Family Lawyers on the Central Coast
Clear, Supportive Advice
Based in Erina, our family lawyers support clients across the Central Coast through separation, parenting arrangements, and property matters. We understand these situations can feel overwhelming particularly when children, finances, and your sense of security are involved. Our role is to provide clear, practical advice so you can make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
A Supportive Approach to Family Law on the Central Coast
Family Law Services on the Central Coast
Our family lawyers assist with all areas of family law, supporting individuals and families across the Central Coast. Whether you are navigating separation, parenting arrangements, or property division, we provide advice tailored to your circumstances and focused on practical, workable outcomes.
Separation and Divorce
Separation and divorce often involve uncertainty, emotional strain, and difficult decisions. We guide you through the legal process step by step, helping you understand your options and the likely pathways forward.
Our focus is on reducing unnecessary conflict and supporting outcomes that allow you to move on with clarity.
Parenting Arrangements and Children’s Matters
When children are involved, their wellbeing comes first. We assist parents to create parenting arrangements that prioritise stability, safety, and the best interests of their children, while remaining realistic and workable in everyday life.
Our approach is calm and child-focused, helping reduce conflict and support cooperative co-parenting wherever possible.
If you’re unsure what parenting arrangements might work in your situation, we’re here to talk it through.
Property Settlements and Financial Security
Property settlements can feel daunting, particularly when your financial future is uncertain. We provide clear advice about your entitlements and obligations, helping you navigate property division in a way that is fair, informed, and focused on long-term security.
We take the time to ensure you understand the process so you are not rushed into decisions that don’t serve your future.
Family Violence and Personal Safety
Where family or personal violence is a concern, we approach your matter with care, discretion, and a strong focus on safety. Our team works in a trauma-informed way, recognising the emotional and practical complexities often involved. With experience that includes former prosecutors and police officers within our team, we bring a clear understanding of risk, evidence, and protective processes—allowing us to provide strong, informed guidance while prioritising your wellbeing and the safety of your children.
If safety is a concern, we encourage you to speak with us confidentially.
Mediation and Legally Assisted Mediation
Many people want to resolve family law matters without unnecessary conflict or court proceedings. We support clients through mediation and legally assisted mediation, helping you prepare, understand your options, and negotiate with confidence. Our focus is on respectful communication and practical outcomes, supporting amicable resolutions wherever possible while protecting your legal rights. As the founder of Coastal Lawyers, Kristal Naividi is a nationally accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. This background brings valuable insight into mediation dynamics, negotiation, and child-focused outcomes allowing our clients to benefit from a legally informed, resolution focused approach wherever possible.
Consent Orders and Finalising Agreements
Where agreement has been reached, we assist with formalising arrangements through consent orders, providing certainty and legal finality. Whether your relationship was a short de facto partnership or a long marriage, we help ensure agreements are fair, workable, and properly documented. Our role is to prepare and review consent orders so they reflect what has been agreed and allow you to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
What our Clients Say
Ready to Get Clear, Supportive Advice?
If you’re navigating separation, parenting arrangements, or property matters, speaking with an experienced family lawyer can make all the difference. Our Erina-based team supports clients across the Central Coast with calm, practical guidance tailored to your situation.
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How It Works
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Questionnaire
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Strategy session
Find out your legal rights, responsibilities and have your questions answered in a 1 hour conference for $356 (including GST).
Why Choose Our Central Coast Family Lawyers
Finding Support Through Separation: Why a Heart-Centred Lawyer Matters
If you’ve ever found yourself awake in the quiet hours Googling “Central Coast family lawyer” or turning to trusted friends, support groups or Facebook communities for guidance, you’re not alone. Separation, family breakdown and domestic violence leave many people especially women feeling overwhelmed, isolated and unsure of where to turn next.
At Coastal Lawyers, we believe your first step into the legal system should feel safe, supportive and human. That’s why our practice is built on a heart-centred, trauma-informed foundation, offering not just legal advice, but emotional support during one of life’s most challenging transitions.
Located in Erina on the Central Coast, we help clients navigate separation, parenting matters, property settlements, domestic violence and criminal law issues with compassion, clarity and confidence.
We Do Law Differently. A Holistic, Trauma-Informed Approach
Many law firms focus only on the legal steps. We know that separation is far more than that. It is emotional, destabilising, and often frightening especially when domestic violence or power imbalances are involved.
That’s why we blend strong legal expertise with empathy and emotional awareness. Our work with clients acknowledges the whole person behind the problem, not just the legal paperwork.
We support you by:
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creating a calm, safe environment
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validating your experiences
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helping you make grounded decisions
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reducing overwhelm through clear guidance
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approaching every matter with dignity and respect
This is the Coastal Lawyers difference.
Supporting Clients Experiencing Domestic Violence
Domestic violence, including emotional abuse and coercive control, is tragically common in family law matters. What makes Coastal Lawyers different is our unique professional background.
