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We’re experts in family law.
The largest specialist family law team in Queensland.
We’re experts in family law. We’re also quite simply, a collective of unique humans that connect with you on a personal level, at a personal time, to guide you on your bespoke, specialised, holistic path to resolution and your new future.
You have spent a lot of time and energy forging a path for your family and don’t want to jeopardise all of that despite where you might find yourself now. At the heart of who we are and how we work is the need to protect you and your children for now and the future, and to honour what it is that you have worked so hard to build without compromising that through unnecessary conflict.
The well-being of your children and your future financial security demand an advisor who knows everything about family law so that you don’t have to compromise on what that future looks like now.
Together we will craft a more meaningful outcome for your future. With support from a cultivated network of financial advisors, accountants and therapists where it is needed, as well as through our relationships with fellow legal practitioners to achieve that outcome in the best possible way for you.
Our expert family law team is the largest in Queensland, made up of family law solicitors in Toowoomba, Brisbane, North Lakes and Ipswich. You and your family lawyer have access to a depth and breadth of experience unlike any other, and at any time you will always have two points of contact within our office so you do not have to wait for timely advice and support when you need it most.
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Watch our latest family law our videos
Our legal videos are designed to help you better understand Family Law issues and how they relate to your circumstances.
Read our latest
family law news
Rarely in the context of family law do I like to offer or give relationship advice, which for the most part is generally unhelpful. Statistically speaking, at least one in...
Man Down – Are Fathers Pushing it Uphill in the World of Family Law?
If you own a television or computer, you’ve probably experienced the thrill of a bloke in a t-shirt with a slogan that doesn’t make sense aggressively venting on social media...
We’ve Reached Agreement About the Division of our Property – Why do We Need a Lawyer?
This is the scenario: you and your former partner have spent months going backwards and forwards on email, on the phone, or over coffee negotiating and deciding how you will...
Same but Different – Why Your Property Settlement Matter is Different
Family law practitioners are often asked what a likely outcome will be during property settlement matters. This is something that you do need to know so you can plan for...
In this video, Family Lawyer Sarah Donnelly answers the question, what is shared parenting?
It’s a tradition as old as time at Best Wilson Buckley: taking a moment to reflect on the financial year that was, celebrate the successes and learn from the more...
It is not often that family law matters command the attention of the High Court. Recently in the case of Masson v Parsons & Ors [2019] FCA 21, the High...
From time to time I find myself reflecting on my work as a family lawyer. What am I doing well? What do I need to focus on improving? How do...
What Makes an Exceptional Family Lawyer?
It goes without saying, if you’re going through a separation you need to get an exceptional family lawyer. One of my greatest frustrations as a practitioner is that there are...
In an effort to distinguish themselves from the rest, a lot of businesses today make the claim of “doing things differently”. Whether it’s a smaller law firm trying to compete...
I wasn’t always set on being a solicitor. To be honest, for quite some time I wanted to be a palaeontologist! That’s right – I wanted to dig up and...
Correcting Common Misconceptions about Court
Often times family lawyers hear the familiar catch cry of “I’m taking him / her to Court”. Whilst normally said at a particularly emotional time, and often immediately after separation...
What does a Divorce Cost? Taking Control of Your Legal Fees
Separation and divorce incur a cost, both financially and emotionally there is no doubt. The emotional cost is a lot harder to quantify than the financial cost and naturally whenever...
Changing Names – When, How and Why?
Changing your name, whether it is your first name, surname, or even your whole name, is a deeply personal decision. You can do this by yourself once you reach the...
Judicial Mediation – A New Development
A number of new developments in the Family Court system were introduced as of 1 January 2019 and in this article, we take the opportunity to consider Practice Direction 1...
Practical Parenting Matters to Consider on Separation
It goes without saying that the breakdown of a relationship is a significant event. You may need to think about how you are going to move forward financially, or what...
The Importance of Seeking Early Legal Advice
BWB family law, Senior Associate Neal Wood talks to us about the practical steps you can take when contemplating separation in this video. Steps to avoid issues arising from communications,...
How to Reach Resolution Following Separation
In this video, Family Lawyer, Max Sutton discusses how you and your ex-partner can reach a resolution following separation.
Things to Think About Before Separation
In this video, Director and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Kara Best discusses the things you should consider prior to separation.
