Family Law Matters

Family Law Matters Collaborative Family Law Specialists; helping families soar during difficult times At Family Law Matters, we want to help good people heal the conflict.

If you are thinking about separating from your partner, you may be worried about contacting a lawyer – everyone’s heard the stories of the “bad divorce” that turned into a nasty court battle. We want to keep your family out of court. We believe you should experience a more positive way to end a relationship. If you would like to explore your options and know more about how to separate in a private and peaceful way, email or call for a confidential, no-obligation discussion.

30/08/2026

We’re incredibly excited to share that Tiani has officially received her Practising Certificate. She’s now a fully fledged Solicitor!

We’ve had the privilege of watching the hard work, learning and determination that has gone into reaching this milestone - and now we get to celebrate her as she steps into this next chapter of her legal career.

Tiani, we’re so proud to have you as part of the Family Law Matters team as a Graduate Solicitor, and can’t wait to see the lawyer you continue to become.

Please join us in giving her a HUGE congratulations below. 🥂👏

28/08/2026

We are now at Step 227 on our Mt Everest climb.

Since our last update at Step 184, we have gone back and counted all of our settled matters from 2020, adding another 43 steps to our climb.

That means we have now moved from 184 to 227, with each step representing a family and their story.

Step 228 reflects a client whose financial circumstances were a little more complex and who needed some extra support throughout the process. We were more than happy to accommodate that, provide the guidance they needed, and make the whole experience feel as simple and manageable as possible.

It is always a privilege to support our clients in the way that best suits them, especially when a little extra care can make all the difference.

Step by step, we continue climbing.

Some endings aren’t here to divide you - they’re here to divert you.Away from what hurt you, and toward what’s meant for...
31/07/2026

Some endings aren’t here to divide you - they’re here to divert you.

Away from what hurt you, and toward what’s meant for you.

Surviving Separation: Back to School Week 🎒It's back to school this week!The first week back can be a big adjustment for...
20/07/2026

Surviving Separation: Back to School Week 🎒

It's back to school this week!

The first week back can be a big adjustment for children, especially when they're moving between two households.

Here's how to make the first week back a smooth one:
✅ Be clear on week one.
Who has the children the night before the first day? Who's doing drop-off and pick-up? Confirm it with your co-parent now - a quick message today avoids confusion at the school gate.
✅ Do a "two-house check" on the school gear.
Uniforms, hats, books, sports kit and library bags - make sure everything is at the right house for the right days. A spare set of basics at each home can be a lifesaver.
✅ Keep changeovers calm and positive.
Children starting a new term are watching how their parents interact. A friendly handover - even a simple "have a great first week!" - sets the tone for the whole term.

Tired, emotional or a little clingy in the first week or two? That's completely normal after the holidays. Consistency between both homes will help them find their feet - and feel secure while they do. 💙

📅 AND A HEADS UP - THE NEXT SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AREN'T FAR AWAY
Term 3 school holidays begin at the end of school on Friday 26 September.

That might feel like a long way off, but the most successful holiday arrangements are the ones discussed early - before plans are booked, expectations develop, and frustration builds.

If you think you'll need help working out the arrangements for the September school holidays, reach out now so there's plenty of time to negotiate the arrangements properly.

A conversation now can save a disagreement later.

☎️ (02) 9523 3007
Family Law Matters - Why fly when you can soar ✨

Surviving Separation: The Last Weekend of School Holidays 🎈For separated families, the end of school holidays means one ...
17/07/2026

Surviving Separation: The Last Weekend of School Holidays 🎈

For separated families, the end of school holidays means one thing - transitions. Changeovers, back-to-school prep, and children adjusting from holiday mode with one parent back to the school routine.

Here's how to help the children settle in smoothly:
✅ Confirm the school-term routine with your co-parent.
The holiday arrangements have ended - make sure you're both clear on which nights the children are with each parent, and who is doing school drop-offs and pick-ups in week one.

