Family Law Parenting

Parenting issues in Family Law are time-sensitive and a delay of months, weeks or even days can impact on your outcome.

150+ 5 Star Google Reviews

Melissa Farquharson

From their competence, thoroughness and knowledge of the law, my matter was handled remarkably, while also showing me genuine empathy for my situation.

I had the pleasure of Anna Roberts and Olivia Shedden handling my Family Law matter and I cannot fault them, nor thank them enough. Anna and Olivia made, what was an extremely difficult time in my life, a little bit more bearable. Again, I cannot thank them enough and would recommend them to anybody going through a similar situation

Julieta Casa

Excellent service and advice, highly recommended!

Briana Plooy

Her professionalism and expertise made a stressful situation much more manageable, and I truly appreciated her clear guidance and support.

I had the pleasure of working with Simone Johnson for a parenting mediation that resulted in consent orders, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her assistance. She was incredibly quick with her responses, always helpful, and provided constant reassurance throughout the process. I highly recommend Simone Johnson to anyone in need of a reliable and compassionate lawyer.

Isaac Corradi

Simone is an absolute pleasure to deal with, would highly recommend her.

Chila Ford

I highly recommend Kaya for her professionalism and expertise in family law.

I recently left a Defecto relationship. I was lost and confused about what my options were and what my next move should be. After seeking advice from Kaya Huseyin I was able to take the right steps to achieve the best outcome for an awful situation.

Adam Doyle

Avoided court through successful mediation – money well spent. Rhiannan’s support was invaluable.

Rhiannan Earl has been extremely professional and a pleasure to work with. A true specialist in the challenging field of family law.
I appreciated the opportunity to review and shape my case with her expert advice.
It helped hone my points and make things crystal clear.

Hannah Cashman

At a time when I was extremely vulnerable DR made navigating the legal jargon easy, answered my many questions without making me feel stupid and provided endless reassurance and support.

I would like to thank everyone at Delaney Roberts, particularly Kaya Huseyin, for the incredible help and support provided to me through an extremely difficult time. Legal advice was practical and ethical and I was amazed at the kindness and compassion that they displayed. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Delaney Roberts to anyone going through the absolute nightmare that is family court.

Whitney Evans

I was very pleased with Shree’s advice, timely responses, and negotiation skills. Highly recommend Shree Gaikwad and the Delaney Roberts team.

My ex-partner filed an application in the family court for our children and I didn’t know how to go about dealing with it. I was lost and overwhelmed with it all and made an enquiry with Delaney Roberts. Shree explained the process to me in clear terms, prepared my response documents and negotiated an agreement on my behalf with my ex’s lawyer without needing to go through with the Hearing.

Laisly Brito

I received excellent information from the legal assistant, who was very helpful and pleasant.

Victoria Parra

Highly recommend their services!

I had a great experience with the office! The service over the phone was excellent and the result of my call was very positive and engaging. The lady with the cute accent did an amazing job listening to my enquiries and making sure my kids and I were okay.

Justine Rennecker

Brooke made me feel so at ease and explained the whole process moving forward! High recommend.

Nicole McCormack

I am forever grateful for all of Clare’s hard work and commitment that helped alleviate a lot of stress.

Clare was recommended to me in very high regard and her experience, knowledge, dedication and expertise surpassed all my expectations. I felt Clare was personally invested and she was always familiar with my case.

David Hamilton

Clare and Briarna were of great help in a very difficult situation :).

Daniel Morgan

I highly recommend this firm and their legal team.

Unfortunately, (I say unfortunately in relation to fact that I needed legal assistance), I have had to engage Delaney Roberts twice in the last three years. On the first occasion Linda acted for me and the second time Rhiannan is now representing me. Anyone who has been involved in family law knows how emotionally draining, frustrating and tiring the process is. When you come out the other side and you worked with Delaney Roberts, you can be confident that you got the best result possible and did so with the absolute confidence it was achieved ethically, with good advice, timely responses and a sound knowledge of the system and an honest appraisal of your situation, and all done without dirty tactics and mud slinging.

Gavin Leary

Through their services I have been able to reconnect with my children, and I thank them for helping me to do that.