6 Key Considerations You Need to Think About Before Separation
Now that the holiday season is over and the kids are back at school, we find ourselves back into the usual routine of everyday life. From our experience, people often...
I Will! Why Reviewing Your Estate Planning is Crucial upon Separation from Your Spouse
Your Will might be the very last thing you want to think about when separating from your spouse. However, not taking the time to review your estate planning can have...
Practical Financial Matters to Consider on Separation
It goes without saying that the breakdown of a relationship is a significant event. You may need to think about how you are going to move forward financially, or what...
How to Divide Your Assets After Divorce
Alecia Connor and Samantha Chai What’s actually involved in getting ‘divorced’ or separated? A whole lot more than meets the eye, including arrangements for children, the legal process of divorce...
What is the process of Divorce in Australia?
Separation and the breakdown of a marriage can be an extremely emotional and difficult time for you, your spouse, any children, and extended family and friends. A formal divorce is...
Making an Application for Divorce
BWB family law, Solicitor Max Sutton discusses two key areas to meet the criteria when applying for a divorce. When considering an application for divorce there are two primary legal...
What does a Divorce Cost? Taking Control of Your Legal Fees
Separation and divorce incur a cost, both financially and emotionally there is no doubt. The emotional cost is a lot harder to quantify than the financial cost and naturally whenever...
I Will! Why Reviewing Your Estate Planning is Crucial upon Separation from Your Spouse
Your Will might be the very last thing you want to think about when separating from your spouse. However, not taking the time to review your estate planning can have...
How to Divide Your Assets After Divorce
Alecia Connor and Samantha Chai What’s actually involved in getting ‘divorced’ or separated? A whole lot more than meets the eye, including arrangements for children, the legal process of divorce...
Where are they Now? How do I find a Former Spouse to Serve a Divorce Application?
“Am I ever gonna’ see your face again?” – The Angels A response of no to this question has times where it can be a blessing and times where it...
What is the process of Divorce in Australia?
Separation and the breakdown of a marriage can be an extremely emotional and difficult time for you, your spouse, any children, and extended family and friends. A formal divorce is...
This Doesn’t Concern You: Privacy in Family Court Proceedings
Depending on your circumstances, going through a separation or divorce can be a very confronting and isolating time. Naturally, in those dark and difficult times, we turn to our good...
My True Love Gave to Me… a Diamond Ring
When we look at the old colloquialism that the engagement ring should be worth about three months salary, you can’t help but wonder what happens to the ring if the...
Rarely in the context of family law do I like to offer or give relationship advice, which for the most part is generally unhelpful. Statistically speaking, at least one in...
We’ve Reached Agreement About the Division of our Property – Why do We Need a Lawyer?
This is the scenario: you and your former partner have spent months going backwards and forwards on email, on the phone, or over coffee negotiating and deciding how you will...
Same but Different – Why Your Property Settlement Matter is Different
Family law practitioners are often asked what a likely outcome will be during property settlement matters. This is something that you do need to know so you can plan for...
High Court Delivers Decision on High Tax Debt
In December 2018, the High Court delivered a particular decision about whether the Family Law Act provides power for a Judge to order that one party could be substituted for...
Swift and Amicable Property Settlement? It Can Be Done!
Most of us have had the ever-enjoyable experience of being at a barbeque and listening to our neighbour’s step-father’s monologue about his dealings with his horrific ex-wife during their divorce....
The Amazon of ‘Pre-Nups’ and ‘Post-Nups’
Going through a property settlement can sometimes feel like a long, enduring struggle through the Amazon jungle. There are obstacles, moments that will test you, and moments that will encourage...
When we meet with new clients, often their first question is whether they should be bothering to seek family law advice as a result of a common misconception that property...
War on Waste: What Happens if the Money We had has Been Wasted Since We Separated?
Almost everyone these days seems to have their particular vice or guilty pleasure. For me, it is my daily triple shot, skinny flat white every morning at about 9 o’clock...
Man Down – Are Fathers Pushing it Uphill in the World of Family Law?
If you own a television or computer, you’ve probably experienced the thrill of a bloke in a t-shirt with a slogan that doesn’t make sense aggressively venting on social media...
