Your Brisbane Family Lawyers - Specialists Who Listen, Guide, and Empower
Acting for clients across Australia for parenting (custody), property/financial settlement, divorce, child support, spousal maintenance and financial agreements, including prenups
Trusted Family Law Advice and Representation
Family law issues can feel overwhelming. That is why your first conversation with us is about understanding you – your situation, your concerns, and what your ideal future looks like.
You will not be treated like just another file.
You get a team who listens carefully, explains clearly, and makes sure you always know what’s going on. When you feel informed, you feel more in control
The Law People have guided thousands of people through every stage of family law, from pre-separation and post-separation advice, parenting arrangements and child support, to prenuptial and financial agreements and complex property settlements.
Our team is here for people who want clear answers to their questions, so they can understand their options and make informed, confident decisions with every step to ensure their future.
From how your first call is handled to how your questions get answered, every part of this journey is designed to help you feel supported, seen, and safe.
The Law People are a dedicated team of highly trained professionals who care deeply about outcomes that work for you and your children. You will soon appreciate how The Law People team are genuine, caring people and not just highly skilled lawyers.
When you engage us, you will be updated and fully informed every step of the way (including about legal fees).
How The Law People Can Support You
Parenting Arrangements
Get clarity, reassurance and a workable plan for your children.
Property
Settlements
Understand your position, protect your future, and get peace of mind.
Child
Support
Ensure a fair arrangement, handled with precision and empathy.
Divorce
What you need to know about divorce, parenting and financial settlement.
Prenup - Financial Agreement
How a prenup can protect you, and financial agreements explained.
Spousal
Maintenance
Your guide to spousal maintenance and how it’s calculated.
Domestic Violence Orders
Understand your rights and the safety aspects.
Collaborative
Practice
How to keep your case out of court.
Led by an Accredited Family Law Specialist
When everything feels uncertain, it helps to know you’re being guided by a team led by one of Queensland’s most qualified family lawyers.
Less than 3% of solicitors in Queensland hold the title of Accredited Specialist in Family Law. It’s not a marketing term – it’s formal recognition from the Queensland Law Society that Jill Johnstone, Principal of The Law People, is among the top-tier experts in the state.
For you, that means:
- Advice that’s precise, strategic and fully aligned with current legal standards
- Representation from someone trusted by peers, judges, and clients alike
- Fewer delays, fewer missteps, and a smoother path to resolution
In complex or high-stakes matters – especially involving children, property, or financial disputes – that level of expertise can make a real difference in your outcomes.
What truly sets this team apart is that legal skill never comes at the expense of personable service. You’ll feel it from the first conversation – real understanding, practical advice, and guidance that puts your best interests at the centre.
So if you’ve been searching for family law advice you can truly trust – you’ve just found it.
More than Just a Lawyer - A Full Legal Team
You are not looking for just another law firm. You are looking for people who understand what you’re going through, and who respond like real humans, not just hard to reach professionals behind a desk.
The Law People will support you as we are a close-knit, dedicated team who value empathy just as much as expertise.
Some of us are parents, some are separated parents. All of us are problem-solvers.
You will feel the difference from the very first call, in the warmth of our conversations, the clarity of our advice, and the speed at which you get answers.
Every case is treated as unique. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution.
Collective Wisdom Combined with Strategies
Our legal team will develop your case strategy, using a collective-wisdom and team approach, so you benefit from the knowledge and experience of the whole firm, not just one lawyer.
You will be provided with more than one point of contact, so you are never left chasing updates or feeling in the dark.
Our primary goal is to empower you to make the best decisions for yourself and your family.
That is why our legal team will present you with clear options, explain and clarify legal concepts at every step, and make sure you understand not only the “what” but also the “why” behind the advice you’re given.
Our aim is always to achieve the optimum outcome for you, while minimising conflict wherever possible.
Engage a Team of Advisors
Family law often touches more than just legal issues, so you will be connected with a network of trusted professionals – counsellors, child psychologists, financial planners and other professionals who can support you and your family beyond the legal process.
