Skip to main content

New announcement. Learn more

Divorce Lawyers Sydney - Trusted Advice

Guiding Sydney clients through every step of the divorce process, from first question to final order - with clear advice and fixed-fee pricing.

  • Representing you and your interests, always
  • Experienced and approachable
  • Quality, responsive advice
  • Compassionate, careful listening

Client Reviews

  • "As a first time buyer, I needed careful guidance in my journey to becoming a home owner, I found that in Harriss Jones Lawyers. The efficiency, attention to detail and clear communication from Kathryn and the team meant that I could relax every step of the way until I signed on the dotted line."

    Margi de Ferranti

  • "Cannot thank Kathryn and Annette enough for the help they provided at a tough time. Not only legally but - especially - for liaising with the aged care facility where a loved one is staying. They saved us a significant amount of money and stress. Thank you all so much."

    K Smith

  • "The care and support the team at Harriss Jones gave was outstanding. They genuinely care about their customers and I will be using them again."

    Kate Redpath

  • "As a first time buyer, I needed careful guidance in my journey to becoming a home owner, I found that in Harriss Jones Lawyers. The efficiency, attention to detail and clear communication from Kathryn and the team meant that I could relax every step of the way until I signed on the dotted line."

    Margi de Ferranti

  • "Cannot thank Kathryn and Annette enough for the help they provided at a tough time. Not only legally but - especially - for liaising with the aged care facility where a loved one is staying. They saved us a significant amount of money and stress. Thank you all so much."

    K Smith

  • "The care and support the team at Harriss Jones gave was outstanding. They genuinely care about their customers and I will be using them again."

    Kate Redpath

More reviews on Google Reviews →

Looking for divorce advice?

Divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage, but for many people it also marks a significant emotional transition. Australia has a no-fault divorce system, meaning the Court does not consider who was responsible for the breakdown of the relationship. The only requirement is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, with no reasonable likelihood that you and your spouse will reconcile.

While a divorce legally ends your marriage, it does not determine parenting arrangements, divide your property or resolve financial matters. These issues are dealt with separately and, in many cases, can be resolved before a divorce is finalised.

Areas we can help with

  • Preparing and filing divorce applications

  • Advice on eligibility, including separation under one roof

  • Divorce where there are children under 18

  • Property settlement and financial matters

  • Parenting arrangements and spousal maintenance

  • Financial agreements

Understanding divorce

Applying for a divorce is often only one part of the separation process. The Court needs to be satisfied that you meet the eligibility requirements and that your application complies with its requirements. Our family lawyers can assist with preparing and filing your application and advising on eligibility, including separation under one roof.

We also provide advice on parenting arrangements, property settlements, financial agreements and spousal maintenance, helping you resolve all aspects of your separation with confidence and clarity. Our services are fixed fee, so there are no hidden charges.

Tailored advice for your situation

Every separation is different, so we shape our advice based on your personal circumstances.

Am I eligible to apply? You can generally apply for a divorce in Australia if you and your spouse have been separated for at least 12 months, there is no reasonable likelihood of resuming your married relationship, and either you or your spouse is an Australian citizen, regards Australia as your permanent home, or has lived in Australia for at least 12 months immediately before filing. You will also need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate. If it is not in English, a certified English translation and supporting affidavit may also be required.

Living under the same roof? It is possible to satisfy the separation requirement even if you and your spouse have continued living under the same roof, provided you can demonstrate that your relationship ended during that time.

Children under 18? The Court must be satisfied that appropriate arrangements have been made for their care, welfare and development before granting a divorce.

What are the potential risks?

In most cases, applications for property settlement or spousal maintenance must be commenced within 12 months of your divorce becoming final. If that time limit expires, you may need the Court's permission to proceed, which is not always granted. In most cases a divorce order becomes final one month and one day after it is granted, and you should not make plans to remarry until it has. If the Court requires additional information or evidence, your application may be adjourned, which can delay finalisation.

Speak to Sydney's divorce lawyers

Whether you're just starting to think about divorce or ready to apply, Harriss Jones Lawyers has the experience to guide you through every stage. If you would like advice about divorce, parenting arrangements or property settlement, contact us to arrange your free initial consultation. We are committed to providing practical legal advice and personalised support to help you move forward with confidence.

The information on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your individual circumstances.

Call us today on 02 9575 7541 or complete the enquiry form below.

Why choose Harriss Jones Lawyers

Our experienced, approachable team listens first, gives you clear, responsive advice, and acts for you and your interests at every step.

From your first conversation, we take the time to understand your situation, plan ahead and deal with everyone involved on your behalf - so your matter is shaped around you, and the right questions are asked before they become problems.

  • <

    1. Get in touch

    Contact us early so we can understand your situation and goals.

  • 2. Review & advise

    We assess the details and explain your options in plain English.

  • 3. Plan your next steps

    We confirm the approach, timeline and fixed fee upfront.

  • 4. We get it done

    We manage the work and keep you updated through to completion.

Meet Our Team

Two Principal Solicitors and two licensed conveyancers, focused on getting your settlement right.

