Trusted Family Lawyers in Queensland

Navigate your family law matters with confidence and clarity

We understand the mix of emotions you’re experiencing right now. You don’t have to navigate this alone. We provide the clear, expert guidance and compassionate support you need to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

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50+

Years of Combined Experience in Family Law

3K+

Families and Individuals Helped

$2B+

Worth of Asset Pools Handled

Get through your separation peacefully and confidently

Facing a separation or divorce is a difficult and often overwhelming experience, but we want you to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to provide you with a clear and strategic path forward. 

We’ll help you navigate the complex legal landscape with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions for your future.

We’ll handle every stage of the legal process for you, from creating strategic plans to negotiating fair parenting and property settlements and filing the final divorce application.

We aim to resolve your matter as efficiently as possible through negotiation and mediation to avoid costly and stressful court battles. But when push comes to shove, we’re more than capable of representing you in court so you can achieve a fair outcome and move forward with confidence and peace of mind

We listen, we care, and we act.

When you’re facing difficult family problems, you need a legal partner who really listens and prioritises you. At CK Family Lawyers, you’re not just another case number. Here’s what makes us different:

Sleep easy, knowing your case is our priority

We’re a small firm, and that means your matter won’t get passed around between many lawyers. We are laser-focused on your matter to help you achieve the best outcome.

Get clarity on your situation, anytime you need it

You can reach out to us anytime you need our legal advice. We always respond within a day and make ourselves available for appointments even on weekends and after hours.

Get the best outcome without blowing your savings

Family law doesn’t have to be ruinously expensive and draining. We can help you save money and energy by seeking the earliest possible resolution and avoiding court whenever possible.

Make important decisions confidently

We’ll help you understand everything about your matter and guide you through your options so you can make the best decisions for you and your family.

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After not getting the service that I expected from a national law firm with dealing with my divorce / custody, I decided to change to a small suburban law firm . The service and knowledge that I got from Chris and Krystina was what you would expect from a larger firm. Their fee structure was extremely reasonable and saved me a lot of money from what I was paying at the larger firm. Their service was very personal and not once did I feel like I was just a number or another client. In the end I could not have been more happier with the out come that Chris had fought for in the court process.

Christopher Costi

Your most pressing questions answered

Is it 12 months of separation for to apply for a divorce, no matter the circumstances?

Yes. In Australia, the law requires that you and your spouse be separated for at least 12 months before you can apply for a divorce. This rule applies regardless of the circumstances of the marriage breakdown. The only exception is if you try to reconcile for a short time (up to 3 months) and it doesn’t work out — in that case, the periods of separation before and after can be added together.

How do I actually file for a divorce after a year of separation, and how do I serve the papers if I don’t know my spouse’s address?

You can apply for a divorce through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. If you can’t locate your spouse, you can apply for “substituted service” (serving the papers on someone close to them or by another method) or “dispensation of service” (asking the court to waive the service requirement). These applications can be tricky, so it’s best to get legal help to avoid delays or rejections.

How long after separation can we claim a financial settlement? Are we out of time?

You must apply for a property settlement within:

  • 12 months of your divorce being finalised (for married couples), or
  • 2 years of separation (for de facto couples).

If you’re outside this time limit, it’s still possible to apply with the court’s permission, but you’ll need to show good reasons for the delay and that hardship would be caused if the settlement isn’t allowed.

My ex has relocated interstate with our children, and our parenting plan isn’t working. What can I do?

If your ex has moved interstate and the current arrangements are no longer workable, you may need to apply to the court for parenting orders. The court’s focus is always on the best interests of the children, including stability, schooling, and maintaining a meaningful relationship with both parents where possible. If there’s concern about relocation, the court can make specific orders about where the children live and how time with each parent is arranged.

If my ex agrees I have full custody, do I need any legal document (e.g. consent orders) to manage child’s affairs (like passports)?

Yes. Even if you and your ex are on good terms, a verbal agreement isn’t legally binding. To protect yourself and avoid issues later (like applying for a passport, changing schools, or medical decisions), you should formalise the agreement with either:

  • Consent Orders (approved by the court), or
  • A Parenting Plan (less formal, but not legally enforceable).

Consent Orders are stronger because they are legally binding and enforceable if disputes arise.

What is spousal maintenance, and who can claim it?