Delaney Roberts Family Law, Claire McAteer and Briarna Albert were a pleasure to deal with. Apart from a few little hiccups along the way, they were understanding and accepting of my situation.

Tamsin Martin

I felt that I had strong support from the team in this very stressful situation.

Clare McAteer handled a very complex and highly challenging situation with respect, insight and while providing reassurance to me throughout. Clare was always approachable, willing to discuss ideas and approaches.

Johnathon Ma

Sharlotte and Kylie made my matter very easy to deal with and I am grateful for their diligence, professionalism and empathy.

Bree Hanley

She is very child focused and fair on the grounds of equal and meaningful relationships with children and parents.

Linsey Wilson represented me in my family law matter.  I would recommend her to anyone wanting a fair and equal parenting situation with a great outcome with children’s wellbeing at the core of the matter.

Rebecca Gould

From the very first meeting I was instilled with confidence that I had chosen the right place to look after my matter.

Both Clare and Briarna have been nothing but prompt in all communication with myself, which is very reassuring during such a stressful time.

Andrew Richmond

Went above and beyond to make a difficult time in my life as smooth and friendly as possible.

Absolute thorough and professional effort from the team at Delany Roberts.  Would highly recommend speaking with Linsey, Sharlotte and the team for your family law needs.

Tim Riley

I would recommend Anna to anyone. A genuinely good person and very professional.

Simon Johnson

I have no hesitation in recommending the services of Delaney Roberts. The agency was friendly and easy to deal with. The advice was clear and timely.

Anne Burdekin

I have loved Clare’s honesty and how she listens and explains things to me all of the time.

She puts in a lot of care and effort for her clients and achieves a good outcome. I have complete trust in her.

P

From my perspective you are light years ahead of the competition. It is so good to see a professional with such great customer service, who can communicate in a calm clear manner, especially when I am and usually a bit emotional.

You were actually referred to me by one of your previous clients. Just goes to show how strong word of mouth is, especially in this town. There are now more people running around Newcastle saying what a terrific job you do. Keep up the good work, I look forward to continuing to work with you on my matter.

T

My sincere gratitude for getting this arranged with commensurate alacrity, it is thoroughly appreciated!.

G

A true champion of your profession.

Thank you very much for all you have done for me. I had the best nights sleep I’ve had in 4 years last night. Once again thank you for your patience and attitude and commitment for a positive outcome.

Daniel S

Linsey’s youth belies her strong organisational skills, eye for detail, steadiness, sensitivity to my mental health issues and overall capacity for support and understanding of my situation.

Nobody wants to find themselves going through a legal ‘battle’, post separation. It’s draining, painful, lengthy, ridiculously expensive and to be avoided if at all possible. However, my super capable solicitor, Linsey Wilson, at Delaney Roberts Family Lawyers, helped guide me through about nine months of negotiation and some sometimes shocking behaviour from my ex and her lawyer.

She wasn’t fixated on going to court at all costs and helped guide me to a sensible solution, reached after just one day in front of the Newcastle family court registrar. That is what you pay for, in my opinion, and Delaney Roberts Family Lawyers got me through a difficult financial settlement and subsequent agreement over parenting orders with guile, intelligence and not a little kindness. Linsey helped me settle before the costs (financial and emotional) got even greater, so I’ll always be grateful for that. As will my two young daughters, with whom I can now concentrate on having happy times, 50% of the time.

MN & NN

You managed the unique complexities of my case whilst providing professional advice, support, understanding and knowledge.

I would like to thank you for very much for providing me with exceptional representation in my family law matter. Your approach to the issues and providing explanation and direction really helped put me at ease throughout the process.

Kaenarelle

Clare, you are amazing you have just given our family the best Christmas present ever.

Jodie S

Watching you do your thing, was awe inspiring. You have given me so much confidence in getting what I and my son truly deserve.

First of all, I want to thank you for the amazing support and guidance you gave me yesterday. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Jane S

My experience with Clare McAteer and staff at Delaney Roberts Specialist Family Lawyers has been excellent.