Our firm was founded by a former NSW police officer and former prosecutor which means we bring deep insight into:
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how domestic violence evidence is gathered
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police processes
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patterns of coercive control
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risk assessment
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AVO and ADVO’s applications
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safety planning
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supporting survivors through the system
- how to create child focussed arrangements which address concerns of unacceptable risk of harm.
We know the signs. We understand the fear and confusion. We take your safety seriously.
Whether you need help with an AVO, negotiation, mediation, or court representation, you can trust that your story will be heard and believed.
Led by Kristal — Family Lawyer, Mediator & FDRP
Our Principal Lawyer and Founder, Kristal, holds a Master of Laws (Family Law) and is an Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), Accredited Mediator, and Collaboratively Trained Family Lawyer.
Kristal is passionate about helping families resolve disputes without court where possible, using:
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negotiation
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legally assisted mediation
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child-focused parenting agreements
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collaborative practice
When litigation is necessary, we provide strong, strategic advocacy in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA). We have successfully represented clients successful in international relocation cases, no time cases and limited time cases relating to circumstances of family violence and unacceptable risk of harm.
A Calming Supportive Environment in Erina
Our boutique office in Erina is intentionally designed to feel comforting, not clinical. Clients often say it feels like visiting a trusted friend’s home warm, safe, calm, and never rushed. And yes, we always have snacks.
For those who prefer privacy, convenience or additional safety, we also offer:
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video consultations
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telephone appointments
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flexible scheduling options to fit in with your little ones needs.
Your comfort comes first. Only when you feel comfortable, safe and supported will you then feel empowered to make important decisions about your financial future and co-parenting relationship.
Start With the Appointment That Fits Your Needs
We offer two clear starting points, depending on how much support you need:
1. Free 15-Minute Clarity Call
A chance to ask questions and understand your next steps.
2. 1-Hour Strategy Session (In-Person)
Comprehensive legal advice and a tailored action plan.
If you’re unsure where to begin, simply call 1300 271 289 and one of our caring team members will guide you.
You Don’t Have To Do This Alone
Whether you’re facing separation, parenting arrangements, property division or domestic violence, you deserve a lawyer who supports both your legal and emotional wellbeing.
At Coastal Lawyers, our role is to help you feel safe, informed and empowered — every step of the way.
Whenever you’re ready, we’re here. You can book an appointment online in seconds.
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Family Law Blogs
Thoughts and musings on law and life from the Coastal Lawyers team.
What Is “Family Violence” Under the Family Law Act?
What is family violence under s 4AB of the Family Law Act? Central Coast family lawyers explain the legal definition and how it affects parenting cases.
How to Get a Parenting Plan That Works for Your Family | Central Coast NSW
For separated or divorced parents, creating a parenting plan is a great way to establish clear, agreed-upon arrangements for raising your children. A parenting plan covers everything from living arrangements and visitation schedules to decision-making...
Pre-Separation & Early Separation Checklist
At Coastal Lawyers, we understand that separation is one of the most challenging transitions a person can face. That’s why we’ve created this practical, trauma-informed checklist to guide you through the early steps. Our team is here to provide legal advice and...
Understanding the New Coercive Control Laws in NSW
What is Coercive Control? Coercive control is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to dominate, manipulate, and control a partner. Unlike physical violence, coercive control can include subtle and persistent behaviors that isolate, intimidate, and degrade the victim,...
Children’s Wishes in Family Law Matters: How Are They Considered?
When parents separate, one of the most complex and sensitive issues involves determining parenting arrangements. A common question arises: how much say do children have in deciding where they live or how they spend time with each parent? In family law matters, the...
Collaborative Co-Parenting: Parenting Plans vs. Consent Orders Explained
Collaborative Co-Parenting: Parenting Plans vs. Consent Orders Explained A parenting plan is a written agreement between separated or divorced parents outlining the arrangements for the care, living arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for their...
What is Rice & Asplund Under the Family Law Act?
In family law, parenting orders provide structure and stability for children after separation. But what happens when circumstances change and one parent wants to revisit those orders? That’s where the Rice & Asplund principle comes into play. Stemming from an...
What is a Notice of Risk Under the Family Law Act?
In family law matters, particularly those involving child custody or parenting disputes, the court’s primary focus is the safety and well-being of the child. A Notice of Risk is a critical legal document that alerts the court to potential dangers, such as abuse,...
Support Resources Across NSW
Navigating a separation or dealing with criminal matters can be challenging, but you don't have to face it alone. At Coastal Lawyers, we've curated a list of support resources across New South Wales to assist you during this time. Here are some recommended programs...
Can I Travel Overseas with My Child If I’m Separated?
Traveling overseas with your child after separation can become a legal minefield, particularly if the other parent doesn’t agree to the trip. In Australia, laws are in place to prevent child abduction and ensure that both parents’ rights, along with the child’s best...