Family Lawyers Mackay
Family Lawyers Mackay
Separating from your partner can be one of the most stressful and challenging times in your life. There may be parenting arrangements to work out, property to be divided and other steps that need to be taken to protect your interests. McKays Solicitors approach each case with a commitment to helping you resolve your matter as soon as possible.
Experienced family law specialist
Instructing a family lawyer is a big commitment, and you want to ensure you are getting the best possible representation. What can you expect from our family lawyers? McKays Solicitors is the largest specialty family law practice in Mackay, and that is for good reason - our clients refer their family and friends to our team for family law advice.
We will approach each case by:
- taking the time to listen to you and understand your circumstances and needs
- providing clear, expert advice and helping you to make decisions
- ensuring that you understand the legal issues and our advice
- helping you to devise a strategy
- helping you to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family, as cost-effectively as possible
- handling your matter with care and sensitivity, with your best interests as a top priority
- always maintaining confidentiality — your file can be locked down so that it is visible only to those who need to access it
- being transparent and communicating with you in respect of our fees, so you know where you stand
We provide legal services in all areas of family law to clients with many different backgrounds and needs. We are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process as efficiently as possible.
We offer an initial consultation to all new clients. We recommend obtaining this initial advice as early as possible in your dispute, even if that is prior to separation. Clients always tell us that they feel better after they have had their initial appointment.
Your appointments can occur in person at our Mackay office (we also have one family law lawyer who travels between our Mackay and Brisbane offices), or by telephone or web conferencing – whatever works for you.
Family law matters
Our family law experts have the skills and experience to provide expert advice about all areas of family law.
We handle everything from basic to complex property settlements, including complex entity structures, farming assets, inheritances, gifts, loans, trusts, taxation issues, financial support for children, maintenance, bankruptcy, domestic violence and allegations of wastage. Our family lawyers are experienced in negotiations, family law mediations and Court advocacy.
In certain (limited) circumstances, one party may be ordered to pay spousal maintenance to the other. The primary purpose of maintenance is to adjust for any disparity between the incomes or earning capacities of the parties. It is usually for a relatively short period. We provide advice on whether you are entitled to spousal maintenance or if we can assist you in responding to a request for spousal maintenance.
Decisions about where children live and how much time they spend with the other parent (or other significant adults) can be a topic where dispute arises after separation. We have extensive experience in all aspects of family law parenting matters, including disputes about child custody, communication issues, child support, substance abuse, family violence, relocation, abduction of children, recovery orders, arrangements for special occasions, paternity, and disputes about education or medical issues. We assist with negotiations, offering solutions to suit your circumstances, mediation, and drafting Parenting Plans, Consent Orders and all Court Applications. Our goal is always to resolve matters without having to apply to the Court, but in some circumstances, Court intervention is necessary.
We assist with paternity testing and related legal matters.
We assist with disputes about child support and the drafting of Binding Child Support Agreements. We will provide you with clear advice about your options.
We assist with applying for (or opposing) Applications for Protection Order (also known as Domestic Violence Orders) and breaches of Protection Orders. In addition to our family law team, McKays Solicitors has a team of expert domestic and family violence lawyers with extensive experience in all aspects of domestic violence and criminal law.
Mediation is a form of Family Dispute Resolution that can assist you in resolving your matter out of Court. Mediations can be used for all legal matters, including helping you and your former partner work out the parenting arrangements or how to divide the property, without the cost and expense of going through the Court process. Mediation is also compulsory in some circumstances before applying to the Court. We can represent you at the mediation for any legal matter. We also have an accredited mediator who can conduct a family law mediation for you and your former partner (provided that neither of you is already a family law client of the practice). For more information, please contact our office.
What makes us experienced family lawyers?
Our team of family lawyers is highly experienced in all aspects of family law, with some of our lawyers having in excess of 18 and 22 years of experience representing people in your circumstances. We have an Accredited Specialist (Family Law), an Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, and an Australian National Accredited Mediator.
We pride ourselves on having a significant number of new clients referred directly to our family lawyers each month by current or former clients – which is a testament to the service we provide.
We focus on constantly upskilling, undergo continued professional development every year, and provide a level of service that rivals any senior family lawyer in Australia. Our family lawyers often regularly serve on committees and boards relevant to family law to increase their knowledge and provide a service to the community.
McKays Family Law is one department of a very large law firm, which means you also get the benefit of other teams who are experts in their field when you need that assistance – such as our conveyancing team, criminal law and domestic violence team, our company, trusts and taxation team, our wills and estate litigation team, to name some of them.
