When you’re going through a divorce in Australia, the difference between a stressful, drawn-out battle and a smoother, more manageable process often comes down to one thing — having a good family lawyer on your side.
Divorce is not just a legal process; it’s also deeply personal and emotional. You need someone who understands the law inside out, can protect your best interests, and will guide you with both professionalism and compassion.
A good family lawyer will not only help you navigate the legalities but also give you confidence and peace of mind during one of the most challenging periods of your life.
10 Tips on Finding A Good Family Lawyer
In Australia, divorce is a no-fault process, which means the Court does not consider why the marriage ended. Instead, it simply requires proof that the relationship has broken down irretrievably and that you have been separated for at least 12 months.
However, divorce is often just one part of the broader picture. You may also need to resolve property settlements, parenting arrangements, and other financial matters — all of which can be complex and emotionally draining. Choosing the right lawyer early on can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Here’s what to look for when finding a good family lawyer who is best placed to help you and your family.
1. Work Out Your Immediate Needs
Before you even start searching for a family lawyer, take time to understand exactly what you need from them right now. Do you need urgent help with parenting arrangements because you and your ex-partner cannot agree? Are you concerned about a family business or property that needs to be protected? Do you require immediate representation for a court date?
A clear understanding of your immediate priorities will help you find a lawyer with the right skills to meet those needs. For example, if your main concern is negotiating child custody, you’ll want a lawyer with strong experience in parenting matters. If it’s about dividing complex assets, look for someone skilled in property settlements and financial agreements.
When you meet with potential lawyers, be upfront about your situation and what you need resolved first. This helps them give you accurate advice and a realistic picture of possible outcomes. At Hickman Family Lawyers, we often find that clients who have a clear set of priorities from the start are able to move through the process more effectively.
Remember, your immediate needs may evolve over time — but having a solid starting point will help you choose the right lawyer for your current stage.
2. Identify A Potential Timeline For Settlement
Family law matters can vary greatly in how long they take to resolve. Some divorces are finalised within months, while others — especially those involving disputes or complex finances — may take years. Before engaging a lawyer, think about what kind of timeline you’re working with and whether your expectations are realistic.
If you have urgent deadlines — for example, financial pressures that make a speedy settlement necessary — you’ll need a lawyer who is responsive, organised, and experienced in achieving efficient outcomes. On the other hand, if your priority is reaching a fair and thorough agreement, you may prefer someone who takes a more methodical approach, even if it takes longer.
Ask potential lawyers how they would approach your case and what timeline they anticipate. While no lawyer can promise exact dates (as many factors are outside their control), a good one can give you a realistic range and explain what could cause delays.
At our family law firm in Perth, we’re transparent with our clients about how long things might take, helping them balance the desire for speed with the need for a fair outcome. Knowing your ideal timeframe will also help your lawyer plan their strategy accordingly.
3. Get Personal Recommendations From Friends & Family
One of the best starting points for finding a good family lawyer is to ask people you trust for recommendations. Friends or family who have been through a divorce in Australia can give you honest feedback about their experiences — both good and bad.
The benefit of personal recommendations is that they are based on real-life situations rather than just marketing material or online profiles. You can ask direct questions about the lawyer’s approach, communication style, and ability to handle sensitive situations.
However, remember that every family law case is different. The lawyer who was perfect for your cousin’s amicable divorce might not be the right fit if you’re dealing with a highly contentious property dispute. Still, personal referrals can give you a shortlist of names to research further.
Many of our clients come to us through word-of-mouth, which we see as a testament to the quality of service we provide. When someone is willing to recommend their lawyer to close friends or relatives, it usually means they had a genuinely positive experience.
4. Check Online Reviews
While personal recommendations are valuable, online reviews can give you a broader picture of a lawyer’s reputation. Google reviews, Facebook recommendations, and legal-specific review platforms often provide detailed accounts from former clients about their experience.
Look for consistent themes in reviews. Do clients praise the lawyer’s communication, professionalism, and compassion? Or are there repeated concerns about slow responses or unclear billing? No lawyer will have 100% glowing reviews — but pay attention to how the firm responds to criticism. A professional, respectful response can indicate good client service, even in difficult situations.