I needed Legal help at the last minute and Clare worked with great effort to get me the results that I needed. Clare and team have been professional, efficient and honest. Clare has kept me informed every step of the way and made this very difficult time in my life a lot easier. I highly recommend Clare at Delaney Roberts.

Sarah Jackson

From initial consult all the way to completion of my family law matter, Monique made me feel cared for, heard and ensured only the best for my situation.

When picking someone to entrust with your own personal situation, you want to have someone that is in your corner, and that’s what I found with Monique and Jill. The entire process was made easy, and they handled everything with the utmost professionalism. I truly appreciated their personalised service, care and advice. I highly recommend them and the team at Delaney Roberts. Thank you again Monique and Jill, you have both made a hard and difficult situation less stressful.

Matt Stoddart

Linsey Wilson and her team of experts at Delaney Roberts where exceptional in understanding my situation and implementing a strong fair case towards custody with my daughter.

During the year it took to complete the final orders to be placed, Linsey went above and beyond countless times and acted immediately after our first consultation which resulted in me being able to see my daughter after 3 weeks of her being withheld. I wish that no parent will have to endure what myself & my daughter have had to go through, but with the help & guidance of Linsey this process was made with assurance for an end result. So again a great outcome for myself & my daughter all thanks bro the fantastic work of Linsey & her approachable team at Delany Roberts.

Kate Palmer

Clare was informative, responsive and attentive to my needs and always actioned what she said she would.

After an average experience with a previous lawyer, I was humbled by Clare’s assistance in my Family Law matter. I would recommend Delaney Roberts.

Luke Parkinson

Clare was always concerned about what it would cost me and helped me get the best possible outcome without it costing me a fortune.

Clare is amazing. After listening to what I wanted to get out of my case, she explained in detail what was realistic and what wasn’t. Hopefully won’t need another lawyer but would definitely use her services again.

Geraldine Williams

I’m so appreciative of the support, guidance and legal advice Monique Allan has provided for my family law matter.

Thank you Monique and Jill. Monique has worked with me through some stressful situations and I highly recommend her not only for her knowledge and expertise, but also for her calm and fair approach during a difficult time.

Jason Pepper

Linsey was able to help me navigate this unknown territory resulting in a fair and reasonable outcome.

My solicitor Linsey and the team at Delaney Roberts have been highly professional and supportive throughout my family law matter. Thanks again Team!

Xanthe Barratt

Clare McAteer is a highly competent and caring solicitor who always ensures that her clients feel comfortable and informed at all times.

Highly recommend! If you’re looking for a kind, personable and efficient lawyer, I couldn’t recommend her enough.

Jessica Radisich

When deciding who is the best person to represent you and put your families best interests first you can’t go past Linsey Wilson at Delaney Roberts Adamstown. From the day we walked in her office we knew we had the most professional lawyer to guide and direct us to a successful outcome.

Kellie Payne

There is no limit to the care they show for their clients and to get an email out of business hours to me just shows that they care, just because the lights are turned off in the office doesn’t mean they stop thinking about you!

“I have been dealing with Delaney Roberts for a few months now and I could not be happier with the way they conduct business and the service they provide.
I have had dealings with Clare McAteer and Linsey Wilson and I must say that they are both amazing women and are fantastic in the jobs they do.
Considering the matter that I have enlisted their services, they have never made feel like I was just another case number. Instead I am a person and I matter. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Delaney Roberts. Keep up the great work.”

Jessica Fenton

Love love love. Linsey has made my family law matter so easy to deal with. Accomplishing time with my son after 2.5years apart. Words can not express my gratitude.

Lucky Carathanassis

Clare was extremely informative. Understand my issue and a guided which is proving positive for my unfair AVO scenario linked to Family court matter.

Emma & Jeffery Boslem

Thank you once again to Linsey Wilson and Delaney Roberts Specialist Family Lawyers, we would not hesitate to use you again in the future if the need arises and would highly recommend your services to anyone.

It is with great respect and gratitude that we write this Google referral for Delaney Roberts, Specialist Family Lawyers at Adamstown, Newcastle, and in particular Linsey Wilson – Senior Associate Solicitor.

