Domestic violence is one of the most serious issues faced in family legal law. Victims need effective lawyers for domestic violence to protect their interests in a compassionate way. With so many family legal law firms on the Sunshine Coast, how do you narrow down which firm will best serve you? This guide highlights five law firms we believe will fight effectively for your needs.
Who are the best family law firms for domestic violence clients?
What we look for in lawyers domestic violence
There are four broad criteria we considered when selecting law firms for this guide:
Reputability
A law firm’s standing in their field is key to determining their value to clients. You can measure a firm’s reputation from the perspective of its peers in the legal industry or its position in the community. These can manifest in various ways. Have they received any awards? Industry awards and community awards both show the respect they’ve earned. It’s also important to check that they’re members of professional entities such as the Queensland Law Society, which demonstrates their adherence to the highest legal standards.
Additionally, experienced family lawyers with a strong background in handling sensitive issues, such as family violence cases, domestic violence cases, and situations involving a family violence charge, can offer invaluable support and understanding to clients and their family member facing these challenges.
Empathy
All family law proceedings should be approached with care and empathy. Cases involving family violence or domestic violence, especially from partners or another family member, are particularly traumatic for the client. Some family lawyers, including those who specialise as domestic violence lawyers, may not have the capacity to handle these cases appropriately.
Being available to communicate with clients when they need it is important, but how lawyers communicate is equally crucial. Do they listen to your concerns openly? Do they make an effort to incorporate your input into how they handle your family law matter, especially if it involves sensitive issues such as psychological abuse? If they aren’t willing to work with you, that’s a sign they aren’t trying to understand your situation. Experienced family and criminal lawyers recognise the importance of effective communication to fully support their clients through challenging cases.
Communication
Going through a family law proceeding involving family violence or domestic violence is a frightening experience. A client feels safer with their family lawyer or criminal lawyer when they’re kept updated about their case, including important details such as the court date. A lawyer who doesn’t make an effort to respond to their client’s concerns, especially in cases involving domestic violence, family violence, sexual abuse, or psychological abuse from a family member, can cause undue stress and anxiety. The best domestic violence lawyers will make themselves available as much as possible. If they’re unable to meet in person, they will respond to emails or phone calls promptly.
Track record
The other critical factor is a lawyer’s ability to consistently find the best outcomes for their clients. Cases involving family violence or domestic violence are rarely straightforward. Finding the right solution to a client’s matter requires the ability to develop effective legal strategies tailored to the specifics of a client’s case.
This may lead to litigation and pursuing parenting arrangements that protect any children of the marriage and ensure the safety of all family members, including any affected family member. A good track record shows that the lawyer, particularly those experienced as domestic violence lawyers, has worked on various cases in the Federal Circuit and is able to find the best avenue for your circumstances.
Experience
Domestic violence is legislated at the state level. For example, Queensland courts enforce the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012. Some firms operate across jurisdictions and have experience with different state court systems. This experience can assist domestic violence lawyers in more effectively representing clients by seeking the appropriate protection order. Family violence often involves a family member, including children.
Understanding their needs in the context of domestic violence and sexual violence requires a great deal of experience to handle effectively. Experienced lawyers familiar with the legal process also partner with support systems, such as family violence counselling services, to provide comprehensive support and legal service and legal protection for their clients. In cases involving family violence charges or child protection matters, having knowledgeable legal representation can make a crucial difference in ensuring the best possible outcome for those affected.
Before we begin
We understand that you probably found this guide by searching for “best domestic violence lawyers on the Sunshine Coast,” “domestic violence lawyers Sydney,” or something similar. We stand behind the recommendations we’ve made in this article. However, these recommendations shouldn’t suggest that we believe these law firms are truly ‘the best’ firms on the Sunshine Coast.
We don’t think it’s meaningful to consider any law firm better than another. Family legal law issues, particularly those involving a domestic violence matter, are highly individual. What matters is which firm, such as a reputable domestic violence lawyer familiar with the family court, is right for you. We’re recommending these law firms to give you a starting point to find which lawyer you feel is the best fit. Additionally, many of these experienced family lawyers work closely with family violence counselling services to provide well-rounded support for their clients.
