) 4346 4452 for Gosford and (02) 4346 4451 for Wyong. The statewide number is 1800 938 227.
Coercive control. Since 1 July 2024, it's a crime in NSW for an adult to use a pattern of abusive behaviour to coerce or control a current or former intimate partner, with a maximum of 7 years in prison. The offence is under review, with a report due to be tabled in Parliament in July 2027.
Tell your family lawyer about any AVO or application, because it sits alongside any family law orders. In an emergency call 000. The NSW Domestic Violence Line is 1800 65 64 63.
Choosing a Central Coast family lawyer, and free help
Most family lawyers charge by the hour, and some offer fixed fees for set jobs like a divorce application or consent orders. If your legal costs are likely to be more than $750, your lawyer must tell you in writing how they'll charge and what it's likely to cost. No win, no fee agreements can't be used for proceedings under the Family Law Act, and lawyers can't charge a percentage of your settlement.
Look for an accredited specialist. The Law Society of NSW accredits solicitors as family law specialists after extra assessment. It isn't required to practise, and you can search for one with the Law Society's Find a Lawyer service.
Match the firm to your matter. A property pool with a business or trusts needs different experience from a parenting dispute or an AVO.
Ask who does the work. Some firms on this list also have offices in Newcastle or Sydney, so ask which lawyer will run your file and where you'll meet.
LawAccess NSW: 1300 888 529, 9am to 5pm weekdays. Free legal information and referrals, and the number to check eligibility for Legal Aid NSW
Legal Aid NSW, Gosford: 92 to 100 Donnison Street, Gosford, (02) 4324 5611
Central Coast Community Legal Centre: the Coast's community legal centre. Check centralcoastclc.org.au for what it helps with and how to book
Legal Aid NSW Domestic Violence Unit: 1800 979 529
Family Law Service for Aboriginal Communities: (02) 9407 2941
Legal Aid NSW Child Support Service: 1800 451 784 from outside Sydney
Central Coast family law: common questions
Is there a family court on the Central Coast?
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia doesn't list a Central Coast location among its NSW sites. Check the registry list on fcfcoa.gov.au or ask your lawyer where your case will be heard. Divorce applications are filed online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal, and general enquiries go to 1300 352 000.
How long do I have to apply for a property settlement?
If you were married, within 12 months of your divorce taking effect. If you were in a de facto relationship, within 2 years of it ending. After that you need your former partner's consent or the court's permission, which is generally only given where refusing would cause hardship.
Do I have to try mediation before going to court?
For parenting orders, generally yes. You need a family dispute resolution certificate, or a registrar must grant an exemption, for example because of family violence, child abuse or urgency. On the Coast, Interrelate runs Family Relationship Centres, at 40 Mann Street, Gosford, and 1 Pioneer Avenue, Tuggerah, on 1300 473 528. Property matters don't need a certificate, but the court expects you to try to settle first.
Does the law say children should spend equal time with each parent?
No. The law has never required equal time, and since 6 May 2024 there's no longer a presumption of equal shared parental responsibility. The court decides what's in the child's best interests, starting with safety.
How do I get an AVO on the Central Coast?
Ask police to apply for you, or apply yourself at the Local Court registry at Gosford, Wyong or Woy Woy. Police can get a provisional order straight after an incident, and the court can make an interim order while the case runs. The Central Coast Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service is on (02) 4346 4452 for Gosford and (02) 4346 4451 for Wyong.
What is an accredited family law specialist?
A solicitor accredited by the Law Society of NSW in family law after extra assessment. It isn't required to practise, but it's a useful sign of depth. On this list, Michael Seton of Seton Family Lawyers and Paul Fawcett of Catalyst Family Lawyers are Law Society of NSW accredited specialists, and Gillard Family Lawyers says Michelle Gillard and Luke Shearston are too. Seton Family Lawyers also says senior associate Tim Bowring is an accredited family law specialist, without naming the body.
Can I get free family law help on the Central Coast?
Yes. Call LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 to check if you're eligible for Legal Aid NSW, which has an office at 92 to 100 Donnison Street, Gosford, on (02) 4324 5611. You can also check Central Coast Community Legal Centre at centralcoastclc.org.au, and Legal Aid's family law duty lawyers can help at court whether or not you qualify for legal aid.
General information only, not legal advice.
Looking in another city? See all our family lawyers by city, with a plain English guide to how it works.