In this video, Family Lawyer Sarah Donnelly answers the question, what is shared parenting?
It is not often that family law matters command the attention of the High Court. Recently in the case of Masson v Parsons & Ors [2019] FCA 21, the High...
Practical Parenting Matters to Consider on Separation
It goes without saying that the breakdown of a relationship is a significant event. You may need to think about how you are going to move forward financially, or what...
Perfecting Parenting Arrangements for the Silly Season
As usual, the year has flashed past us in the blink of an eye. It feels like just yesterday we welcomed in the new year and had the crazy rush...
Throughout my time as a Family Lawyer I have seen family law judges, whether they are from the Family Court or the Federal Circuit Court, refer to “parental capacity” in...
5 Ways to Negotiate With your Ex-partner about Christmas Parenting Arrangements
The lead up to Christmas is often difficult for both parents and children from separated families. At times, negotiating with your ex-partner about who will have the children over the...
Navigating joint decision making after separation There is no doubt that making joint decisions with your partner about matters affecting your children can be difficult in an intact relationship, let...
The Christmas and New Year season will soon be upon us again. Most of us will have echoed the comment “Where did the year go?” 2016 has been an eventful...
Do’s and Don’ts for the Holiday Season
2016 is almost a distant memory and most, if not all of us, have wondered where the year has gone. At this time of year, it can be quite busy...
What Does the “Best Interests of the Child” Really Mean?
The term, “in the best interests of the child” is used widely in family law. But what does it mean in the context of shared parenting? In considering such matters,...
Do the Children’s Wishes Count in Family Law?
Recent coverage surrounding family law cases has raised the question for some parents as to whether their child’s wishes are something that would be considered in a family law proceeding....
What you need to appreciate about the Court Process
Often when tensions are high, a frustrated former spouse might threaten the Court process “see you in Court” “I’m taking you to Court” “Let the Judge decide” and variations on...
Family law proceedings can be complex, with answers sometimes difficult to come by. Compounding this problem is the fact that everyone has an opinion as to how family law “works”...
Culture and Religion in Picking a High School
Picking a High School can be a difficult decision for most parents, but post-separation this process can be particularly difficult. Regardless of a separation, parents will need to consider factors...
Federal Government Calls For Inquiry Into Child Support System
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs made the announcement that it has commenced an inquiry into the Child Support Program. The Inquiry...
Judicial Mediation – A New Development
A number of new developments in the Family Court system were introduced as of 1 January 2019 and in this article, we take the opportunity to consider Practice Direction 1...
What you need to appreciate about the Court Process
Often when tensions are high, a frustrated former spouse might threaten the Court process “see you in Court” “I’m taking you to Court” “Let the Judge decide” and variations on...
What are Pre-Action Procedures?
It goes without saying, but often its the case that you’re going to save yourself a whole lot of money, stress and pain if you and your partner or ex-partner.......
Prince Harry says ‘Nup’ to a Pre-Nup
You can almost hear the wedding bells as the Royals gear up for another exquisite and extravagant Royal wedding. With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle due to tie the knot...
What You Need to Know about Parenting and Relocation
In this video, Family Lawyer and Senior Associate, Neal Wood discusses all the things you need to consider about relocation.
Relocating With Children part 1
Relocating with children Part 1: 50-200 kilometres Kiara Greenway, Paralegal and Law Clerk A variety of different circumstances, such as employment opportunities or other significant changes, can result in a...
In recent weeks, Australia has been captivated by the tragic story of Sally Faulkner and her Beirut based children, aged 5 and 3. Irrespective of your feelings in relation to...
A relocation dispute in the context of parental separation, is often one of the most painful areas of litigation. Almost consistently both parents are committed, and loving parents, whom simply...
Surrogacy is one of the most heart-warming parts of practising in family law, however it is also an area that can be fairly unfamiliar and a little bit daunting to...
Just one bad egg? When Surrogacy Goes Wrong.
Altruistic surrogacy is often one of the most beautiful parts of our area of law. I understand however many of you may hold a very different view, after reading articles...
More recent publicity surrounding a number of celebrity surrogacy arrangements has highlighted the role of Surrogacy in allowing infertile couples the opportunity to share in the joys of parenting. Surrogacy...
