Sydney Family Lawyer for Separation, Divorce & Parenting Matters

Family breakdown is one of life's most emotionally challenging experiences. Whether you're facing separation, navigating divorce, resolving parenting disputes, or dividing property, you need a Sydney family lawyer who combines strategic expertise with genuine compassion.

Mary Stephan provides dedicated family law representation throughout Sydney and New South Wales. With a Master of Applied Law in Family Law and extensive experience in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Mary understands both the legal complexities and the emotional toll these matters take on families.

Unlike large firms where your case gets passed between junior solicitors, Mary personally handles each family law matter from initial consultation through to final resolution - whether that's through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings. When you call, you speak with Mary - not a receptionist taking messages or junior staff learning on your file.

Mary assists Sydney clients with:

• Divorce & Separation - Guiding you through the legal process from separation requirements to divorce applications and finalizing all related matters.

• Property Settlements - Negotiating and litigating division of assets, superannuation, businesses, and debts—including complex high-net-worth divorces involving substantial assets and family trusts.

• Parenting Arrangements & Child Custody - Securing parenting orders prioritizing your children's best interests, including living arrangements, parenting time, and decision-making authority.

• Spousal Maintenance - Advising on entitlements and obligations for financial support following separation.

• Binding Financial Agreements - Drafting prenuptial agreements and post-separation financial agreements that protect your assets.

• Domestic Violence & AVOs - Representing clients seeking protection orders or defending against AVO applications in Sydney Local Courts.

• De Facto Relationships - All services extend to de facto couples, including same-sex relationships.

• High-Net-Worth Divorce - Sophisticated representation for clients with substantial assets, business structures, and complex financial matters.

• International Family Law - Handling matters involving overseas assets, international child relocation, and cross-border parenting disputes.

  
  

When to Seek Legal Advice

Contact Mary if you're:

• Considering separation or recently separated

• Concerned about children's living arrangements

• Unsure about property settlement entitlements

• Facing domestic violence or need protection

• Served with court documents or AVO applications

• Unable to reach agreement on parenting or finances

  
  

Early legal advice prevents costly mistakes and protects your rights from the outset.

Urgent Family Law Matters

Contact Mary immediately if you're facing:

• Domestic violence or threats to safety (First, call police or 1800-Respect)

• Child abduction concerns or international relocation

• Urgent parenting disputes when children are at risk

• Asset dissipation during separation