Sydney

Family Lawyers Sydney CBD

When your family life changes, so do many other things – your future, your finances, even your living situation – and when they do it can feel like your world is in limbo. Whether you’re about to get married, considering a divorce or separation or trying to navigate your rights as a de facto or co-parent, it’s important to have someone to help you through it, with great advice, solid support and a deep understanding of the legal system.

At Watts McCray, our experienced Sydney family lawyers are here to support you with care, empathy and expert legal guidance. No matter your family situation, we can assist you to navigate it well, including starting a divorce or separation process, working through parenting arrangements or dividing property and assets. Whatever the need, we’re by your side, every step of the way.

Our team at the Watts McCray’s Sydney office, are conveniently located in the heart of the Sydney CBD, and have decades of experience as accredited specialists in family law. As one of the most trusted family law firms in the Sydney area, we combine professional excellence with genuine empathy, so you feel supported, informed and prepared to make the best decisions for your future.

If you’re looking for help with a situation you’re currently navigating, or just need some advice and guidance, our Sydney CBD office is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Call us on 1300 398 638 or complete the contact form below to get started.

How to find us:

Watts McCray Family Lawyers Sydney
Level 7, Suite 702
570 George Street Sydney NSW 2000

Our Sydney office is centrally located in the heart of the CBD, just a one-minute walk from Town Hall Station, and five-minutes from Museum Station. Nearby bus stops on Elizabeth and Liverpool Street are also convenient if you prefer those routes. If you’re driving, there are secure parking facilities close by as well.

Find our map location and closest parking facilities below:

Why choose Watts McCray Sydney?

At Watts McCray Sydney, family law isn’t just what we do – it’s what we care deeply about. We understand that family law matters are not just legal issues – they’re deeply personal situations that require sensitivity and understanding.

That’s why we’re proud to have helped thousands of individuals and families in Sydney move through complex legal issues with clarity, support and personalised results.

Here’s why more people choose Watts McCray for family law in Sydney:

• Specialist expertise. Our team includes accredited specialists in family law, recognised by the Law Society of NSW.
• Client-first approach. Getting you the best results for your situation is our goal. We always listen to you, and every step we take is designed to support you, not overwhelm you.
• Transparent communication. We’re here to help you, and so you’ll always know where your matter stands, what your options are and what’s coming next.
• Proven outcomes. We’re proud to have delivered strong results to thousands of clients across Sydney.
• Empathetic support. We know how deeply personal family law situations might be. We go above and beyond to foster an environment of empathy and trust.

Whether you’re looking for some straightforward advice or need a legal advocate on a matter, our Sydney family lawyers are ready to help. Get in touch. We’re ready to help you find a resolution and the peace of mind that follows.

Contact details

Phone: 1300 398 638

Where is the family law court in Sydney?

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) is located just two blocks from our Sydney office:

Lionel Bowen Building
97-99 Goulburn Street
Sydney NSW 2001.

The court is also easily accessible and within walking distance Town Hall and Museum Stations, as well as Central Station. If you’re required to attend court, we’ll be able to guide you through the process, prepare you thoroughly and stand by your side on the day.
If you have any questions or concerns about the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re happy to help.

Industry Recognition

Our team is not only well known for their legal skills, they’re also recognised for their leadership in the legal profession. Most recently, Senior Associate Tylah Coskerie of our Sydney office was awarded the Future Legal Leader 2025 award. This award recognises outstanding your professionals in Australia and New Zealand who are demonstrating leadership and achievement in their careers.

Congratulations Tylah. This award is well deserved and certainly showcases some of the incredible talent of our Sydney family lawyers.

Watts McCray Lawyers partners with Pride In Law

We are excited to announce that Watts McCray Lawyers is an official partner of Pride in Law! As advocates for diversity and inclusion, we are honoured to support Pride in Law’s mission to promote and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community within the legal profession. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

FAQs

1. What types of family law matters do you handle?

As a Sydney-based law firm, with many clients from across greater Sydney we deal with a wide variety of simple and complex matters in family law. These include divorce and separation, parenting, property splitting, financial agreements and more.

Our Sydney family law lawyers are experienced in amicable separations as well as complex, high-conflict cases and in de facto relationships too. Get in touch with our teams for any help you need.

2. What is an accredited specialist in family law?

Our Sydney family law team includes a number of accredited specialists in family law who are skilled in a wide range of family law matters. This specialist accreditation means that they have undergone rigorous training and extensive study to become experts in the field of family law.

The accreditation is granted by the Law Society in each state or territory, which means that here in Sydney, it’s the Law Society of NSW.

3. How much does a family lawyer cost in Sydney?

Every family law matter is unique, and costs vary based on the nature of your particular matter. Things like the complexity of the situation, the other party’s willingness to negotiate and whether court proceedings are required, can impact the amount of work needed to resolve your matter, so the overall costs.

However, we’ll always provide you with an upfront client agreement outlining estimated costs for your case. We’ll also keep you informed as things progress, so there are no surprises, and you’ll always know where you stand financially.

4. What court hears family law matters in Sydney?

Family law matters are generally heard in the FCFCOA in Sydney. Some hearings are conducted in person, while others may be held electronically (via Zoom or video link, for example) depending on the matter. In many situations, we can attend on your behalf as your lawyer, so you don’t need to.

5. What should I expect during the divorce process?

The divorce process in Australia begins with an application to the FCFCOA. To apply you and your former partner must have been separated for at least 12 months (a divorce decree won’t be granted until 12 months after the date of separation), and one of you must be a resident of Australia.

Once filed, the divorce hearing is generally straightforward – especially if there are no disputes – and often you won’t even need to attend. Even once the divorce decree is issued, you’ll still need to make any arrangements needed for property settlement, finances and custody issues (if they aren’t settled already), which are handled separately under family law.

6. How are parenting arrangements decided?

Parenting arrangements are always based on what’s in the best interests of the child first and foremost. This includes ensuring they’re safe, can maintain meaningful relationships with both parents and that their emotional, developmental and social need are met and supported.

Parenting arrangements can be made through private negotiation and set out in parenting plans or by the court in consent orders. We can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a parent and guide you toward agreements that work for your family and support your children in the best way possible.

7. What factors influence property settlements?

Property settlements after separation should fairly divide the assets, liabilities and financial resources between the parties. This process can be straightforward or complex and are based on a number of factors, including:

• Each party’s contributions (both financial and non-financial)
• The future needs of each party (including their age, income earning capacity, health and care responsibilities)
• Ensuring the outcome is just and equitable based on all the facts

Property settlements can be formalised through consent orders or binding financial agreements to ensure they’re legally enforceable. Our family law lawyers in Sydney can help with this process whether you’re able to negotiate with your former partner or need to apply to the court for a consent order.

8. What legal protections are available for victims of domestic violence?

If you’re experiencing domestic or family violence, you may be able to apply for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO). An ADVO is a legal order designed to protect you and any children from harm by putting conditions on the other person’s behaviour. This might be not contacting you or staying away from your home or workplace.

9. Will domestic violence affect parenting arrangements?

Yes it can. The court will take into account any history or risk of family violence very seriously when making parenting decisions. The safety of any children is the court’s top priority and will influence who the child lives with and how much time they spend with each parent.