More recent publicity surrounding a number of celebrity surrogacy arrangements has highlighted the role of Surrogacy in allowing infertile couples the opportunity to share in the joys of parenting. Surrogacy is effectively the act of a woman carrying a child to term with a view to surrendering care of that child to another party following his or her birth.
What is the Difference Between a De facto Relationship and a Marriage?
Relationships in contemporary Australian society are marked by changes to our social dynamics, such as the ever increasing population and growth of our multicultural and inclusive society. Yet there are...
My True Love Gave to Me… a Diamond Ring
When we look at the old colloquialism that the engagement ring should be worth about three months salary, you can’t help but wonder what happens to the ring if the...
What is a De Facto Relationship?
What is a de facto relationship? It’s complicated. Andrew McCormack “When does a de facto relationship start?”, is a question I often get asked. The reason that it is a...
Being the Odd One Out: Time for Marriage Equality in Australia
Imagine for a minute you’re a 13 year old boy. You’ve begun to experience significant changes in your physical appearance. You have hormones surging through your body – creating feelings...
Where a child is born to a de facto or married couple by way of artificial conception reliant upon a third party donor, the question of parentage becomes inherently more...
By Kara Best Registering Your Relationship A registered relationship is a legally recognised relationship between 2 adult individuals in Queensland. A registered relationship is normally considered when marriage is undesirable...
Parliament Gives Certainty to De Facto Orders
Legislation has now been passed to validate orders made by the Family Law Courts in matters between de facto couples that resulted from a
The government-based Child support scheme ceases to operate after a child turns 18. One notable exception to this is when a child turns 18, and they are still attending secondary...
Child Support Enforcement: Departure Prohibition Orders
Picture this, you’re in the departure lounge of your favourite international airline waiting to travel on an overseas holiday. You hear the familiar sound of a boarding call over the...
How is Child Support Determined?
How is child support determined? 5 minutes on child support. Neal Wood Financial support for children after separation is one of those divisive issues that tend to bring out either...
Child Support – Some Alternatives
In Australia, child support is generally determined by an administrative assessment. These are undertaken by the child support branch of the Department of Human Services (commonly referred to as the...
Child Support & Lump Sum Payments
Amendments to the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act in 2008, changed the landscape on lump sum payments. Originally under the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 (Cth), eligible parties could...
Helping You Understand Child Support
The issue of child support can be a complex area of law to understand. Questions often arise not only with respect to the calculation of child support, but also how...
Federal Government Calls For Inquiry Into Child Support System
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs made the announcement that it has commenced an inquiry into the Child Support Program. The Inquiry...
In family law matters where there are children involved, invariably there are many questions that parents have relating to parenting orders. In this special podcast interview, Reagan Wilson discusses with...
The government-based Child support scheme ceases to operate after a child turns 18. One notable exception to this is when a child turns 18, and they are still attending secondary...
Collaborative Law in South East Queensland
Collaborative Practice in South East Queensland continues to build momentum, no doubt partly due to the growing need for a less litigious, angry and disrespectful means of achieving property settlement....
What are Pre-Action Procedures?
It goes without saying, but often its the case that you’re going to save yourself a whole lot of money, stress and pain if you and your partner or ex-partner.......
The Dirty Truth behind Dirty John
In a world where online streaming services are slowly replacing television, it’s no surprise that platforms such as Netflix and Stan are being used to communicate important and sometimes frightening...
How to Seek Help When you are a Victim of Domestic Violence
Despite an increasing dialogue in Australia about domestic and family violence a number of victims often do not have the strength to speak up about what is going on behind...
The controversy over the new My Health Record has been splashing headlines in recent weeks. Whilst there are a number of concerns coming to light for various reasons, there is...
Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – What is it and Why Should We Have it?
We are now living in a time where it has become acceptable and encouraged to speak out about domestic and family violence, a type of abuse that in most circumstances...
Common Questions, Queries and Concerns about Domestic Violence
Domestic violence… It’s a sensitive topic that isn’t easy to talk about. As a result, many are often left wondering about a number of different issues that can arise in...
Compliance with Domestic Violence Protection Orders
The purpose of a Protection Order, often referred to as Domestic Violence Order (or a DVO), is to prevent domestic or family violence from occurring in the future. As the...