At McKays Solicitors, we understand that support extends beyond legal advice. We collaborate closely with your preferred advisors, including accountants, financial advisors, and superannuation and taxation specialists, to ensure the guidance you receive is tailored to your unique financial situation.
Our experts
Nicole Cullen has practised law for 20 years and is an expert in family law and criminal law. Nicole attended James Cook University and Queensland University of Technology before moving to Mackay in 2000. She commenced a trainee solicitor program in 2000, was admitted as a solicitor in 2002, and has worked with McKays since October 2005. Nicole became the first female Principal of McKays in 2010, is now a Director of the practice and manages the Family Law and Criminal Law teams in Mackay and also visits the McKays Family Law Brisbane office on one day each week.
As a Queensland Law Society Accredited Family Law Specialist, Cathy specialises in helping clients with family law matters relating to the breakdown of both marriage and de facto relationships and also parenting matters such as the living arrangements and decision making for children. Cathy can also assist clients who are the victims of domestic violence by obtaining and utilising domestic violence protection orders.
Lucy Guye is an Associate working in the McKays Family Law team. After completing her university studies (with first class honours) at Bond University, Lucy relocated to Mackay to begin her legal career.
Originally from North Queensland, Isabelle's path into law commenced at James Cook University in Townsville, where she earned her Bachelor of Laws. Throughout her studies, Isabelle engaged in various community service activities, volunteering at the Townsville Community Legal Centre and contributing to a non-profit flood relief clinic. She also gained practical experience working at a local family law firm whilst studying. In 2019, Isabelle made the move to Mackay, where she honed her skills in conveyancing for over three years. Following this, she transitioned into the area of family law.
Where we service
We have family law offices in Brisbane and Mackay, Queensland. We frequently represent clients across Queensland, interstate, and internationally. Since family law is consistent throughout Australia, distance is no barrier.
We use the latest technology to facilitate virtual meetings and communications, allowing us to understand your needs and deliver exceptional services without requiring you to visit our Mackay or Brisbane offices.
Why choose McKays Solicitors
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Experts in the Field
Our team of lawyers includes a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law, an Australian National Accredited Mediator, and a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
Proven Results
We have a proven track record of delivering exceptional client outcomes across a variety of cases, from basic to complex. Our expertise extends to successfully managing complex property matters, urgent protection orders, and high-stakes parenting disputes.
Years Of Experience
Our experienced family lawyers are skilled in handling a wide range of family law issues, providing independent legal advice tailored to your specific needs and situation.
Approachable & Empathetic
You will have an experienced family lawyer who is not only knowledgeable in their field but also genuinely committed to making the legal process as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We understand that navigating family law can be emotionally taxing, so we strive to support you every step of the way.
Comprehensive Family Law Services
We handle a wide range of family law matters, establishing ourselves as Mackay's leading law firm. Our services extend across Queensland, interstate, and internationally.
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Your Initial Consultation
We look forward to meeting new clients for an initial confidential consultation at our Mackay or Brisbane office, by phone, or via electronic means such as Webex, Zoom or Teams.
During this meeting, you will talk with one of our family law solicitors to gather information specific to your case. Our goal is to help you through the family law process and reduce as much stress as possible. We will listen to your situation and advise you clearly on your rights and options.
Our clients always comment that they feel far less stressed after the initial consultation, which is our goal: to assist you in making informed decisions about your future.
What To Bring To Your Consultation
You do not need to bring anything specific to your initial consultation with us, especially if it's difficult or time-consuming for you to gather everything before your first appointment. However, if you have any of the following information available to you, we suggest that you bring it with you or email it to us before your appointment.
1. Financial Matters
If possible, please prepare a basic list of assets and liabilities owned by either party, including current balances for bank accounts, loans, mortgages and other financial agreements (estimated values will be sufficient for the initial appointment).
In addition, your most recent tax return, superannuation statement, and a pay slip would be helpful.
2. Parenting Matters
If possible, please provide copies of previous orders and agreements (if any).
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Protect Your Future With McKays Solicitors
Choosing the right legal representation or advice can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Our team of experienced family lawyers listens to you to gain a full understanding of your needs and keeps you fully informed of your options, rights, and responsibilities. We focus on timely resolution without the need for Court involvement and, if necessary, provide tireless representation in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Seek legal advice from us today for expert guidance on your family law matter.
