The family law pages don't state first consultation terms. Contact the firm by phone, callback request or online booking. The firm says clients can finance legal costs through JustFund.
Office
14-18 Auburn Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Kells is a large Illawarra firm with more than 50 years in practice, according to its site, and offices in Wollongong, Thirroul, Dapto, Shellharbour, Kiama and Sydney. Its family law team is led by partner Peter Chodat, who the firm says is a Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law and has worked only in family law for about 25 years. He is also a trained collaborative lawyer. The team covers property, children, de facto and same sex matters. It suits people with complex asset pools who want an office close to home. Ask the firm about first consultation terms.
Also worth knowing
The firm has offices in Wollongong, Thirroul, Dapto, Shellharbour and Kiama.
Lawyers
The site doesn't say which office each family lawyer works from.
Peter Chodat, Partner, leads the Sydney and Wollongong family law practice Accredited family law specialist
Ashleigh Georgopoulos, Partner
Franca Parolin, Senior Associate
Cassandra Bujaroska, Associate
Taylah Jensen, Associate
Elena Delaveris, Lawyer
Areas of family law handled
Divorce
Property settlement
Parenting arrangements and child custody
Child support
De facto relationships
Same sex couples
Family violence and AVOs
Binding financial agreements
Collaborative law
Care and protection
Superannuation splitting
Varying or enforcing final orders
Office
14-18 Auburn Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Other details
Other offices
Thirroul, Dapto, Shellharbour, Kiama and Sydney CBD
The site doesn't publish first consultation or fee terms. Contact the firm to ask.
Office
Suite 5, 156-160 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Marr Family Lawyers is a family law practice on Crown Street, Wollongong, with a second office in Kiama. Principal Kate Marr is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, according to the firm, and spent close to ten years in the family law division of a national firm in Sydney, where she became a partner. The firm says Doyle's Guide named it a leading family and divorce law firm for Wollongong and Southern NSW in 2025. It suits people who want a family law only team with a specialist at the top. The site doesn't publish first consultation terms.
Also worth knowing
The firm works from Crown Street in Wollongong and Bong Bong Street in Kiama.
Lawyers
Kate Marr, Principal Accredited family law specialist
Kristina Komadina, Associate
Yasmin Georgievska, Associate
Jessica Chinnock, Solicitor
Chelsea McMahon, Solicitor
Areas of family law handled
Property settlement
Superannuation splitting
Spousal maintenance
Child support and adult child maintenance
Parenting arrangements
Relocation disputes
Contravention of orders
Time with grandparents
Separation advice
Negotiation and mediation support
Divorce orders
Court representation
Office
Suite 5, 156-160 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Free 15 minute enquiry call. The initial consultation usually runs one to one and a half hours, in person, by phone or video, and the firm says it may offer fixed fee initial consultations.
Office
Suite 7, 88 Kembla Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Seacliff Family Law is a boutique family law firm founded in 2022 by Ashleigh Wisbey, who the firm says is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and a trained collaborative lawyer. It works from Kembla Street in Wollongong and from Coledale in the northern suburbs, with appointment only meetings further afield. The firm prefers negotiation and mediation, and also offers arbitration and court work when needed. It suits people who want a newer, family focused practice. A free 15 minute enquiry call is available, and initial consultations can be held in person, by phone or video.
Founded in 2022
Also worth knowing
Resolution options include negotiation, collaborative law, mediation, arbitration and court.
Lawyers
Ashleigh Wisbey, Founder Accredited family law specialist
Sam Beasley, Senior Associate
Rachael Parr, Senior Associate
Grace Harrison-Lee, Solicitor
Areas of family law handled
Divorce and separation
Property and financial settlements
Superannuation in family law
Children and parenting arrangements
De facto matters
Spousal maintenance
Family violence matters
Binding financial agreements
Parenting plans and consent orders
Collaborative law and mediation
Arbitration
Court proceedings
Office
Suite 7, 88 Kembla Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Other details
Other offices
Coledale; appointment only meetings at Oran Park, Picton, Berry, Sutherland and Sydney CBD
Initial consultations are confidential and can be held at either office, by phone or video, including outside business hours by appointment. The site doesn't publish fee terms but says it gives a clear breakdown of legal costs.
