About
Family lawyers in Canberra & Queanbeyan
Family matters are inherently challenging. In addition to the emotional hardship, few people are well-versed in the intricacies of divorce, settlement and custody laws. To help you through this difficult time, our family lawyers in Canberra and Queanbeyan can provide trusted legal support with sensitive and complex issues, including:
- Divorce
- Property Settlement
- Children’s Matters
- Child Support
- Binding Financial Agreements
- De Facto Relationships
- Consent Orders
- Collaborative Law
- Domestic Violence
Whether you’re facing a dispute or need to formalise an agreement, please get in touch with our experienced family lawyers in Canberra or Queanbeyan today. Drawing on over 160 years experience in family law, we will lead you through the entire process to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.
Divorce & separation
The last thing you need after relationship breakdown is the stress of navigating its legal complexities. At BDN, we will guide you through the entire process from beginning to end so that you can start the next chapter without delay.
Our family lawyers in Canberra and Queanbeyan can provide tailored support with all separation matters, from divorce applications and asset division to child support payments and Will amendments.
Property settlements
From homes and cars to shares and superannuations, asset division is an inevitable part of any marital or de facto separation. This financial settlement can be reached through negotiation, mediation, collaboration and/or litigation and finalised with Consent Orders, a Court-ordered settlement, or Binding Financial Agreement.
No matter which course of action you take, our family lawyers will be by your side to ensure you secure a fair outcome.
Parenting arrangements
Agreeing on childcare and living arrangements is often the most challenging step in a separation. We are here to guide you through this emotional process, helping to protect your child’s best interests now and into the future. Our dedicated family lawyers are highly experienced in finalising parenting agreements through Parenting Plans and Consent Orders, and will advise which of these pathways is best suited to your circumstances. We can take care of negotiations on your behalf and, if required, represent you in court proceedings.FAQ's
As the name suggests, family lawyers deal with legal matters that arise between family members and/or domestic partners. From drafting custody agreements and advising on adoption to representing clients in divorce proceedings and supporting survivors of domestic violence, the duties of a family lawyer vary considerably by case. However, a family lawyer’s core responsibilities generally include:
- Reviewing, drafting and negotiating court documents on your behalf;
- Facilitating alternative dispute resolution to reach settlement outside of court;
- Providing robust representation in court proceedings;
- Liaising with a range of other professionals, such as social workers, doctors and police officers;
- Researching past cases that may inform your case;
- Gathering and examining evidence that may aid your case; and
- Navigating emotionally-volatile situations with efficacy and empathy.
No. The majority of family law matters are resolved without a court needing to make a decision.
Parties can frequently avoid needing a court to make decisions by resolving disputes by way of a Binding Financial Agreement or Consent Orders.
Although you are not legally required to engage a lawyer for family court, it is strongly advised that you do so. From property settlement to child custody, family court cases typically have a lot at stake and involve significant amounts of emotion.
It is important that you have a lawyer to protect your interests and to provide sound, pragmatic advice to ensure that the process is as quick, efficient and pain free as possible.
An experienced family lawyer knows how to navigate the complexities of the family law system, and can explain your legal rights and responsibilities, as well as any court decisions. Additionally, your family lawyer will ensure you respect all relevant timeframes and court fees, helping you to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Don’t take the risk of representing yourself. Speak to one of the dedicated family lawyers in Canberra on 02 6190 1793 or Queanbeyan on 02 6189 2893.
It’s important to make sure your family matters are in trusted hands. To find the right family lawyer, you should consider several factors such as:
- Years of experience specialising in family law;
- Breadth of services offered for family matters;
- Reputation and client testimonials; and
- Personal connection and compassion.
At BDN, we understand that protecting your loved ones best interests is paramount. As the leading family lawyers in Canberra and Queanbeyan for over 160 years, we pride ourselves on our accessibility, reliability and innovation. That’s why we’ve invested in the technology, systems and team training to deliver proactive, professional and personalised legal services.
To begin your journey with BDN, please contact our friendly family lawyers today.
Testimonials



Our Family Law team
Managing Partner (Queanbeyan)
Solicitor