Family law matters in Brisbane can be among the most emotionally demanding experiences a person faces, and at Best Wilson Buckley Family Law, we specialise in guiding you through them with expert legal advice and genuine care. Whether you need help with separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlements, or family violence matters, our Brisbane family lawyers are here for you.
Our family lawyers in Brisbane work from Level 14, 239 George Street in the CBD. We explain your options in plain English, keep you updated with fee estimates as your matter moves, and look for an agreement before court wherever we can. The first step is finding out where you stand.
Our Family law services in Brisbane
Separation and divorce
Separating raises questions about the home, money and the children long before a divorce is possible. We explain where you stand from the day you separate, then handle the divorce application once you've been apart for 12 months.
More on separation lawyers in Brisbane and divorce lawyers in Brisbane.
Mediation and collaborative law
Where possible, we help Brisbane families reach agreements without going to court. Our mediators work with both parties to find fair, lasting resolutions that reduce stress and cost.
More on family mediation in Brisbane.
Child-centric services
When children are involved, their wellbeing comes first. We assist Brisbane parents with parenting plans, child custody arrangements, child support matters, and child protection concerns, always with the child's best interests at the centre.
More on child custody lawyers in Brisbane.
Financial and property insights
Brisbane's property market makes financial settlements high-stakes. We guide you through property division, superannuation splitting, binding financial agreements, and spousal maintenance, with clear advice on what is fair and legally sound.
Adoption and surrogacy
Welcoming a new family member is a joyful milestone. Our Brisbane family lawyers provide thorough support through domestic and international adoption processes and Queensland surrogacy arrangements.
Protection and well-being
If you or your family are experiencing domestic or family violence, we can help. Our team assists Brisbane clients with urgent protection order applications and connects you with the support you need.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support, call DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. More on domestic violence lawyers in Brisbane.
Speak with a Brisbane family law solicitor through the contact form below.
How much do family lawyers cost in Australia?
There is no set price. What you pay depends on what needs sorting out, how much you and your ex already agree on, and whether the matter settles through negotiation or mediation or goes to court. A matter that settles early usually costs far less than one that runs to a contested hearing.
With Best Wilson Buckley Family Law, you’re kept up to date with fee estimates as your matter moves, so you can see what’s coming before the bill does.
Court fees are separate. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia charges its own fees to file a divorce, consent orders and other applications. The government sets them and they change each July, so check the court’s current fee list.
If paying for legal help is what’s holding you back, ask us about payment options, including litigation funding through JustFund.
How to find a good family lawyer in Brisbane
Look for a lawyer who practises family law every day, explains your options in plain English, is upfront about fees and tries to settle things before court. Read their reviews. If your matter is complex, ask whether they are accredited as a family law specialist by the Queensland Law Society.
A few things worth checking at a first appointment:
- Family law is their main work, not one service among many.
- You understand what they tell you. If you walk out more confused than you walked in, take note.
- They raise cost early and keep you updated as the matter moves.
- They try negotiation or mediation first, and go to court only when it’s genuinely the right call.
- Their reviews read like real people describing real help.
- You can sit down with them face to face if that’s what you want.
A good family lawyer won’t mind you asking.
Why choose Best Wilson Buckley?
- Brisbane community at our heart: Brisbane isn't just a location for us, it's our community. Our family lawyers know the Brisbane courts, including the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia at North Quay and Tank Streets, and the families we serve across Brisbane. We're part of an established Queensland family law group, with the resources and local knowledge to handle your matter well.
- Personalised guidance for your situation: Every Brisbane family has a different story. We take time to understand yours. From your first consultation through to resolution, you receive clear advice tailored to your circumstances, not a generic legal approach. We know the pressures Brisbane families face, and our guidance reflects your situation from the start.
- With you every step of the way: Family law matters rarely resolve in a single meeting. We aren't just lawyers, we're your dedicated partners for as long as your matter requires. Whether it's court appearances before the Federal Circuit and Family Court, negotiations, or out-of-court settlements, we stand beside you and keep you informed throughout.
- Family law is all we do: Separation, property, parenting and family violence matters are the only work we take on. The people you speak to deal with these questions every day, not now and then.
Want to talk to a local Brisbane family lawyer today?
Our Brisbane family law office
Our Brisbane office is on Level 14 at 239 George Street in the CBD, close to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia at North Quay.
- Address: Level 14, 239 George Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
- Postal: PO Box 12996 George Street, Brisbane QLD 4003
- Phone: (07) 2004 0200 or 1300 052 224
- Email: info@bwbfl.com.au
Frequently asked questions
How much does a family lawyer cost in Brisbane?
Family law costs in Brisbane vary depending on the complexity of your matter and whether it resolves through negotiation, mediation, or court. A straightforward consent order application costs far less than a contested hearing. At Best Wilson Buckley, we provide clear fee information from your first consultation so you can plan with confidence.
How long does a property settlement take in Brisbane?
Most property settlements in Brisbane finalise within six to eighteen months. Matters where both parties agree settle faster, sometimes within a few months through consent orders lodged with the Federal Circuit and Family Court. Contested matters take longer, so starting the process early gives you more options.
Do I have to go to court for a divorce in Brisbane?
In most cases, no. Australian divorce applications are processed through the Federal Circuit and Family Court, and you don't need to attend a hearing unless children under 18 are involved in the marriage. A Brisbane divorce lawyer can manage the full application on your behalf.
What is the difference between separation and divorce in Brisbane?
Separation and divorce are two separate legal steps in Australia. Separation begins when one or both parties decide the marriage is over, and no formal paperwork is required. Divorce is a formal court order ending the marriage, and you must be separated for at least twelve months before you can apply.
How do parenting arrangements work after separation in Brisbane?
After separation, Brisbane parents can make informal arrangements, formalise them through a parenting plan, or seek consent orders from the Federal Circuit and Family Court. If parents cannot agree, the Court determines arrangements based on the best interests of the child. Our Brisbane family lawyers can explain your options and help you reach the best outcome for your children.
Can a Brisbane family lawyer help with domestic violence matters?
Yes. If you are experiencing domestic or family violence in Brisbane, a family lawyer can assist with urgent protection order applications, safety planning, and referrals to specialist support services. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support, call DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Who are the best family law lawyers in Brisbane?
There is no official ranking, and the right lawyer depends on your situation. Good signs are a firm that practises only family law, Queensland Law Society accredited specialists, steady client reviews and independent recognition. Best Wilson Buckley Family Law was named Best Family Law Firm 2026, South East Queensland, in the APAC Insider Legal Awards.
Where can I get free advice about family law in Queensland?
Legal Aid Queensland gives free legal information and may be able to give you free advice, depending on your situation. Call them on 1300 65 11 88. If you have a family law court date in Brisbane, a free family law duty lawyer is at the court every day. Community legal centres may also be able to help.
Ready to talk to a Brisbane family lawyer?
Send us a few details through the form below, or call 1300 052 224 to arrange a first appointment.