✅ Get the essentials sorted between both homes.
Uniforms, shoes, books, lunchboxes and sports gear - agree on what lives where, so nothing important is left at the "wrong" house on a school morning.

✅ Help the children reset.
After weeks of holiday mode (possibly across two households), children can take a little while to settle. Earlier bedtimes, a visible routine on the fridge, and calm changeovers will help them start the term feeling secure.

Children remember how you made them feel, not the paperwork behind the scenes. A little planning this weekend sets everyone up to soar into the new term. 💙

📅 AND A HEADS UP - THE NEXT SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AREN'T FAR AWAY
Term 3 school holidays begin at the end of school on Friday 26 September.

That might feel like a long way off, but the most successful holiday arrangements are the ones discussed early - before plans are booked, expectations develop, and frustration builds.

If you think you'll need help working out the arrangements for the September school holidays, reach out now so there's plenty of time to negotiate the arrangements properly.

A conversation now can save a disagreement later.
☎️ (02) 9523 3007

Family Law Matters - Why fly when you can soar ✨

17/07/2026

Our Mount Everest count is climbing again, and not only because of new settlements.

When we first set this goal, our climb began on 1 January 2023. But long before the goal had a name, there were families who trusted us to walk alongside them through separation. Families who chose resolution by agreement, and worked through difficult transitions with care and courage.

They deserve to be part of this story. So we have been steadily moving our starting line back to include them, and today we take another step, back to 1 January 2020.

That brings our count from 184 to 227 families who have achieved settlement by agreement.
Every number is a real family and a real journey. We are grateful to each one of them, from the very beginning.

There ain't no mountain high enough.

Who keeps the engagement ring when love ends?Antonella answered this live on ABC Radio National's Life Matters yesterday...
14/07/2026

Who keeps the engagement ring when love ends?

Antonella answered this live on ABC Radio National's Life Matters yesterday, and the answer depends entirely on timing. If the relationship ends before the wedding, the ring is a conditional gift and can be asked back. If it ends after the wedding, the ring goes into the asset pool, valued at what it would sell for, not what it cost.

After 27 years in family law, Antonella has seen just how much emotion this small item carries.

Listen to the full segment here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lifematters/divorce-rings/106908246

A fun one to share: this Monday morning I'll be on ABC Radio National's Life Matters program talking about "divorce ring...
12/07/2026

A fun one to share: this Monday morning I'll be on ABC Radio National's Life Matters program talking about "divorce rings."

If you haven't heard of them, it's the trend of people taking their engagement ring after a separation and turning it into a completely new piece of jewelry, something with fresh meaning for the next chapter.

My part? After 27 years as a family lawyer, I've seen just how much people fight over who keeps the ring. I'll be sharing some of those stories (no names, of course!) and why this small item stirs up such big emotions at separation.

Tune in Monday 13 July at 9:25am AEST, or listen online here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lifematters

Step 184 on our Mt Everest climb.This matter moved quickly, with very little intervention needed from us. The client had...
26/06/2026

Step 184 on our Mt Everest climb.

This matter moved quickly, with very little intervention needed from us. The client had already done much of the groundwork themselves, and we were pleased to step in to help draft the documents, make the final changes, and secure Consent Orders.

It was an approach that really suited the client, and we were more than happy to support them in a way that worked for their needs.

Each step in this climb represents a family, a journey, and a resolution reached with care and support.

Step by step, we continue climbing.

Excited to be a finalist!Family Law Matters has been named a Finalist in the recent Excellence in Small Business categor...
24/06/2026

Excited to be a finalist!

Family Law Matters has been named a Finalist in the recent Excellence in Small Business category at the 2026 Southern Sydney Business Awards. Although we didn't win the award, we were honoured to make the Finalists cut.

Almost 24 years, and still going strong. Thank you to everyone who makes this business what it is every single day.

Address

87A Cronulla Street
Cronulla, NSW
2230

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61295233007

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Family Law Matters posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category