Kathryn Harriss

Solicitor

Along with Melanie, we commenced our practice with the goal to provide quality legal advice and assist people to navigate through the law. 

Melanie Jones

Solicitor

Harriss Jones Lawyers has been a fulfilling and exciting adventure, and it is great to see our team develop and grow.
 

Nicole Aghabi

Solicitor

I've recently joined Harriss Jones Lawyers that brought our practices together. We're now able to provide support focused on Surrogacy.

Sarah Murray

Licensed Conveyancer

Working at Harriss Jones Lawyers has given me a great start to my legal career and has allowed me to learn so many important skills.

Annette Suann

Licensed Conveyancer

With over 30 years experience in conveyancing, it has been great to be part of a female team where we share a common passion. 

Khajinder Kaur

Senior Associate Solicitor

As a family lawyer and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, I help clients through separation, parenting, property and family violence matters. I focus on resolving disputes through negotiation wherever possible, so families can avoid the stress and cost of court.

Amelie Curley

Legal Clerk

I'm completing a double degree in Laws and Medical Science at UTS while gaining hands-on experience at Harriss Jones Lawyers. I mostly assist with Wills and estate planning matters, and I'm enjoying learning something new every day.

Nicole Thorne

Receptionist / Office Administration

With over 30 years' experience, I'm the first smiling face you'll meet when you walk into our office. I look after the firm's correspondence, safe custody records and staff diaries.

Our Legal Services

Proud members of…

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about divorce.

When can I apply for divorce?

You can generally apply for a divorce once you and your spouse have been separated for at least 12 months and there is no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation. We understand that reaching this point can be difficult. Australia has a no-fault divorce system, which means the Court does not consider who was responsible for the breakdown of the marriage.

Do I have to wait until my divorce is final before dividing our property?

No. You do not need to wait until your divorce is final before addressing property or financial matters. Many people find it reassuring to resolve these issues earlier, either before, during or after the divorce process, so they can move forward with greater certainty.

Can we still be considered separated if we are living under the same roof?

Yes. It is possible to be separated while continuing to live in the same home, which can happen for practical, financial or parenting reasons. Additional evidence may be required to show that the relationship ended despite sharing a residence.

When can I remarry after a divorce?

You should wait until your divorce order has become final before making plans to remarry. In most cases, this occurs one month and one day after the Court grants the divorce. We can help you confirm the timing, so you feel clear and confident before taking that next step.

What is your pricing?

At Harriss Jones Lawyers, after meeting with you to find out what you need, we will provide you with clear information on our professional fees that is specific to your matter.  For more information get in touch with our team.

Our Legal Insights

Family Law Update: the FCFCOA Enforcement List

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) has introduced a new National Enforcement List which commenced on the 21st of September 2026. What is the National Enforcement List? TheRead more

When Should You Update Your Will?

Life changes, and your Will should keep up with it. A Will written years ago might no longer reflect your relationships, your assets, or your wishes. Here are the moments worth pausing to check. ARead more

Buying Your First Home: What Conveyancing Involves

A big step, with a lot of moving parts Buying your first home is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of paperwork you have probably never seen before. Conveyancing is the legal process ofRead more

Who Can be a Surrogate?

Becoming a surrogate is a significant decision, and one that comes with legal requirements designed to protect everyone involved, the surrogate, her family, and the intended parents. Age requirementRead more

Superannuation and Property Settlement After Separation

Superannuation can be one of the most significant assets accumulated during a relationship. When a marriage or de facto relationship ends, superannuation generally needs to be considered as part of tRead more

What is Probate and Do You Need it?

'Probate' comes up a lot after someone dies, but it's rarely explained clearly. In simple terms, probate is the court's official confirmation that a Will is valid, and that the named executor has theRead more

Coercive Control and Family Violence: What You Need to Know

What Is Coercive Control? When people think about domestic or family violence, they often think about physical abuse. But abuse is not always physical. Sometimes it involves a pattern of behaviourRead more

Blended Families and Wills: Getting it Right

If you've remarried, or you have children from an earlier relationship, a standard Will often doesn't reflect what you actually want. It's a common gap, and an easy one to fix once you know to look fRead more

Relocation, Travel and Passports: Can I Move With My Child After Separation?

If you've separated from your child's other parent and you're thinking about moving, you may be wondering whether you can take your child with you. The answer depends on your circumstances. If theRead more

Choosing an Executor for Your Will

An executor is the person named in a Will to carry out your wishes after you die. It's a role people often accept without fully knowing what it involves, so it's worth understanding before you askRead more

Family Loans: the 'Bank of Mum and Dad'

In today’s economic climate, parents increasingly provide financial support to their adult children, whether for housing, living expenses, or other major costs. This arrangement, colloquially knownRead more

What Happens to Your Pets in Property Settlements?

The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (the Act) sets out rules for dividing property when a marriage or de facto relationship ends. Recent changes to the Act make it clear how pets, called "companion animalsRead more

Legal advice you can count on

Whatever brings you here - property, family, wills and estates, or business - call us, book a call directly, or complete the form and we'll be in touch.