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.
How to Document Your Parenting Arrangement
When separating from a partner, setting up a parenting arrangement is crucial to ensure a stable environment for your children. Family law in Australia offers several pathways for documenting these arrangements, each with different levels of formality and...
Who Can Certify My Documents?
At some point, you’ll likely need to have your documents certified. Whether it’s for legal, financial, or personal reasons, it’s important to know who can help you with this process. Here’s a quick guide on who can certify your documents, ensuring that they are...
Keeping Family Law Cases on Track: Introduction of the Defaulters’ List in Sydney
A new compliance measure has been introduced to help family law cases run more smoothly and ensure all parties meet their obligations. Known as the Defaulters’ List, this measure was announced under the Family Law Practice Direction by the Chief Justice and will be...
Parenting Resources: Support for Families on the Central Coast
At Coastal Lawyers, we know that parenting can be challenging, especially during times of transition or difficulty. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of essential parenting resources available on the Central Coast to help you navigate these challenges and find the...
Essential Steps and Documents to Gather Post-Separation
Going through a separation is challenging enough without the added stress of gathering important documents and taking care of essential tasks. At Coastal Lawyers, we’ve guided many clients through this process, so we know just how crucial it is to get organized and...
How to Pay Hearing Fees: A Quick Guide
Navigating the family court system can be overwhelming, and on top of everything else, there’s the matter of paying hearing fees. If you’re unsure how to go about it, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you through the process. Step 1:...
Six Key Supervised Contact Centres for Families on the Central Coast
When navigating family separation, ensuring the safety and well-being of children is paramount. Supervised contact centres provide a safe, neutral environment for children to maintain a relationship with a non-custodial parent while addressing concerns like family...
Understanding Parental Alienation and Its Impact on Families
Parental alienation is a term used to describe a situation where one parent, through their actions, damages the relationship between their children and the other parent. This can lead to lasting emotional effects on everyone involved, particularly the children. Here’s...
Top Parenting Courses to Support Families Through Separation
Navigating separation is tough, especially when children are involved. Thankfully, there are several online courses designed to support parents as they work through these challenges. Here’s a look at some of the most effective courses available to help parents develop...
Understanding the New Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Navigating family law can be daunting, but recent reforms to the court system are designed to make the process more efficient and accessible. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA), established under the Federal Circuit and Family Court of...