Office
82 Market Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Hulse Family Law works only in family law, from Market Street in Wollongong and Albert Street in Berry. Lana Hulse leads the firm and is a Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law, according to its site, with more than ten years of exclusive family law work, including time in a national firm's specialist family team. She is also a trained collaborative lawyer. Three more lawyers work only in family law. The firm leans towards negotiation and mediation. It suits people from the Illawarra to the Shoalhaven who want a specialist led team. Ask the firm about first consultation terms.
Also worth knowing
Meetings are available in Wollongong or Berry, by phone or video, and outside business hours by appointment.
Lawyers
Lana Hulse, Principal Accredited family law specialist
Short complimentary phone call for new clients, then a reduced flat fee in person conference. Fixed fees for simple divorces, time based billing for family law disputes, and interim billing.
Office
Level 1, Suite 43, 26-28 Market Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Hanna Lawyers is a locally owned Wollongong firm founded in 2009 by principal Nixon Hanna, with a dedicated family law team on Market Street. Special Counsel Rebecca Bailey has practised almost only family law since 2002 and has acted as an Independent Children's Lawyer. Senior Associate Jordan Vincent has worked in family law since 2016, and partner Deana Hanna also handles complex family matters. The firm publishes its fees online and uses fixed fees for simpler work such as divorce. New clients get a short complimentary phone call. It suits people who want a local team with clear costs.
Founded in 2009
Also worth knowing
New clients get a short complimentary phone call, and the firm publishes its fees online.
Lawyers
Rebecca Bailey, Special Counsel, family law
Deana Hanna, Partner, family law and succession
Jordan Vincent, Senior Associate, family law
Nathan Hawkes, Solicitor
Nixon Hanna, Principal
Areas of family law handled
Divorce
Property settlement
Parenting orders
Parenting plans
Spousal maintenance
Binding financial agreements
Domestic and family violence and AVOs
Family Court representation
Office
Level 1, Suite 43, 26-28 Market Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Free 15 minute initial phone consultation with the Wollongong team, according to the firm. After that, the firm outlines the scope of work and estimated costs.
Watts McCray is a family law focused firm that says it has worked in family law for more than 40 years, with offices across Sydney and a Wollongong office in Centretown Plaza on Crown Street. The Illawarra office is led by principal lawyer Jessica Koot, who has practised mainly family law since 2015 and is a qualified Independent Children's Lawyer and Legal Aid panel lawyer. Associate Emily Grundy-Hyam works with her. It suits people who want a local lawyer backed by a larger family law group. A free 15 minute phone consultation is available with the Wollongong team.
Also worth knowing
The firm says it has worked in family law for more than 40 years.
Lawyers
Jessica Koot, Principal Lawyer, Practice Leader Illawarra
Emily Grundy-Hyam, Associate Lawyer
Areas of family law handled
Divorce
Property settlement
Parenting arrangements
Parenting plans and consent orders
Child support and binding child support agreements
The site doesn't publish first consultation or fee terms. Contact the firm to ask.
Office
Level 1 The Civic, 102/38-40 Stewart Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
DGB Lawyers is a long standing Wollongong practice, operating since 1955 according to its site, based at The Civic on Stewart Street. Family law sits alongside property, wills and criminal work, but two of its three partners practise in family law. Partner Lorelle Longbottom covers family, de facto, mediation, surrogacy and Independent Children's Lawyer work, and partner Grace Prosperi handles family and criminal matters. Lawyer Brooke Evans adds adoption. It suits people wanting an established local firm, including those with surrogacy or adoption questions. The site doesn't state first consultation terms.
Operating since 1955
Also worth knowing
The family law pages cover surrogacy and adoption as well as property and parenting.
Lawyers
Lorelle Longbottom, Partner, family law
Grace Prosperi, Partner, family and criminal law
Brooke Evans, Lawyer, family law and adoption
Areas of family law handled
Financial settlements
Parenting matters
Child custody
Child support
Divorce
De facto relationships
Family violence
Surrogacy law
Adoption law
Mediation
Office
Level 1 The Civic, 102/38-40 Stewart Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
The site doesn't publish first consultation or fee terms. Contact the firm to ask.