Earlier this year we had the need for a family law specialist solicitor for a complicated matter. We had never had any experience in family law matters previously and as we are living in the UK and required an Australian solicitor to represent us locally in Newcastle it was a daunting and overwhelming process to face.

We approached several firms who were not willing to take our case and then we were recommended to Delaney Roberts. All staff we encountered were friendly and responsive and willing to listen to the particulars of our matter. After initially corresponding with Samantha Miller, we were appointed to Linsey Wilson who had the most experience and expertise to represent our specific matter.

From the onset we were very impressed with the seamless manner in which Linsey was able to put us at ease and have full confidence in her abilities and skill as a lawyer. Linsey really made a difference in our case with her personal and caring approach to our matter. At all times we had full trust in Linsey’s commitment to gaining the outcome we were seeking.

Communication between the time zones was not a problem, Linsey tailored appointments at convenient times to us on a variety of forums, including video meetings, emails, and phone calls. Linsey was outstanding in her coordination of communication with two other solicitors who were involved locally in our matter and a UK solicitor. It was so reassuring to be secure in the knowledge that our solicitor had everything at hand – no need for us to chase.

To say we were satisfied with Linsey’s strategic approach to our matter, her organisation, preparation and how Linsey conducted herself in the court proceedings is an understatement. We could not be happier with the successful outcome of our court matter and believe we would not have had the same outcome with another lawyer or firm.

Many who spoke with us during our process voiced that they would not like to be in our lawyers shoes and that it was unlikely that the court would rule in our favour. Perhaps if those who voiced these opinions had the pleasure to have a lawyer such as Linsey Wilson of Delaney Roberts Specialist Family Lawyers represent them they would experience the wonderful feeling we have when everything comes together and ensures that the system really works.

Greg Chandler

I recently went through a painful separation, the last thing I wanted to do is go through a long custody battle and splitting of assets. Only working with Fiona for a short time I found her to be super responsive and very professional not taking any nonsense from her counterpart. She made what could have been an even longer drawn out affair move smoothly and made sensible suggestions as to not cost anyone involved any more money than it already had. Highly recommend Fiona for no nonsense help with family law matters.

Meagan O'Brien

I would highly recommend Monique Allan. Monique is very attentive and professional. I felt my feelings were validated and I had her support and reassurance throughout the process of settling a family law matter.

Rachel Evans

My only regret is that I didn’t find Linda immediately after separating.

I came to Linda Hackney at Delaney Roberts exasperated after 18 months of little progress with parenting issues. Linda listened, and then proposed an appropriate course of action that once implemented bought about a resolution that sees my children and I finally have certainty. Linda and her team are professional, thoughtful, compassionate, and get results.

Naomi McMilan

Clare’s knowledge is unrivalled, her bubbly personality reassured me from the start.

It’s with a heavy heart I wrote this review because it means my journey with Clare and Bianca is over. I met the girls during a very difficult time in my life and they were the light helping me navigate through. Bianca was always available to answer any question no matter how random or silly it was. This dynamic duo are the people you want in your corner, they go above and beyond and surpassed my wildest expectations. I hope I never have to use their service again but if I do they’ll be the first people I call on. I love you girls so much, you’re become part of my tribe and you laugh at my jokes what more could someone ask for.

Family Law Parenting Services

Issues with children can arise following separation or at any time whilst your child remains a minor. We can provide advice and assist you in relation to:

  • Where your children will reside,
  • What contact you and your former partner will have,
  • Child Support payments,
  • Drafting and implementation of Informal and formal parenting arrangements,
  • Reviewing existing Parenting Arrangements,
  • Relocation, travel issues and more.

How We Help

Our Specialist Family Lawyers have successfully assisted many separated parents to achieve appropriate and workable parenting arrangements. We deal with a broad range of parenting issues, including time and contact with a parent, relocation, safety issues, medical treatment, schooling, travel and more.

We will work with you to develop a clear understanding of how you want parenting arrangements to work after separation. We use our wealth of experience and specialist knowledge to pursue your ideal parenting arrangements, whether that be by negotiations, Mediation or by strenuously pursuing your case in Court.