With this clarification, let’s proceed with our list of preferred law firms for domestic violence victims.
Shanahan Family Law has been serving the Sunshine Coast for over a decade. Domestic violence lawyer Luke Shanahan has been dedicated to providing cost-effective and empathetic representation. Their focus is the safety and comfort of their clients in difficult times. Their team has a mediation-first approach to family legal law.
However, mediation is often not appropriate when family violence is a factor in the case. In such situations, they will do everything in their power to protect your interests and that of your family. This may involve representation in Family Court, where Luke’s extensive litigation experience within the legal system makes a difference. Additionally, in cases involving serious issues like sexual abuse, the firm can seek family violence orders to provide immediate protection. The firm also works closely with family violence counselling services to ensure clients have access to comprehensive support during their cases.
Key services
Domestic violence matters
Property and parenting matters
Divorce and separation
Court litigation
Best part
Shanahan Family Law is a community-oriented firm dedicated to offering cost-effective legal advice to Sunshine Coast residents.
Their team’s extensive experience with mediation and litigation enables them to provide comprehensive to their clients.
Best for
Clients who are looking for a cost-effective and experienced law firm that provides a client-focused approach.
What their clients say
Shanahan Family Lawyer, are not just knowledgeable and professional they also care about your situation. It felt good having someone on my side and going the extra mile to achieve the outcomes I was needing.
- Rebecca Smith
Clients in difficult situations should be able to rely on their family violence lawyers or domestic violence lawyer for legal advice and faithful representation. They always go the extra mile for their clients, reflecting their commitment to achieving the best outcomes in any case.
If you need assistance with your case, contact our experienced domestic violence lawyers.
The team at Greenhalgh Pickard are proud Sunshine Coast locals. They’re focused on integrated solutions to protect their clients, including family members affected by domestic violence. They leverage their expertise across a broad range of legal areas to achieve the best outcomes possible in every case. In addition to family legal law, they also employ leading criminal lawyers. Breaching a protection order is a criminal offence, and their team can serve domestic and family violence victims through effective protection orders and enforcement in the event of breaches. For clients seeking support in other regions, they can connect with domestic violence lawyers Sydney. Through modern technology, their operations are transitioning to paperless processes as part of their commitment to promoting environmental sustainability.
Key services
Family legal law
Criminal law
Accounting services
Conveyancing
Employment law
Commercial law
Wills and estates
Best part
Their experience in family and criminal law allows their team to provide complete defence of domestic or family violence clients.
They implement responsible practices aimed at greater sustainability.
Best for family violence matters
Cases that may require expertise in family legal law and criminal law to ensure the client receives complete protection.
What their clients say
My experience with Greenhalgh Pickard solicitors was fantastic. In particular Yolandi. They were very professional. Kept me informed on how thing where progressing.
Had a very good result at the end.
I would highly recommend them.
- A M
Greenhalgh Pickard works closely with clients to find the best outcome. Understanding the steps being taken gives clients confidence in their cases.
Pippa Colman Family Law is passionate about supporting their local community and providing empathetic assistance as domestic violence lawyers. Their team includes both experienced family lawyers and criminal lawyers, allowing them to offer a comprehensive approach to family violence cases. They are active in many outreach programs and volunteer initiatives, and they also offer pro bono opportunities. This can be a lifesaver in family violence matters, especially for clients in difficult financial situations.
Pippa Colman provides comprehensive support in domestic violence cases, including those involving an intimate personal relationship or a person’s family. For individuals experiencing domestic violence, their dedicated legal team begins with an initial risk assessment and can provide safety planning with appropriate support services. They can also organise protection orders and court representation if necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients.
Key services
Parenting and property matters
Domestic violence matters
Divorce and separation
Wills and estates
Best part
Pippa Colman has strong community ties and a dedication to volunteering and outreach.
Their pro bono work assists financially disadvantaged clients to access quality legal representation.
Best for
Parties who prefer to work with lawyers who have strong community connections will find support with those who understand the importance of financial assistance, especially for clients experiencing financial stress. Such lawyers are dedicated to safeguarding personal safety and managing the complexities of family relationships with empathy and professionalism.