Office
15 Victoria Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Acorn Lawyers is a full service firm founded in June 2010, with offices on Victoria Street in Wollongong, Warrawong, Nowra and Sydney. It added family law in early 2017 by buying Verekers, a Wollongong family law firm with more than 35 years in the Illawarra. Consultant Peter Williamson came across from Verekers and practises family law and property. The team handles parenting, property, surrogacy and dispute resolution, and appears in the federal family courts. It suits clients who may need other legal help alongside a separation. The site doesn't publish consultation terms.
Founded in 2010
Also worth knowing
The family team handles parenting, property, surrogacy agreements and family dispute resolution.
Lawyers
The family law page lists two key contacts but doesn't say which other lawyers are on the family team.
Peter Williamson, Consultant, family law and property
Irfana Kamerasevic, Senior Associate and Business Manager, family law key contact
Prime Lawyers is a Sydney based firm with a family law office on Market Street, Wollongong, plus offices in the Sydney CBD, Parramatta, Chatswood, Bondi Junction and Sutherland. The firm says it has more than 20 years of family law experience. Its Wollongong page covers divorce, parenting, property, de facto and AVO matters, plus a mediation service and consent orders. It doesn't name any Wollongong lawyers. The firm offers a free first consultation and a pay at the end option for approved clients. It suits people who want flexible payment and a larger network.
Also worth knowing
The firm says it has been a family law firm for more than 20 years.
The site doesn't publish first consultation or fee terms. Contact the firm to ask.
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Rita Thakur & Associates is a Wollongong family law practice that opened on 13 October 1997, according to the firm. Founder Rita Thakur worked mainly in family law at a local firm before starting her own, and she is Vice President of Collaborative Family Lawyers Illawarra Shoalhaven. Her site covers divorce applications and family law advice, and it doesn't list other lawyers. It suits people who want a long running local practice with a collaborative approach. Contact the firm about first consultation terms.
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.
Not sure which firm suits you?
Tell us a little about your matter and we'll put you in touch with a Wollongong family lawyer. It's free and there's no obligation.
How we compiled this list
We include firms with an office in Wollongong that do family law as a main part of their practice. Most are in the Wollongong CBD, and several also have offices elsewhere in the Illawarra and the Shoalhaven, from Thirroul and Coledale to Kiama, Berry and Nowra, or in Sydney. For each firm we read its own website in October 2026 and wrote the description ourselves. We only call someone an accredited specialist where the firm's site says so, and we say which body accredited them where the site names it. Where we mention Doyle's Guide or Best Lawyers we name it. 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.
No firm pays for its position on this page. The order is our own editorial judgement, and we write the descriptions ourselves, without firms editing 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 Wollongong family law cases are heard
Divorce, parenting and property cases go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The court's own list of locations puts Wollongong among its NSW circuit locations, along with Armidale, Dubbo, Orange, Tamworth and Wauchope. Its NSW registries are in Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle.
Filing: divorce applications are filed online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal
Enquiries: 1300 352 000 for time sensitive enquiries in business hours. 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 Contact us page gives the after hours line as (02) 9966 7988
Family Advocacy and Support Service: Legal Aid NSW says its duty lawyers and support workers are at the court in Wollongong in person, Monday to Friday. The service is for people affected by family violence who have a family law issue, whether or not they have a lawyer. Duty lawyer 1800 551 589, support for women 1800 11 3277, support for men 1300 00 3277
Early Intervention Unit: a Legal Aid NSW statewide service for family law problems such as seeing your children, care arrangements or property after separation. It gives free advice, help applying for legal aid and duty lawyer help, for parents, de facto partners, grandparents and kin. Call 1800 551 589
AVOs are a NSW matter and are heard in the Local Court, not the family court. 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 at least 12 months 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 while your child is under 18, 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.