Make a Smart Start

Secure the best future for you and your family.

Get early expert Family Law advice about Parenting Arrangements, including:
  • Arranging time with a parent
  • Parental Responsibility issues
  • Arrangements for special days and holidays
  • Arrangements for infants and toddlers
  • Arrangements for primary school children
  • Arrangement for adolescents
  • The impact of the views of the child
  • Child medical issues
  • Arrangements for travel with a child
  • Obtaining a Passport for a child
  • Decisions around schools
  • Involvement of grandparents
  • Dealing with new partners
  • Relocation Applications
  • Recovery Applications
  • Family Violence and risk issues
  • Drug dependency of a parent
  • Mental health issues of a parent

Feel the empowerment
of knowing where you
stand at an early stage.

Fixed Fee Smart Start Appointment

Your Smart Start Family Lawyer will answer all your questions, explain the law and legal processes, provide on-the-spot tailored advice and help you develop a plan for moving forward.

$350 incl. GST 90-Minute Consultation

Family Law Smart Start Guide

Make your start in Family Law a Smart Start.

Our Smart Start Guide summarises all aspects of Family Law in Australia and includes practical case studies to help you understand how the legal processes will apply to you.

Smart Start Appointment eGuide

The smartest way to start your separation journey.

Developed after more than a decade of helping people, our Smart Start is the clearest, fastest and smartest way to start your Family Law separation journey.

Mediation eGuide

Be prepared to Mediate Property and Parenting disputes.

Our Mediation eGuide is an essential tool to understanding what Mediation is, when Mediation is necessary, how to prepare for your Mediation and how it can benefit you in your Family Law journey.

Informal Parenting Arrangements and Parenting Plans are simply unenforceable unless
Court Orders exist.

Fixed Fee Consent Orders for Parenting

Ensure you can rely on and enforce your Parenting Arrangements should circumstances change in future with our Fixed Fee offer for Parenting Consent Orders.

$3,500 incl. GST
We have more Accredited Specialists in Family Law than 99% of all law firms in NSW.

FAQs: Smart Start Appointment

What is a Smart Start appointment?

A Smart Start Appointment is:

  • A one-on-one appointment with a Specialist Family Lawyer who is an expert in dealing with legal separation and has helped many people just like you,
  • Where you will get on-the-spot specialist Family Law advice tailored to your circumstances,
  • Completely confidential,
  • 90-minute duration,
  • Once-off Fixed Fee of $350, and
  • No obligation.

Our Smart Start Appointment is a unique solution developed after more than a decade of helping people find clarity and direction in relation to the breakdown of an important relationship. We understand that this significant life transition, and its possible consequences, are stressful and the need to make important decisions during this time can be overwhelming.

Do I have to have a Smart Start appointment?

Our Smart Start Appointment is your initial appointment. In most cases it is required so that we can better understand your situation and ensure we are matching you with the best Solicitor and or service that you need to achieve your desired outcome.

Our Client Services Officer will be able to confirm if a Smart Start Appointment is your first step with Delaney Roberts.

How will I benefit from a Smart Start Appointment?

Our Smart Start Appointment is guaranteed to help you to reduce your stress, gain confidence and give you direction as it:

  • Gives you access to a one-on-one confidential appointment with a Specialist Family Lawyer,
  • Is an affordable and accessible solution offering great value at a reasonable fixed price,
  • Gives you on-the-spot legal advice tailored to your situation,
  • Allows you to address the issues that are concerning you right now,
  • Brings to your attention other issues that you may not have thought about,
  • Sets out a list of Next Steps for you to take so you leave the appointment with a plan,
  • Informs you about how to proceed with our firm if you wish to, and
  • Gives you an understanding of how we charge and the costs likely to arise for you.
How do I book a Smart Start Appointment?

