5 Best Family Lawyers in Chatswood
Updated 22 September 2026 · How we rank law firms
Compare the 5 highest-rated family lawyers in Chatswood, ranked by Google rating across 463 client reviews (average 5.0 stars). Chatswood family law cases are lodged with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia through the Commonwealth Courts Portal and heard in the Lionel Bowen Building at 97-99 Goulburn Street, Sydney. Most parents must attempt family dispute resolution and obtain a section 60I certificate before filing for parenting orders.
Best family lawyers in Chatswood
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1
Family Lawyer Associates Editor's pick
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2
Pearce Webster Dugdales Editor's pick
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3
Doyle's Family Law & Mediation Editor's pick
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4
AM Legal Editor's pick
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5
Hillman & Associates Lawyers and Migration Agents / English and French-Speaking
4.88score -
6
IT Lawyers Australia
4.84score -
7
ClearSky Legal
4.81score -
8
Yorkins Legal & Conveyancing
4.80score -
9
Dominic Savio Tam 譚詠基國際公正律師
4.78score
Editor's picks are chosen by our editors and labelled; the firms below them are ordered by score. Source: Google Maps business listings for “family lawyer chatswood”, checked 22 September 2026. Ordered by a review-weighted rating. How we rank law firms
Standouts among family lawyers in Chatswood
Highest weighted score
Hillman & Associates Lawyers and Migration Agents / English and French-Speaking: 5.0 stars from 125 reviews.
Most reviewed
ClearSky Legal: 134 Google reviews, rated 4.9.
Highest rated with 100+ reviews
Hillman & Associates Lawyers and Migration Agents / English and French-Speaking: 5.0 stars from 125 reviews.
Where are family law matters heard for Chatswood?
The nearest family law registry for Chatswood and the upper North Shore is the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia's Sydney registry in the Lionel Bowen Building, 97-99 Goulburn Street. Chatswood has no family law sitting. Many procedural hearings are run electronically, and apprehended domestic violence orders are dealt with by the Local Court.
What NSW-specific rules apply?
Divorce, parenting and property disputes in NSW are decided under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), and that includes de facto property claims because NSW referred those powers to the Commonwealth. Two related areas stay under state law: child protection cases go to the Children's Court of NSW, and apprehended domestic violence orders are made in the Local Court under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW). The Law Society of New South Wales runs the specialist accreditation scheme for family lawyers in the state.
How much does a family lawyer cost in Chatswood?
Fees for family lawyers in Chatswood depend on the matter, the lawyer's seniority and the fee model (hourly, fixed fee or conditional). Before any work starts, a law firm must disclose its costs in writing when they are likely to exceed the disclosure threshold. See How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Australia? for typical ranges and fee models.
Free and low-cost legal help in Chatswood
Legal Aid NSW's Central Sydney office at 323 Castlereagh Street, Haymarket, offers free family law advice to North Shore residents. See Free Legal Advice in Australia for more options.
Chatswood family lawyer FAQs
Is there a family court in Chatswood?
No. Chatswood family law matters go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia's Sydney registry at 97-99 Goulburn Street.
How long do I have to apply for a property settlement?
A property application must be filed within 12 months after a divorce order takes effect, or within 2 years after a de facto relationship ends, under section 44 of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). Later applications need the Court's permission.
Is legal aid available for family law on the North Shore?
Legal Aid NSW does not list a Chatswood office; its Central Sydney office at 323 Castlereagh Street, Haymarket, gives family law advice, and grants of aid are subject to a means and merits test.
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