Wollongong Family Relationship Centre: 336 Keira Street, Wollongong, (02) 4220 1100. Its listing on Family Relationships Online names family dispute resolution, family law counselling and the Supporting Children after Separation Program
CatholicCare Diocese of Wollongong: 6 to 8 Regent Street, Wollongong, (02) 4254 9395, listed for family law counselling
Legal Aid NSW Family Dispute Resolution Service: mediation for parenting and property disputes, with a lawyer able to go with you if you're eligible. 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
Family Relationships Online says information and individual sessions at Family Relationship Centres are free, and so is the first hour of joint family dispute resolution. Later hours can depend on your income, so ask about fees when you book.
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 Illawarra 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, to help support services be at court
Local Court
Where and when
Women's court advocacy service
Wollongong
Corner of Church and Market Streets. Registry 9am to 4:30pm weekdays
Illawarra WDVCAS, (02) 4229 4604
Port Kembla
Registry 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm weekdays
Illawarra WDVCAS, (02) 4229 4604
Albion Park
Registry open on court sitting days only
Illawarra WDVCAS, (02) 4229 4604
Kiama
Registry open on court sitting days only
Illawarra WDVCAS, (02) 4229 4604
Call the Local Court on 1300 679 272 before going to Albion Park or Kiama. Further south, Nowra Local Court is covered by the South Coast WDVCAS, (02) 4476 5416. The statewide Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service 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, 24 hours.
Choosing a Wollongong 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, trusts or super needs different experience from a parenting dispute or an AVO.
Check where you'll meet. Most firms on this list are in the Wollongong CBD, but several also see clients elsewhere. Kells has offices from Thirroul to Kiama, Marr Family Lawyers is also in Kiama, Seacliff Family Law in Coledale, Hulse Family Law in Berry, and Acorn Lawyers in Warrawong and Nowra. Ask which lawyer will run your file and where.
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, Wollongong: 73 Church Street, Wollongong, (02) 4228 8299. Further south, the Nowra office is at Level 2, 59 Berry Street, (02) 4422 4351. Call to ask how they can help with a family law matter
Family law 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
Illawarra Legal Centre: Suite 4, Level 2, 166 Keira Street, Wollongong, (02) 4276 1939. Phones are answered 9:30am to 4:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and 2pm to 4:30pm Thursday, closed 1pm to 2pm. It gives general legal advice, help with child support, and free advice and support for women who are victims of family violence
Legal Aid NSW Domestic Violence Unit: 1800 979 529
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients: the Legal Aid NSW Family Law Service for Aboriginal Communities is on (02) 9407 2941, and Illawarra Legal Centre runs an Aboriginal Legal Access Program
Legal Aid NSW Child Support Service: 1800 451 784 from outside Sydney
Wollongong family law: common questions
Is there a family court in Wollongong?
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia sits in Wollongong at Level 1, 43 Burelli Street, and its list of court locations names Wollongong as one of its NSW circuits. Its NSW registries are in Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle. Divorce applications are filed online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal. Legal Aid NSW says its Family Advocacy and Support Service duty lawyers and support workers are at the court in Wollongong every weekday.
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. In Wollongong, the Family Relationship Centre is at 336 Keira Street, on (02) 4220 1100. 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 in Wollongong?
Ask police to apply for you, or apply yourself at a Local Court registry, such as Wollongong Local Court on the corner of Church and Market Streets, or the courts at Port Kembla, Albion Park and Kiama. Police can get a provisional order straight after an incident. The Illawarra Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, on (02) 4229 4604, covers all four courts.
Which firms on this list have accredited family law specialists?
Four of them, according to their own websites. Kells says partner Peter Chodat is a Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law, and Hulse Family Law says the same of principal Lana Hulse. Marr Family Lawyers says principal Kate Marr is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, and Seacliff Family Law says the same of founder Ashleigh Wisbey. In NSW, the Law Society of NSW accredits family law specialists, and you can check with its Find a Lawyer service.
Can I get free family law help in Wollongong?
Yes. Call LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 to check if you're eligible for Legal Aid NSW, which has a Wollongong office at 73 Church Street, on (02) 4228 8299. Legal Aid's Early Intervention Unit gives free family law advice on 1800 551 589, and Illawarra Legal Centre on Keira Street gives general legal advice and helps women affected by family violence.
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.