Also, remember to look for authenticity. A sudden spike of overly generic five-star reviews can sometimes be a red flag. Instead, seek detailed feedback from people whose situations sound similar to yours.
At Hickman Family Lawyers, we are proud of our positive online reputation – you can see our Google reviews here. We encourage potential clients to check our reviews so they can see for themselves the consistent quality of our work and client care.
5. Do They Have Relevant Expertise & Credentials?
Family law is a specialised area, and it’s essential that your lawyer has the right qualifications and experience to handle your matter effectively. Check if they are admitted to practise in Australia and whether they are a member of relevant professional bodies, such as the Law Society of Western Australia.
Beyond credentials, experience in cases similar to yours is critical. If your matter involves complex property settlements, you’ll want a lawyer who has handled similar high-value or complicated asset divisions. If your focus is parenting arrangements, look for experience in negotiating and drafting parenting plans, or representing clients in custody disputes.
You can usually find information about a lawyer’s qualifications and areas of practice on their website. Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions about their track record and expertise. A confident, capable lawyer will welcome these questions and be happy to explain how their skills align with your needs.
If you’re interested in hiring Hickman Family Lawyers, you can meet our team of divorce lawyers in Perth on our website here.
6. Do Their Fees Match Your Budget?
Legal fees can vary significantly between firms, and it’s important to find a lawyer whose fees align with your budget. Some family lawyers charge hourly rates, while others may offer fixed-fee services for certain matters.
Before you commit, ask for clear information about how you will be billed, what the hourly rate or fixed fee includes, and whether there are likely to be additional costs such as court filing fees, barrister’s fees, or expert reports.
It’s also worth considering value over cost. The cheapest lawyer may not be the most effective, and in some cases, investing in a highly skilled lawyer can actually save you money in the long run by achieving a better, faster resolution.
Our family lawyers in Perth believe in transparency when it comes to fees. We provide clear cost estimates and regular updates so our clients can make informed decisions about their legal spend.
7. Ask About Their Availability
When you’re going through a divorce, timely communication is vital. If your lawyer is always too busy to respond to emails or return calls, your stress levels can quickly rise.
Ask potential lawyers how accessible they are and how quickly you can expect responses. Some may offer same-day replies for urgent matters, while others might take longer.
It’s also worth considering the size of the firm. A larger firm may have more resources but could also mean your matter is handled by junior lawyers. A smaller, specialist firm may offer more personalised attention from senior lawyers.
8. Effective Communication Skills
A good family lawyer should be able to explain complex legal terms and processes in a way that you can easily understand. They should listen carefully to your concerns and tailor their advice to your specific situation.
Clear communication is essential for making informed decisions. If you leave a meeting feeling more confused than when you arrived, that’s a red flag.
At Hickman Family Lawyers, we pride ourselves on making the law accessible to our clients. We explain your options in plain language, ensuring you understand the implications of each choice before you proceed.
9. Look For Empathy & Understanding
Divorce is one of the most emotionally challenging experiences you can go through. While legal skills are essential, you also need a lawyer who can empathise with your situation.
An empathetic lawyer won’t just treat you as another case file — they’ll understand the human side of your matter. This can make a big difference in how supported you feel during the process.
We know that kindness and compassion are just as important as legal expertise. We work hard to ensure our clients feel heard, understood, and respected at every stage.
10. Do You Feel Like You Can Trust Them?
Trust is the foundation of any lawyer-client relationship. You need to feel confident that your lawyer has your best interests at heart and will advocate strongly for you.
This trust often develops through initial meetings. Pay attention to how they make you feel — are they transparent, respectful, and genuinely engaged in helping you?
At Hickman Family Lawyers, building trust with our clients is our top priority. We work to earn that trust from the first conversation, providing honest advice and reliable support throughout your matter.
A divorce is challenging enough without worrying about whether your lawyer is truly on your side. By taking the time to find the right person — someone with the skills, experience, and empathy you need — you can move forward with confidence.
If you’re looking for a good family lawyer in Perth, Hickman Family Lawyers offers a free 15-minute no obligation information call to help you get started. Contact us today to discuss how we can guide you through this difficult time with clarity, compassion, and expertise.