What their clients say
We recently engaged the services of this firm and would highly recommend them and will also use them in the future should we ever need to. Pippa provided professional, thorough and comprehensive service and advice in a caring and informative setting.
- Tash McMaster
When dealing with particularly sensitive cases, especially those involving complex family relationship, apprehended violence order, or potential criminal charges, it’s crucial that a domestic violence lawyer approaches the case with complete compassion and professionalism. This fosters a positive and potentially long-term client-lawyer relationship.
Brooke Winter Solicitors has locations across Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmania. Their team includes both criminal lawyers and family lawyers, allowing them to address a wide range of legal needs. They offer a mobile service that extends their support to underserved regional areas, providing critical assistance to clients experiencing family violence in more remote locations. Additionally, they provide a free initial consultation to help clients understand their options and determine the best path forward.
If you need a protection order, apprehended violence order, or other court order, Brooke Winter Solicitors can provide the best legal advice to guide you through the process. With more than 20 years of experience, their team can assist with even the most complex cases. The firm can also connect clients with a family violence counselling service to offer additional support alongside legal representation, assisting anyone looking to apply for a protection order or who has been served with an order.
Key services
Domestic violence matters
Traffic law
Criminal law
Family Legal law
Wills and estates
Best part
The firm’s mobile capabilities enable clients in regional areas to access effective legal support more easily, particularly in cases involving economic abuse, criminal charge, or the need for personal safety orders.
They have experience across multiple jurisdictions and can assist with all aspects of family violence, including situations where a person fear for their safety, securing a domestic violence order, and obtaining financial support for those impacted.
Best for domestic and family violence
Domestic violence victims who live in remote areas and don’t have ready access to effective legal assistance may face additional challenges in addressing family violence offences, particularly when trying to secure safety within the family home. In such cases, family violence intervention services, along with experienced criminal lawyers, can provide crucial assistance. These professionals can help victims obtain an apprehended domestic violence order and ensure the necessary protections are in place to safeguard their well-being.
What their clients say
Outstanding service! I have been dealing with a matter for the last 5 months and as soon as it went to Brooke Winter ... it was resolved within minutes.
- Domestic and family violence client
Many clients deal with difficult cases for months or even years. When cases involve delicate matters such as sexual assault, this can take a great emotional toll. Having experienced family violence lawyers who can resolve matters quickly and effectively is crucial. In some cases, applying for a family violence intervention order under the Family Law Act can provide essential protection and support, helping to alleviate some of the emotional burden on clients.
Over thirty years of experience and thousands of satisfied clients tell you everything you need to know about Ferrall and Co. Their team has shown complete dedication to their clients and has a demonstrated track record of success. The firm is led by Rowena Ferrall, who worked for many years as a generalist in the legal field, gaining a wealth of experience in many aspects of law. Working on a broad collection of different cases has permitted her to connect with clients in a variety of situations. Rowena and her team can approach domestic violence cases, including those involving physical violence, with deep empathy and experience. They are also skilled in securing family violence intervention orders to protect clients facing dangerous situations.
Key services
Family Legal law
Criminal law
Traffic defence
Best part
Ferrall and Co. has an excellent track record for representing clients in difficult and sensitive cases.
Rowena Ferrall’s years of experience in various fields of law enable her to approach cases with greater expertise and compassion.
Best domestic violence lawyers
Clients who are looking for a family lawyer with a breadth of experience who prioritises compassion and understanding for victims.
What their clients say
Highly professional, wonderful team that always greet you as if they were just waiting to hear your voice. Rowena is an absolute powerhouse that goes into battle for you, regardless of the misconduct from OP.
- Gemma Parry-Jones
Ferrall and Co. are dedicated to finding the best resolutions to cases regardless of their complexity. Domestic violence cases often involve uncooperative respondents, and in situations where clients may be in immediate danger, Rowena and her team act swiftly to prioritise their safety. They are prepared to address any issues that arise and will fight for their clients to the end. Additionally, they can connect clients with vital resources such as the National Sexual Assault and Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service for further support.
Conclusion
Coping with violence from a partner or family member, as well as resulting in family law matters, is traumatic. Expert domestic violence lawyers will make the process smooth and bearable. This guide should give you a starting point for finding the right representation for you.
