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Property Settlement Lawyers Sydney - Trusted Advice

Guiding Sydney couples through dividing the family home, super and finances after separation - 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 property settlement advice?

When a relationship ends, one of the most important and often stressful issues to resolve is how property, assets, debts and financial resources will be divided. Whether you were married or in a de facto relationship, it is important to understand your legal rights and obligations before making decisions that may affect your future.

Property settlements involve much more than simply deciding who keeps the family home. They can include investment properties, businesses, superannuation, savings, vehicles, personal belongings and liabilities such as mortgages, loans and credit card debt.

Areas we can help with

  • Negotiating property settlements

  • Binding Financial Agreements

  • Consent Orders

  • Superannuation splitting

  • Spousal maintenance

  • Mediation, dispute resolution and Court proceedings

Understanding property settlements

A property settlement is how the assets, liabilities and financial resources of a relationship are divided after separation. We understand that financial uncertainty at this time can be overwhelming. Our experienced family lawyers provide clear, practical advice to help you understand your entitlements and work towards a fair outcome while protecting your financial future.

Whether your matter can be resolved through negotiation or requires litigation, we will guide you through every stage of the process with patience, clarity and care.

Tailored advice for your situation

Every family is different, which means every property settlement is unique.

Unable to reach an agreement? Where possible, resolving financial matters through negotiation or mediation saves considerable time, expense and stress, and formalising your agreement through Consent Orders or a Binding Financial Agreement gives you certainty. If you can't agree, the Court decides what is just and equitable - not a fixed formula or an equal split - weighing each party's assets, contributions, future needs and other circumstances, including the impact of family violence.

Married or de facto? Property settlement rights are available to both married and eligible de facto couples. A de facto relationship generally qualifies if it lasted at least two years, involved a child, was formally registered, or one party made significant contributions that would make it unjust not to make an order. Obtaining legal advice early can help determine whether you are eligible to make a claim.

Superannuation? Superannuation is treated as property under Australian family law and can form a significant part of a property settlement. Rather than being immediately paid to one party, it can be divided through a superannuation splitting order or financial agreement.

Spousal maintenance? Whether it is payable depends on factors including one person's financial need and the other person's capacity to provide support. We can advise whether it may be available in your circumstances.

What are the potential risks?

Strict time limits apply to property settlement applications. Married couples generally have 12 months after their divorce becomes final to commence court proceedings for property settlement or spousal maintenance, and de facto couples generally have two years from the date of separation. If these time limits have expired, you may need the Court's permission to proceed, which is only granted in limited circumstances. Importantly, you do not have to wait until your divorce is final before negotiating or resolving your property settlement.

Speak to Sydney's property settlement lawyers

If you would like advice about divorce, parenting arrangements or property settlement, contact Harriss Jones Lawyers 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.

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    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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about property settlement.

How is property divided after separation?

There is no automatic 50/50 split. The Court considers a range of factors, including each person's financial and non-financial contributions, future needs, care of children and the overall circumstances of the relationship. We can help you understand how these factors may apply to your situation and work towards an outcome that is fair and practical.

Does superannuation form part of a property settlement?

Yes. Superannuation is treated as property under family law and can often be divided as part of an overall property settlement. We can explain how superannuation may be considered in your matter and help ensure it is addressed carefully as part of your financial arrangements.

How long do I have to make a property settlement claim?

If you were married, you generally have 12 months after your divorce becomes final to commence court proceedings. If you were in a de facto relationship, you generally have two years from the date of separation. Because these time limits can affect your options, it is helpful to seek advice early so you can make informed decisions without unnecessary pressure.

What if we have already agreed on how to divide our property?

Even where an agreement has been reached, it is usually advisable to formalise it through Consent Orders or a Binding Financial Agreement. This helps ensure the agreement is legally enforceable and gives both parties greater certainty moving forward.

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.

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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.