You can arrange a Smart Start Appointment for yourself, or someone else, by:

Once you have contacted us, you will speak to our Client Services Officer who will talk to you about:

  • Your current situation and how we can help,
  • The Specialist Family Lawyers who are available to meet with you and who might best suit your case (unless you would like to request a specific Family Lawyer),
  • The times and dates available for your Smart Start Appointment and what is suitable to you,
  • Whether you would like to meet your Specialist Family Lawyer in person (in one of our office conference rooms) or via video or teleconference,
  • The Smart Start Appointment fixed fee price,
  • How to pay the Smart Start Appointment fee,
  • Any concerns you may have about the Smart Start Appointment or about your circumstances generally,
  • How to find our office and parking options (if you are attending your Smart Start Appointment in-office), and
  • The name of your former partner, so that we can make sure that we have not acted for them in the past and to ensure we do not take their enquiry if they call us.

If you would like to proceed with making a Smart Start Appointment, our Client Services Officer will:

  • Take pre-payment of the $350 Smart Start Appointment fee,
  • Confirm the date, time and location of your Smart Start Appointment,
  • Confirm the name of your Specialist Family Lawyer and some information about them, and
  • Send you an email to confirm the details for your Smart Start Appointment, including details about the location of our office and nearby parking.
What information do I need to bring to my Smart Start Appointment?

Our Lawyers are experts in asking the right questions to get the information they need to properly advise you. All your Specialist Family Lawyer will really need is to hear you tell your story.

However, bringing some additional paperwork can be helpful and can assist to prompt your memory. If you have time to gather some papers, the documents that will most help your Specialist Family Lawyer are:

  • Any paperwork you have received from your ex or their Lawyer,
  • Any legal paperwork about your relationship such as a pre-nuptial agreement or Court Orders,
  • Details of the assets, debts and superannuation you and your ex had when you started your relationship,
  • Details of the assets, debts and superannuation you and your ex have now,
  • Details of any lump sum amounts received by you or your ex during the relationship and/or since separation such as gifts or financial assistance from parents, inheritances, redundancies, workers’ compensation payments, lottery winnings or similar, and
  • Details of current income for you and your ex.

Before your appointment, our staff will ask you to complete our Client Intake Form with the essential information that your Specialist Family Lawyer needs before starting your Smart Start Appointment.

Do you offer Fixed Fee services?

Yes! We offer many Fixed Fee services please click here for more information.

How will my lawyer communicate with me?

All communication with our lawyers will be over the phone and email. Important correspondence will be contained in letters as PDF attachments to emails. This includes invoices. It is essential that you take the time to read all correspondence received by your lawyer and contact your legal team should you have any questions, require clarification, or need further information in order to understand.

FAQs: Trust Account

What is a Trust Account?

A Trust Account is a bank account in which we hold money on your behalf, usually as a deposit for the payment of future invoices. We are not permitted to use this money unless certain conditions are met. Most law firms use a Trust Account to assist to manage the payment of legal costs.

When will I be asked to deposit money into your trust account?
  • At the beginning of your matter,
  • At intervals throughout your matter once the amount you have deposited into our Trust Account has already been used to pay invoices and is not enough to cover the next stage of work, and
  • For specific purposes, such as for payment to your former partner under Court orders or an agreement, or expenses we will need to pay on your behalf.
Why do you request that money be deposited into your Trust Account?

We request that you deposit money into our Trust Account so that we can be certain that we will be paid for the work you have instructed us to do and/or so that we are not out-of-pocket for the expenses we pay to others on your behalf (e.g. Search fees, valuation fees, stamp duty, barristers’ fees).

What happens to the money in trust when my matter is complete?

Money held in our Trust Account is held on your behalf. Subject to any lien we hold over the money to secure payment of our fees, money held in our Trust Account will be paid at your direction at any time. Upon completion of your matter and payment of our fees, money held in our Trust Account will, therefore, be paid to you or as you direct.

Do I need to Pay Money in Advance?

In most cases, yes. We typically require that you have both signed the Legal Services Agreement with us and deposited the requested funds into our Trust Account before commencing work on your behalf.

The amount of money required to be paid in advance will be based on our estimate of costs work initially to be undertaken. This will be discussed with your Solicitor during your Smart Start Appointment and confirmed in an Engagement Letter.

When do I pay into the office account and when do I pay into the trust account?

You will only need to pay money into the office account if you have an invoice due where the amount is greater than the funds we have held for you in trust.