Access Law Group
Biography
Our Client Services Team, headed by Director Tom Ellicott, can assist you with any enquiries you have in relation to Family Law. Our team is very compassionate and understanding in delicate situations that can arise in Family Law.
Our areas of expertise include:
Binding Financial Agreements and Consent Orders
De Facto Relationships
Divorce
Parenting Issues
Property Settlements
Superannuation
Government Area
The office is located 200 from the nearest bus station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
- Shellharbour
- Kiama
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: Contact our office on 4220 7100 or email jkoot@accesslawgroup.com.au.
Eligibility criteria: No eligibility criteria
Is there a cost associated with this service? Free intial consultation
Is there a waiting list? No waiting list
Acorn Lawyers
Biography
Acorn Lawyers is a law firm located in the city of Wollongong. We offer a variety of legal services. Members of our Family Law Team are Accredited Specialists in Family Law. We can assist clients in the mediation process to resolve parenting and property matters. We also provide advice and assist clients in the Court process and representation in the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court. We offer legal assistance and representation in Care & Protection matters at the Children’s Court for adults and children. Our solicitors are legal aid panel members for Family Law matters, Independent Children’s Law matters and Care and Protection matters. Ms Mowbray of our office is a FDR Mediator and can assist parties with private mediations, for parenting matters and/or property matters.
Government Area
The office is located 950 from the nearest train station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
Additional Information
Accredited specialist in the following area/s: Family Law
Does this firm provide Legal Aid? We have solicitors that are members of the legal aid panel and can represent legally aided clients
Member of the following Legal Aid panel/s: Family Law, Independent Children's Lawyer, Care and Protection
Legal services offered: Family Law - parenting and property matters, Mediation, Care and Protection
Is the first consultation free? no
Collaborative lawyer: yes
Registered Alternative Dispute Practitioner: yes
Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner: yes
ADAMS LEGAL
Biography
Our people at Adams Legal will provide you with advice and guidance right through your family law matter, either parenting or property with empathy and discretion.
We ensure you receive what is just and equitable and your children’s interests are paramount.
Our areas of expertise are:
* parenting and children
* property settlements
* superannuation splitting
*divorce
* de facto relationships
* binding financial agreements
Government Area
The office is located 100 from the nearest bus station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
- Shellharbour
- Kiama
- Wingecarribee
Additional Information
Does this firm provide Legal Aid? Yes
Member of the following Legal Aid panel/s: Family Law, Criminal Law
Legal services offered: Parenting plans/Consent orders, Property settlements, Supearannuation splitting, Divorce, Binding financial Agreements, Court Advocacy
Is the first consultation free? yes
Collaborative lawyer: yes
Registered Alternative Dispute Practitioner: no
Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner: no
Notes to referrers: Phone for appointment Mon to Friday but is available for exceptional circumstances on weekends and public holidays - 0437 779765
Adaptive Mediation
Biography
Kate Grafenauer, principal mediator at Adaptive Mediation, has worked as a lawyer in the dispute resolution space for over 20 years.
After such a lengthy period of time spent litigating in various jurisdictions, she has seen the impact court proceedings can have on individuals and entities – stress, cost, delay, and future strain on business and personal relationships. It became apparent that there are rarely any real winners, which caused her to question why she remained working in the legal sphere. After much soul searching, she recalled the reason she studied law – to help people, unable to solve problems without some assistance, to find solutions that actually work for them.
It was a natural next step for her to become a mediator, and Kate now enjoys assisting and empowering parties in dispute find creative solutions that have far greater potential to preserve their ongoing relationships and financial and personal wellbeing.
Kate holds national accreditation as a mediator with the Resolution Institute and Australian Mediation Association and is registered with the Mediator Standards Board.
Government Area
The office is located 20 from the nearest bus station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
- Shellharbour
- Kiama
- Wingecarribee
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: We take referrals from other legal practitioners, mediators, business colleagues, friends, family, community groups, general public. Anyone in conflict can contact us to see whether we can assist them.
Eligibility criteria: Eligibility for our services is determined by a phone assessment of the conflict. All interested parties must be prepared to voluntarily participate in mediation.
Is there a cost associated with this service? There is a cost for our services which ranges from $2k and upwards, depending on the nature of the dispute and how long the mediation takes. Generally, most matters cost around $3000 (split equally between parties to ensure financial investment island proper participation in the process). The cost is one lump sum and includes all phone and email communications, room hire, the mediation and up to and including preparation of heads of agreement.
Is there a waiting list? No waiting list. Assessments can happen anytime. Mediations are scheduled to suit parties and our availability, as well as venue availability.