National DVO Scheme to Commence on White Ribbon Day
All domestic violence orders (AVOs/DVOs/Intervention/Restraining Orders) issued from 25 November 2017 will be nationally recognised. This includes temporary/interim and final orders. Police and courts will be to enforce a domestic...
Changes to Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act in Queensland
On 30 May 2017 a number of amendments were made to the Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012. While the legislation has had many amendments in the last...
Katherine Marshall, Senior Solicitor If you are considering adoption, we have good news! The Queensland Government has recently amended the Queensland adoption laws to broaden the category for those able...
Why Amity Anderson Does Family Law
In this podcast, Best Wilson Buckley, Director, Dan Buckley interviews Amity Anderson, Legal Partner at Best Wilson Buckley, Ipswich office.
Why Alecia Connor Does Family Law
In this podcast, Best Wilson Buckley Director, Dan Buckley talks with Associate, Alecia Connor on what brought her to the practice of family law.
Why Lynn Armstrong Does Family Law
In this podcast, BWB Legal Partner, Dan Buckley talks with BWB Senior Associate, Lynn Armstrong on why she practices family law.
Dan Toombs (DT): Hi I’m Dan Toombs. Today I’m chatting to Dan Buckley, Partner of Brisbane Family Law firm, Best Wilson Buckley Family Law – to find out a little...
Why Amy Hollis Works in Family Law
In this podcast, BWB Legal Partner, Dan Buckley talks with Best Wilson Buckley Family Law Paralegal, Amy Hollis on why she enjoys family law.
Why Carla Franchina Does Family Law
In this podcast, BWB Legal Partner, Dan Buckley talks with BWB Senior Solicitor, Carla Franchina on why she practices family law.
Why John Patterson Does Family Law
In this podcast, BWB Legal Partner, Dan Buckley talks with BWB Solicitor, John Patterson on his road to practicing family law.
How to Prepare for Your Day in Court
It’s typically the case that only a small number of family law matters ultimately end up in Court. However, when such matters do, there can often be a significant degree...
How to Choose the Best Family Lawyer for You
In this video, Director and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Kara Best discusses how to choose the best family lawyer for your situation.
The Importance of Estate Planning in Family Law Matters
In this video, Estate Planning Lawyer, Jo Maloney discusses the importance of estate planning in family law matters.
In this video, Director and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Kara Best discusses why you should seek a second opinion.
What You Need to Know about Parenting and Relocation
In this video, Family Lawyer and Senior Associate, Neal Wood discusses all the things you need to consider about relocation.
Making an Application for Divorce
BWB family law, Solicitor Max Sutton discusses two key areas to meet the criteria when applying for a divorce. When considering an application for divorce there are two primary legal...
The Importance of Seeking Early Legal Advice
BWB family law, Senior Associate Neal Wood talks to us about the practical steps you can take when contemplating separation in this video. Steps to avoid issues arising from communications,...
How to Reach Resolution Following Separation
In this video, Family Lawyer, Max Sutton discusses how you and your ex-partner can reach a resolution following separation.
Preparing for Your First Appointment
In this video, Director and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Kara Best discusses how to best prepare for your first family law appointment.
How to Choose the Best Family Lawyer for You
In this video, Director and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Kara Best discusses how to choose the best family lawyer for your situation.
In this video, Director and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Kara Best discusses why you should seek a second opinion.
From time to time I find myself reflecting on my work as a family lawyer. What am I doing well? What do I need to focus on improving? How do...
What Makes an Exceptional Family Lawyer?
It goes without saying, if you’re going through a separation you need to get an exceptional family lawyer. One of my greatest frustrations as a practitioner is that there are...
Preparing for Your First Appointment
In this video, Director and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Kara Best discusses how to best prepare for your first family law appointment.
Correcting Common Misconceptions about Court
Often times family lawyers hear the familiar catch cry of “I’m taking him / her to Court”. Whilst normally said at a particularly emotional time, and often immediately after separation...
A Renewed Sense of Possibility
This year is our tenth anniversary year as a business. So, what better way to kick-start such an important year than with a quarterly theme based around our core value...
Consecutive Lawyers Weekly Awards Nomination for Carla Franchina
We’re proud to announce that our Carla Franchina, Senior Solicitor, has been named as a finalist in the 2019 Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards for the second consecutive year....
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