Family Law
SEPARATION, DIVORCE, PARENTING, PROPERTY AND FAMILY LAW MATTERS
Dawson Pouwhare has been supporting locals across Lake Macquarie and the Hunter through some of life's most difficult moments for over 50 years. Whether you are navigating separation, parenting arrangements, property settlements or a de facto relationship breakdown, we are here to make the legal process as straightforward and low-conflict as possible, so you can focus on what matters most.
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The decision to separate is never easy. When you are ready to take the legal steps, we are here to guide you through the process clearly and without unnecessary complexity. We handle divorce applications, advise on your rights and obligations from the date of separation, and make sure you understand the timeline and what comes next. You do not need to have everything figured out before you call us. That is what the first conversation is for.
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When parents separate, decisions about children become the most important and often the most difficult part of the process. We help parents reach practical, legally recognised parenting arrangements that put children first. Whether you are working toward a parenting plan, consent orders or need court representation, we provide clear advice and strong support at every stage. Our focus is always on outcomes that work for your children in the long term, not just right now.
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Separating your finances from someone you shared a life with is complicated. Property settlements involve identifying and valuing all assets and liabilities, including superannuation, and negotiating a division that is fair and legally sound. We guide you through every step of the financial disclosure process, work toward agreement wherever possible and represent you in court if required. Our goal is to protect your financial future and bring the process to a conclusion as efficiently as possible.
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In some circumstances, one partner may be entitled to financial support from the other following separation. We advise on whether spousal maintenance applies to your situation, what you may be entitled to or obligated to pay, and how to formalise any arrangement so it is legally binding and enforceable.
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De facto couples have legal rights and obligations that are very similar to those of married couples. If your de facto relationship has broken down, we advise on your entitlements, the relevant time limits for making claims, and how your property, assets and any children will be treated under the law. If you are entering a de facto relationship and want to protect your assets, we can also advise on your options before the relationship begins or during it.
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A Binding Financial Agreement, sometimes called a pre-nup, sets out how assets and financial matters will be handled if a relationship breaks down. They can be entered into before, during or at the end of a relationship, by both married and de facto couples. We draft agreements that are properly prepared, legally compliant and genuinely protect your position.
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If you are experiencing domestic or family violence, or have had an AVO application made against you, it is important to get clear legal advice quickly. We provide urgent, compassionate support to people in these situations across Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. Whether you need protection, want to understand your rights or need to respond to an application, we are here to help you navigate a difficult situation with clarity and care.
Your Local
Family Law Experts
Kayla Curtis
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Kayla is a family lawyer at Dawson Pouwhare, with experience and interest spanning children's matters, criminal law and conveyancing. She is passionate about helping clients navigate complex legal issues with empathy, practical advice and strong advocacy, recognising that legal matters often arise during some of life's most challenging times. As an accredited mediator, with her Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Independent Children's Lawyer accreditations underway, she brings a considered, resolution-focused approach to family law.
Originally from Sydney, Kayla and her family relocated to the Newcastle region in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the Hunter, which she is now proud to call home. As a mother of four, she has a deep appreciation for the importance of family, resilience and clear communication, and she makes sure every client feels heard, supported and empowered throughout their matter. She also gives back to the profession, regularly volunteering as a mediation adjudicator for the Law Society of NSW High School Mock Mediation Competition, mentoring and inspiring aspiring young advocates.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP)
Accredited Mediator, National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS)
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), currently completing
Independent Children's Lawyer (ICL), currently completing
Charlotte Winters
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Charlotte practises in family law at Dawson Pouwhare, working with clients across separation, parenting and children's matters, property settlement and the disputes that arise along the way. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a lawyer, drawn to the idea of helping people through difficult times and making a meaningful difference in their lives. Her passion for family law runs deeper still: her parents were foster carers, and growing up she saw firsthand the challenges that vulnerable children and families can face, and the difference that support, advocacy and stability can make in a child's life. That experience shapes how she practises today. She is committed to making sure people feel heard, supported and fairly represented, and to achieving the best possible outcomes for the children and families she works with.