Days/Hours: We operate in business hours Monday to Friday and otherwise by prior arrangement.
Anglicare Counselling and Relationships Services – Illawarra
Biography
Counselling for individuals, couples and children. For counselling appointments please phone 1300 651 728.
Counsellors: our counsellors are experienced professionals who have completed relevant tertiary training including trauma informed practice, assessment of risk and neglect, family and domestic violence, family systems, and mental health.
Provision of counselling: to children, young people, individuals, couples and families around the range of issues including family and domestic violence, relationship and family breakdown, loss and grief, mental health including anxiety and depression.
Fees: are according to a sliding scale based on income.
Referrals for other support: Anglicare provides a suite of programs which our clients may also access to support their overall well-being including free food and financial assistance and financial counselling (call 8624 8600) , Family Mental Health Support Program (call 1300 651 728)
Government Area
The office is located 2m from the nearest bus station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
- Shellharbour
- Kiama
- Wingecarribee
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: Self or organsiational referral
Eligibility criteria: Any individual, couple or family can be referred to our intake service
Is there a cost associated with this service? A contribution for each service on a sliding scale according to income. No one is refused service because of incapacity to contribute.
Is there a waiting list? Varies
Days/Hours: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 9am - 5pm By appointment After hours appointments available
Anglicare Food and Financial Services – Illawarra
Biography
Emergency relief: a range of services including assistance with utility bills, food, pharmaceuticals.
Case Management service: providing intensive goal-oriented support to assist where there are multiple issues impacting on healthy living – including homelessness, financial difficulties, addictions, relationships, unemployment, mental health, parenting and family stresses.
Government Area
The office is located 2m from the nearest bus station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
- Shellharbour
- Kiama
- Wingecarribee
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: Self or organsiational referral
Eligibility criteria: Any individual, couple or family can be referred to our intake service
Is there a cost associated with this service? A contribution for each service on a sliding scale according to income. No one is refused service because of incapacity to contribute.
Is there a waiting list? Varies
Days/Hours: Monday to Friday by appointment Coffee Shop: drop-in morning tea and social interaction on Monday and Friday mornings
Anglicare Food and Financial Services – Southern Highlands,
Biography
Counselling for individuals, couples and children. For counselling appointments please phone 1800 133 373.
Emergency relief for food assistance, help with energy accounts, Telstra accounts, food and fuel cards, as well as general advocacy and referrals.
Government Area
The office is located 150 from the nearest train station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wingecarribee
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: Phone call or email. For counselling appointments phone 1800 133 373.
Eligibility criteria: Nil
Is there a cost associated with this service? Counselling service is an income based sliding scale of fees. Emergency assistance is free
Is there a waiting list? All services are by appointment and depending on demand my require a [[
Days/Hours: Counselling Service - Wednesdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Thursdays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Emergency Assistance - Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Armstrong Legal
Government Area
The office is located 5 from the nearest bus station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
- Shellharbour
- Kiama
Additional Information
Accredited specialist in the following area/s: Family law and criminal law
Does this firm provide Legal Aid? No
Is the first consultation free? no
Collaborative lawyer: yes
Registered Alternative Dispute Practitioner: no
Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner: no
CareSouth Family Connections
Biography
Our experienced and qualified workers provide high quality supervision of visits between children and/or young persons and their families. Providing where required written reports on the interactions and behaviours observed during visits.
Services include:
– Supervisions of contact visits for children and young people and their natural families
– Transportation of children and young people
– Family law supervised contacts and change overs
– Mentoring Services
Government Area
The office is located 5 from the nearest bus station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
- Shellharbour
- Kiama
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: Please call or email
Is there a cost associated with this service? Yes, quotes provided on request
Is there a waiting list? No
Days/Hours: Office Hours are Mon- Fri 9am - 5pm however visits and transport are able to be arranged outside of these hours
Carter Ferguson Solicitors
Biography
Carter & Ferguson Solicitors can help with effective advice and representation in all areas of law relating to personal and family relationships.
At Carter & Ferguson we understand that family separation is a difficult and emotional time for the whole family, and a time when significant parenting and financial decisions need to be made. We take the time to really listen, and to explain the process and options available to ensure you feel engaged and comfortable with the process and the decisions you are making throughout this time.
Our team of professionals are committed to our clients interests and needs and are able to manage your matter effectively and with sensitivity through all stages, whether that be engaging in non-adversarial solutions such as negotiation and settlement conferences, or representing you and presenting your case at court.
