Family Law

Our areas of expertise include all aspects of Family Law.

Adoption and surrogacy
Binding financial agreements (pre-nuptial and post-nuptial)
Civil law
Criminal law
Family violence issues and protection orders
International parenting issues (relocation and travel)
Parenting arrangements and child custody
Property division and financial settlements
Separation and divorce
Spousal maintenance and child support

Navigating Separation, Parenting & Property

Family Law issues can feel overwhelming, and dramatically affect your relationships, finances, and future. At NLS Law, we understand the emotional challenges you may be facing, and we genuinely listen to your concerns to provide advice and guide you through your matter. Our boutique-in-nature but large-in-effect family law firm provides clear, compassionate guidance to help you regain stability and move forward with confidence.

Do I Need a
Family Lawyer?

A family lawyer can provide you with legal advice, help with legal documents, and overall assistance with court and legal proceedings.

Why Choose NLS Law?

We provide a high level of knowledge and experience and are committed to providing legal services throughout Newcastle, our surrounding region and Australia. [Click for more information..]

An Honest Assessment

Our clients appreciate a realistic assessment of the outcome of their case. If you need an honest assessment, or to discuss the options available, call NLS Law to discuss your current circumstances.

Parenting matters: putting children first in Family Law

Parenting matters focus on ensuring stable and beneficial arrangements for children following separation or divorce. The guiding principle under Australian family law is the best interests of the child, taking into consideration their emotional, physical, educational, and social needs.
[Click for more detailed information]

At NLS Law, our solicitors assist with every aspect of parenting arrangements, including:

Parenting Plans and Consent Orders
We strive to draft clear and detailed Parenting Plans or Consent Orders that set out agreed arrangements such as where the child will live, visitation schedules, and decision-making responsibilities. We also assist you with the relevant Application for Consent Orders in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

Child-Focused Legal Advice
We ensure that all legal advice prioritises the child’s safety, stability, and wellbeing, guided by considerations outlined in the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) such as the child’s relationship with parents, and the necessity to protect them from harm.

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) & Mediation
Our solicitors actively support you through the FDR and mediation process, which is required step in most parenting disputes before Court action can be taken. We thoroughly prepare your case and advocate on your behalf to achieve amicable and sustainable outcomes.

Complex and Sensitive Matters
We are experienced in handling difficult parenting matters involving family violence, child protection concerns, relocation (both domestic and international), and other complex situations, providing clear and supportive guidance throughout.

Court Proceedings
When disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation, we provide strong representation in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. We carefully prepare your case, and assist with preparing the relevant Initiating Application, Affidavits, Statements and other forms required by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia , ensuring your interests and your child’s welfare are effectively advocated.

Understanding your rights in property division and asset splits

Property matters generally involve identifying, valuing, and dividing assets and liabilities accumulated during a relationship, including marriage and de-facto relationships. Property settlements can ensure a fair and equitable division of assets, reflecting the financial and non-financial contributions made by each party.
[Click for more detailed information]

At NLS Law, we provide comprehensive support in property matters, including:

Identifying and Valuing Assets
We assist in fully identifying and accurately valuing the property pool, including real estate, financial accounts, businesses, shares, liabilities, and superannuation interests. We work closely with financial experts and valuers as required to assist in obtaining comprehensive and accurate information for your property separation matter.

Access to leading Technology
NLS Law has access to and works closely with leading legal technology providers to assist in advancing your matters, obtaining and collating your financial disclosure, and ensuring cost effective methods to progress your matter quickly.

Equitable Division Advice
Our solicitors provide clear, strategic advice on dividing property based on key factors outlined in the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), including contributions by each party, future financial needs, earning capacity, health considerations, and childcare responsibilities.

Negotiating and Documenting Settlements
We represent your interests vigorously during negotiations and mediations to achieve fair settlements. Once agreements are reached, we prepare legally binding financial agreements or Consent Orders to formalise these settlements clearly and securely. We also provide assistance with preparing any required Application for Consent Orders in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

Representation in Court
Should negotiations fail, your matter be urgent, or it be required to do so, we provide assertive and effective representation in court, ensuring your financial matters and future security are thoroughly protected throughout litigation and advocate for your desired result and provide comprehensive advice to you.

Engaging a child lawyer for mediation

Child Inclusive Mediation
NLS Law offers specialised Child Inclusive Mediation services, ensuring that children’s voices and perspectives form a crucial part of family mediation processes. Child Inclusive Mediation is particularly effective in assisting families to develop meaningful and sustainable parenting agreements by directly considering the emotional, developmental, and psychological needs of children.

Neisha Shepherd is a trained and experienced Child Inclusive Mediator and an Accredited Specialist in Children’s Law, bringing over 23 years of dedicated child advocacy and representation experience to the mediation process. Neisha’s approach centers on ensuring that children feel heard and understood, and that parents receive neutral and insightful feedback to help create realistic, child-focused agreements.

Costs:
Fixed Fee $3000.00 (excluding GST)

Inclusions:
• Intake session
• Planning and preparation for meeting with child/children
• One-hour meeting with the child/ren (if more than one child, each child will also be met with separately depending on age) at a neutral, comfortable location or my child focus office (includes travel time)
• Confidential feedback for parents through mediation process
• Attendance and active participation in mediation session (2 hours)
• Appropriate referrals, if required

By engaging Neisha Shepherd, families can navigate sensitive situations with clarity, empathy, and a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for their children.

Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL)
Neisha Shepherd is regularly appointed by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia as an Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL). An ICL is appointed by the Court in complex family law matters to independently represent the best interests of the child. The role involves gathering evidence, facilitating negotiations, and advocating in court to ensure outcomes reflect the child’s welfare and developmental needs. Neisha is highly experienced in managing complex family dynamics and sensitive issues, ensuring children’s views and best interests remain central to the legal process.

Additional Areas of Representation
Neisha Shepherd also provides expert legal representation for children and young people in:
• Adoption matters
• Administrative Review processes
• Care and Protection cases

With comprehensive experience across various legal contexts involving children, Neisha ensures each child receives dedicated, informed, and compassionate representation, always prioritising their safety, well-being, and future stability.

Engage NLS Law and Neisha Shepherd to advocate effectively for your child’s voice, needs, and rights.

Our Approach – From Resolution to Court

In Australia, most family law matters are handled in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA), a system designed to encourage efficient settlements and put children’s best interests first. Our approach at NLS Law mirrors these ideals, focusing on helping you resolve issues as quickly and amicably as possible. Many family disputes can be settled through open communication and agreed solutions, and we guide you in constructive processes like negotiation, mediation, and Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) – avenues that allow you to reach agreements without the stress of a extensive and expensive Court proceedings. By pursuing these methods, you can often save time, minimise legal costs, and reduce the emotional strain on your family.

Of course, not every situation can be resolved by agreement. If you and the other party cannot come to an amicable agreement, or if urgent court orders are needed, NLS Law is experienced at advocating for you through legal proceedings. Our experienced family lawyers will prepare your case meticulously and represent you in the Federal Circuit and Family Court. We strive to make the litigation process as straightforward as possible, keeping you informed and reassured at each step. You will have a strong, calm advocate on your side, working hard to protect your rights and your children’s wellbeing.

Next Steps & Initial Conference

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and take steps toward obtaining advice that gives you clarity and certainty about your matter. An initial consultation allows NLS Law to advise you specifically to your circumstances. During this consultation, we assess your situation, explain your options, and outline the next practical steps toward resolution.

Book an initial conference with NLS Law for $550 (incl. GST).