Spousal maintenance is financial support that one partner may be required to pay the other after separation or divorce. It applies if one person is unable to adequately support themselves and the other has the capacity to pay. Common situations include where one partner has been out of the workforce caring for children, has health issues, or there’s a significant difference in income and financial resources. Maintenance can be short-term (to help someone get back on their feet) or longer-term in certain circumstances.

Find your way forward in 3 simple steps

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Initial Consultation

We'll sit with you for as long as it takes during our consultation to truly understand your story and explain your options clearly. We will even send the first crucial letter to get things moving. Our initial consultation fee is $275.

Thorough Preparation and Strategic Negotiation

You'll work directly with Chris, our principal lawyer, to resolve your matter quickly through preparation and strategic negotiation. We aim to keep your costs down while protecting what matters most to you.

Resolution and Preparation for Your New Chapter

Once we've achieved the best possible outcome and formalised those arrangements, we can make make sure you're completely set up for your new life by helping you update your will and connecting you with trusted mortgage brokers and financial planners who understand your situation.

Our Clients Say It Best

Chris quickly understood my custody matter and focused on delivering the best outcome for my children at all times. His calm approach to my matter appeased the stresses associated with legal processes, allowing me to trust his guidance and ultimately reach the outcome I intended. Both Chris and Krystina’s communication was always prompt and on point, keeping me up to speed with any progress. Highly recommended for your family matter

Tim Bamford

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Christopher and Krystina for their unwavering support through my five year separation settlement. The dedication and commitment saw me through to the end, and I am deeply thankful to have had them by my side during this incredibly challenging period. I would like to thank the both of you from the bottom of my heart.

Maria Okane

We recently went through the process of selling our home, and working with CK Family Lawyers made it an experience that was both smooth and stress-free. Their professionalism was evident from the start, and they took care of every detail, allowing us to feel completely supported. The team was not only efficient but also genuinely personable, making it clear they cared about how the process felt for us. Knowing that we were in such good hands made all the difference. I would highly recommend CK Family Lawyers to anyone looking for a team that values both expertise and empathy.

Robyn Holland

FAQ

Unlike some firms where you might be "passed around," your matter will primarily be handled by Chris and Krystina themselves. We focus on resolving matters sooner and aim to help people resolve their issues efficiently. We also offer post-resolution support, because we believe in solving the entire problem for you. We can assist with the transfer of property and your new estate planning.

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The length of a family law case depends on a variety of factors, including:

  • the complexity of the issues involved
  • whether the case goes to court
  • the willingness of both parties to negotiate

Here's a general range to give you an idea:

  • simpler cases (uncontested divorces, straightforward property settlements) can be resolved in a few weeks to a few months.
  • more complex cases (disputes over child custody and significant assets) can take several months or even a year or more.

Absolutely! At CK Family Lawyers, we strongly encourage exploring alternative dispute resolution options like mediation and negotiation whenever possible. These methods can be faster, more cost-effective, less stressful, and more likely to produce a lasting solution.
We'll discuss all your options during your initial consultation and help you choose the best approach for your specific situation.

Yes! At CK Family Lawyers, we believe in building strong client relationships. You'll be working directly with Christopher Jones, our Principal lawyer, throughout your case. He has extensive experience handling a variety of family law matters. Krystina Jones, our Client Relationship Manager, will also be available to assist you and ensure your needs are met.

You won’t get passed around between many lawyers. This approach allows you to develop a trusting relationship with your family lawyer, who understands the specifics of your case.

Yes, CK Family Lawyers offers appointments after hours, early in the mornings, and on weekends to accommodate clients' work schedules and needs. Chris is also generally available via text or call on weekends

Yes, we regularly assist people in dividing their assets and liabilities, whether large or small. We will never turn away a client simply because they don't own enough. If your asset pool is small, we will emphasise the importance of sorting things out sooner to reduce costs, often recommending mediation to reduce expenses.

While we have offices in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, we have experience in handling cases across Queensland. Our main office is located in Sherwood Road, Sherwood Qld 4075

My experience of dealing with Chris and Krystina has been nothing short of exceptional and professional every time. I appreciate the level of detail and compassion given to my matters and the support that I’ve received from them. I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Jacki Wuersching

A Clear, Secure, and Peaceful Future Starts Here

Ending a relationship is never easy, but you don’t have to go through it on your own. We’ll help you cut through the confusion, protect what matters most, and take each step with confidence.

When you’re ready, we’re here to listen and guide you in moving toward the next chapter of your life with peace of mind

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