How we can help:
- Co-habitation Agreements
- De-facto relationships
- Same sex relationships
- Division of property and assets
- Separation & Divorce
- Mediation
- Negotiated settlements
- Custody & Contact with children
- Parenting Agreements
- Family Court matters
- Domestic violence issues
- Spousal maintenance
- Grandparents interests
Government Area
The office is located 100 from the nearest train station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
- Shellharbour
- Kiama
Additional Information
Does this firm provide Legal Aid? Yes
Member of the following Legal Aid panel/s: Family, Civil, Criminal
Is the first consultation free? yes
Collaborative lawyer: no
Registered Alternative Dispute Practitioner: no
Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner: no
Catholic Care Families and Communities Program
Biography
The Families and Communities Program is a Commonwealth funded initiative that delivers therapeutic and educative relationship support to the community. The program offers flexible services to individuals, couples and families through Counselling and Relationship Skills Workshops .
Our Keeping Kids In Mind Program is a 5 week post-separation parenting workshop, which teaches parents how to deal more effectively with the emotional and practical issues of parenting after separation.
This workshop explores loss and grief in parents and children, communication with your ex-partner, anger, assertiveness, power grabs & the impact on children. This program also has a Case Management component which helps support and guide parents through the separation process.
Government Area
The office is located Varies from the nearest bus station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
- Shellharbour
- Kiama
- Wingecarribee
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: Self referral, other services can refer also with consent of the Client
Is there a cost associated with this service? Yes
Is there a waiting list? At times.
Days/Hours: We run services Monday-Friday, in business hours and after hours.
CatholicCare Children’s Contact Service
Biography
What is the Children’s Contact Service?
We offer short term services that help and support families who are experiencing conflict following separation or divorce and finding it difficult to co-parent. We provide services for children aged between 6 weeks and 12 years old in a safe and neutral environment.
We work together with families to help them enjoy positive experiences with their children. We assist them to work towards co-parenting and managing their own contact arrangements. This is done by moving through progressively more independent service streams.
What services do we offer?
We provide Supervised Contact, Supported Contact, Changeover and Supported Changeover services. The services are designed to be progressive in nature, so suitable families will move through the different service streams on their way to self managing their own contact arrangements.
When using our service, we may recommend other suitable services to help parents develop a supportive bridge so their children can feel safe and secure when moving from one parent to the other.
Where are our centres located?
We have centres in the Illawarra, Macarthur and Shoalhaven areas. They are all accessible by public transport.
Who can use the service?
While families with court orders are usually given preference, safety comes first. Both parents need to agree to our service rules and we need to be sure that the children, staff and parents will all be safe when using our service.
Download our Information Pack HERE.
Download our Fee Policy HERE.
Download our current Waiting List HERE.
Government Area
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
- Shellharbour
- Kiama
- Wingecarribee
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: Each parent needs to make contact on the intake number and register their application.
Eligibility criteria: Families with interim court orders are usually given preference. The youngest child needs to be under 13 years old.
Is there a cost associated with this service? Yes. See our website or follow the link in the Description section.
Is there a waiting list? Yes, however times vary. See our website or follow the link in the Description section.
Days/Hours: Shoalhaven: Operates fortnightly. Saturday, 9am-5:30pm. Sunday, 2:30pm-5:30pm. Illawarra: Operates Weekly. Friday, 3:30pm-6:30pm. Saturday, 9am-5:30pm. Sunday, 2:30pm-5:30pm.
Community Links Wellbeing
Biography
Family Support Service – Youthwork, Casework, Allied Health, Mental Health and Groups for families and children
Government Area
The office is located 10 from the nearest bus station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wingecarribee
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: Phone, email, drop in
Eligibility criteria: Very broad, we never say no
Is there a cost associated with this service? No
Is there a waiting list? No
Days/Hours: Mon.-Fri 9am-5pm
Dawson Lawyers
Biography
Dawson Lawyers provides legal services for conveyancing and property law; family law and de facto relationships; powers of attorney and enduring guardianship; wills, probate, estate planning and Family Provision Act claims; Local Court and Childrens Court appearances; business and commercial law; liquor licensing; debt recovery, insolvency and bankruptcy; and civil litigation.
Based in Wollongong, we service clients from both Sydney and the Illawarra region, and assist with property transactions throughout New South Wales for both local and international investors.
Dawson Lawyers’s family lawyers can provide assistance for a range of matters relating to family law and de facto relationships, including:
•Cohabitation Agreements
•Prenuptial Agreements
•Divorce & separation
•Spousal maintenance
•Division of property & assets
•Child support, child protection and child custody matters
Contact us now to arrange a consultation with an experienced solicitor.