Having lived in the Hunter all her life, Charlotte brings a genuine local connection to her work and a real commitment to the community she serves. She understands that behind every matter are people navigating some of the most significant and emotional periods of their lives, and she approaches each one with care, patience and a determination to advocate strongly on their behalf.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Business (Leadership and Management)
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Christel Ong
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Christel practises across wills and estates, family law and conveyancing at Dawson Pouwhare. She sees the law as a tool to help people rather than harm them, favouring practical, constructive and conciliatory solutions over unnecessarily adversarial ones. Her Juris Doctor from the University of Newcastle reflects the depth she brings to guiding clients through some of life's most significant financial decisions, whether they are buying a first home, acquiring an investment property or taking the next step in their property journey.
Originally from the Philippines, Christel has proudly called the Hunter home since moving to Australia, where she and her husband are raising their two daughters, drawn by the region's welcoming community and family-friendly lifestyle. That sense of belonging is not incidental to how she practises law. Clients value the guidance and reassurance she offers throughout important transactions, and the care she takes to make sure they feel supported at every step.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science (Legal Management), Philippines
Juris Doctor, University of Newcastle
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, University of Newcastle
Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW, 2023Affiliations:
Law Society of NSW
You do not have to wait until things get worse…
Many people put off speaking to a family lawyer because it feels like a step toward conflict. In reality, the opposite is usually true. Getting clear legal advice early gives you options, reduces uncertainty and often makes the process less adversarial, not more. You do not need to have made any decisions before you call. A conversation with our team costs nothing and changes everything about how clearly you can see the path forward.
Two Offices
One Team
CARDIFF
315 Main Road, Cardiff NSW 2285
MORISSET
4/61-63 Dora Street, Morisset NSW 2264
Legal Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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You must have been separated for at least 12 months before you can apply for a divorce in Australia. You can be separated even if you are still living under the same roof, though you may need to provide additional evidence of separation in this case. Separation and divorce are separate legal processes; property and parenting matters can be resolved before or after a divorce is finalised.
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Separation is the date you and your partner decide to end the relationship and stop living as a couple. It is not a legal process; it is simply a fact. Divorce is the formal legal order from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia that ends a marriage. You must be separated for at least 12 months before applying for divorce. Property settlements and parenting arrangements are dealt with separately from the divorce application itself.
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There is no automatic 50/50 split of assets in Australia. The Family Law Act requires the court to consider a range of factors, including the financial and non-financial contributions of each party, the future needs of each party, and what is just and equitable in the circumstances. Most matters are resolved through negotiation rather than court proceedings. A solicitor can give you an early assessment of your likely entitlements and help you reach a fair agreement.
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Generally yes. De facto couples who have been together for at least two years, or who have a child together or who have made significant contributions to joint property, have similar rights to married couples under the Family Law Act. This includes rights in relation to property settlements and, where applicable, spousal maintenance. There are strict time limits for making claims following the breakdown of a de facto relationship, so it is important to get advice promptly.
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A Binding Financial Agreement, sometimes called a pre-nup, is a legal agreement that sets out how assets and financial matters will be handled if a relationship breaks down. They can be entered into before, during or at the end of a relationship, by both married and de facto couples. They must be properly drafted and each party must receive independent legal advice for the agreement to be binding.
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An Apprehended Violence Order, or AVO, is a court order that restricts the behaviour of a person toward another person to protect their safety. An Apprehended Domestic Violence Order covers people who are in or have been in a domestic relationship. An Apprehended Personal Violence Order covers other relationships. Breaching an AVO is a criminal offence. If you need an AVO or have had one taken out against you, it is important to get legal advice as soon as possible.
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Parents are encouraged to reach parenting arrangements through negotiation and, if needed, family dispute resolution, before going to court. Where parents cannot agree, the Family Court will make orders based on what is in the best interests of the child. The court considers a range of factors including the child's relationship with each parent, any safety concerns and the practical circumstances of each parent. A solicitor can help you negotiate a parenting plan, prepare consent orders or represent you in court proceedings.