We are experts
Parenting matters are not black and white and involve many alternative approaches. At HFL we have the experience to help you stay out of protracted and often nasty litigation in the Court system.
We are specialised
We educate you early and point you towards negotiating the best outcome for your children in a child focused manner.
We are trusted
Your children are your most valuable asset and at HFL you can trust that the advice you are given takes that seriously. Our focus is on obtaining the best outcome for you and your children.

At HFL, we understand this and believe that parenting disputes need to be settled out of Court with the expertise of social workers, counsellors and psychologists involved in trying to reach the best settlement for your children.
We know the best experts and work with the best experts and as a parent, you also need to understand fully your legal rights and responsibilities from an early stage.
In parenting matters, we seek to educate you early about your children’s rights and your responsibilities and at the same time, we are focused on obtaining the best possible outcome for you.

Parenting is not black and white and there are many different alternative approaches and positions that can be taken dependent upon the various differing circumstances.
In parenting cases, not only are the technical skills and knowledge of your lawyer important, but also, there experience in such matters.
At HFL, we educate you early, give you clear advices and options and look to obtain the best possible result for you without Court intervention.

In the very limited cases where Court intervention is necessary, we have the expertise and do not hesitate to file Court proceedings where necessary to protect your relationship with your children and/or to protect your children from harm or danger.
If you need help with a parenting matter, please click here.
Our process
1. Book your consultation
The consultation allows us to get an understanding of your circumstances in order to provide options and possible next steps.
2. Tailor a plan
We don’t provide a cookie cutter solution. Each plan starts with the end result in mind and is created specifically for your unique requirements.
3. Resolve your case
Our goal is to get the ideal outcome without going to court and in the shortest possible time with least possible cost. As we only do Family law, we are the best at what we do.
Free resources & articles

Can I add back money my ex-partner has spent into our property pool?
15 February 2022, By Niki Schomberg of Hartley Family Law When reviewing transactions in your ex-partner’s bank statements, it can be a tough pill to swallow seeing them spend significant funds on luxury holidays, fine dining and designer clothes, particularly …

Everything you need to know about filing for a Divorce in Australia
Written by Emily Woodhouse , 23 February 2023 There is only one ground for divorce in Australia; that your marriage has broken down irretrievably. Unlike many jurisdictions overseas, it is not necessary to prove adultery, insanity, desertion or any other ground. …

Can I Keep the Family Home after Divorce/Separation?
Written by Brett Hartley, 4 April 2023 This is a question we are most asked on a day-to-day basis from our clients and which we try to help them understand at an early stage the possibility and risks associated with keeping …

Valuations in Family Law during an Economic Downturn
Written by Brett Hartley, 6 April 2023 In a typical family law matter, we need to obtain valuations. The main valuations we need to obtain are those of real estate property and in some cases, shares and business valuations. Single expert …

Family Law Mediation and How We Maximise Our Clients’ Prospects of Settling
Written by Brett Hartley, 6 September 2022 A family law mediation in Queensland is certainly not a typical collaborative type mediation (in most cases where parties sit in a room together and collaborate on best outcomes for each other). Rather, especially …
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