Government Area
The office is located 50 from the nearest bus station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
Additional Information
Accredited specialist in the following area/s: Accredited Specialist in Property Law
Legal services offered: Family Law, Property Law, Estate Law and Probate, Civil Claims, etc
Is the first consultation free? yes
Collaborative lawyer: no
Registered Alternative Dispute Practitioner: no
Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner: no
DGB Lawyers
Biography
Family law advice from experienced professionals.
Notes
Ample free off street parking.
Government Area
The office is located 100 from the nearest bus station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
Additional Information
Does this firm provide Legal Aid? Yes
Member of the following Legal Aid panel/s: Independent Children's Lawyer Panel, Family Law Panel
Legal services offered: Family Law, Property Law, Deceased Estates and Will Disputes, Surrogacy and Adoption, Will, Powere of Attorney and Appointment of Enduring Guardian, Elder Law, Public Notary
Is the first consultation free? no
Collaborative lawyer: yes
Registered Alternative Dispute Practitioner: no
Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner: no
EJMediation
Government Area
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
- Shellharbour
- Kiama
- Wingecarribee
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: Via website/email/phone
Eligibility criteria: Each case is assessed individually for suitability for family dispute resolution
Is there a cost associated with this service? Yes, information provided on first contact
Is there a waiting list? No
Days/Hours: Flexible days and hours
Family Relationship Centre – Wollongong
Government Area
The office is located 800 from the nearest bus station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
- Wingecarribee
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: Contact Centre
Eligibility criteria: No eligibilty criteria
Is there a cost associated with this service? Up to the first hour of mediation is free
Is there a waiting list? No
Days/Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Family Services Illawarra
Biography
Family Services Illawarra works to support children, young people and their families. We exist to help families keep their children and young people safe and well, strong and connected.
Our services are delivered through a combination of in-home visiting and centre-based activities. We offer practical support by providing advice and support, family support and education programs (including parenting, women’s healthy relationships, nutrition and money management groups). We have a special emphasis on building and strengthening parenting skills and connecting with communities.
Park and Play and Staying Home Leaving Violence are also Programs our service offers.
Government Area
The office is located 200 from the nearest bus station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wollongong
- Shellharbour
- Kiama
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: Individuals can refer themselves and workers, with family consent, can refer their clients. An electronic fillable Referral Form is available on our website.
Eligibility criteria: Families living in Wollongong, Shellharbour or Kiama who have children 0-17 living in their full time care and who are exprieencing low to medium risk issues that can be addressed by short term support.
Is there a cost associated with this service? Our services are free.
Is there a waiting list? There can be a waiting period of up to four weeks.
Days/Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm
Family Support Service
Biography
Wingecarribee Family Support Service has been working with families in the Southern Highlands for over 25 years, offering programs and activities to all members of the community, including young people, families and groups.
Family Support provides assistance through educational programs, parenting workshops, events and activities. We can also refer you to a range of specialist support services.
How we can help
- Counselling
- Strengthening parenting skills
- Helping equip children to improve behaviour
- Supporting families in times of difficulty and crisis
- Connecting families to increase their support network
- Strengthening family relationships
- Supporting families to change patterns of addiction
- Supporting families affected by mental illness
Government Area
The office is located 1200m from the nearest train station.
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wingecarribee
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: Information can be accessed by telephone, online or in person
Eligibility criteria: Wingecarribee Family Support Service provides community based services for all families of the Wingecarribee community.
Is there a cost associated with this service? No
Is there a waiting list? No
Days/Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
Francine Bartlett
Biography
Offering a range of therapeutic modalities to all ages and situations; specialising in children, youth and families
Eligible for Medicare and ATAPS on a GP referral; registered with Carers Counselling Service, Victims Services, Vet Affairs, Workcover
Government Area
This service operates in the following area(s):
- Wingecarribee
Additional Information
How to refer to this service: Call for appointment; GP referral enables Medicare rebates or access to ATAPS
Eligibility criteria: Open
Is there a cost associated with this service? Yes - fee for service but Medicare rebate if referred by GP.
Is there a waiting list? Sometimes
Days/Hours: By appointment
The Family Law Pathways Network Service Directory aims to provide access to accurate and up-to-date information about various support services throughout the Illawarra and Southern Highlands Regions. The directory will support members to make informed decisions regarding appropriate referral pathways to assist organisations operating as part of or alongside the family law system.
To include your service information in this directory please fill in the online application form. Services are encouraged to notify the Network Project Officer of any changes to service listings as they arise.
The Directory lists services who have identified themselves as working with families in crisis. Please note that the ISHFLPN does not personally endorse or recommend any specific service listed on this site and/or the Directory of Services. Any user must make an informed decision as to the engagement of any of the services listed in this Directory of their own accord.