Family law is about more than outcomes. It is about how you are treated along the way.
You deserve a legal team that combines professional strength with genuine personal care, keeping you informed, supported, and respected at every stage of your journey.
Trusted & Recognised Memberships, Associations and Affiliations
Common Questions, Clear Answers
When you’re facing separation, divorce, or any family law issue, it’s natural to have questions, often the kind that keep you awake at night. How much will this cost? Do I have to go to court? How long will it take? Who should I trust with advice about my future?
At The Law People, these questions are the starting point for most clients, so we’ve answered some of the most common ones below. This information is general only and your situation will be unique, where the right answers for you may be different. For advice that’s tailored to your circumstances, please speak directly with one of our experienced family lawyers.
How much does a family lawyer cost?
The cost you will incur engaging a family lawyer can vary depending on the type of legal assistance you need, how complex your situation is, and ultimately, how much work is involved.
Some matters can be resolved quickly with advice or a simple agreement, while others may take months of negotiation or require mediation or, as a very last resort, going to Court.
Our lawyers charge an hourly rate, which ranges from around $440 to $850 per hour, depending on the lawyer’s experience – for example, whether they are a Junior Solicitor or a Family Law Accredited Specialist.
For straightforward matters, a fixed fee may be offered (for example, preparing a non-complicated consent order, or making a Divorce Application). If a fixed fee can be provided for your case, you will be advised during your complimentary initial consultation. Having an estimate helps you plan ahead and make informed decisions about your next steps.
What happens in the first meeting with my lawyer?
Your first 15 minute call or video conference with one of The Law People lawyers is complimentary.
It is a confidential and safe space to explain what is happening, ask your biggest questions, and get calm, expert advice from a Brisbane family lawyer who understands.
If you need a more comprehensive first meeting, you can also book in for an Insight and Advice Session.
More information about each of these meetings is below:
Complimentary Initial Consultation – this is a 15 minute telephone or video conference with one of our senior lawyers. You can ask your pressing questions, give background to your situation. You will be informed as to whether our team can assist you, and recommend the next steps. Depending on the complexity of your situation, you may be provided with a estimate of likely legal fees during this consultation.
Insight and Advice Session – The Insight and Advice Session is a dedicated 1 to 1.5-hour consultation with one of our senior family lawyers at The Law People. This is a fixed fee of $660 (including GST).
In this session, which takes place either in our office, or via video conference, time will be taken to understand your situation, answer your questions, and give you clear, practical advice about your options and the best way forward.
The fixed fee means that even if your matter is more complex and requires more than 1 hour, you will not be charged extra if the extra 30 minutes is required to fully provide you with advice and ensure you have all of your questions answered.
During the session, you will be informed about the anticipated legal fees you will incur if you engage The law People, and learn about the pay at the end option if you would like to proceed.
Before the session, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire and a verification of identity process (a requirement of the Queensland Law Society). This helps us prepare and ensures you get the most value out of your appointment.
You will leave with a clear understanding of your legal position, your next steps, and the strategies available to you.
After the session, if you would like to formally engage us, you will be provided with a Client Agreement asked to deposit funds to our Trust Account to allow us to start working on your case.
How long does a property settlement take
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. In an initial consultation (complimentary 15-minute call) or insight and advice session (fixed fee) with The Law People, you will get a clear sense of timing based on your circumstances. The ultimate goal for your case is a resolution that is fast, suits your needs, and is also fair and equitable.
What is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law?
When you’re dealing with a serious or complex family law case, you want more than general advice – you want an expert. That is exactly what you get when you work with a Queensland Law Society Family Law Accredited Specialist.
Accredited Specialists are solicitors who have been formally recognised for their advanced skills, deep knowledge, and extensive experience in a particular area of law. They are leaders in their field and trusted for delivering high-quality advice and representation.
Becoming an Accredited Specialist is not easy. Solicitors must complete a rigorous assessment program run by the Queensland Law Society. To even be eligible, they must:
- Have at least five years’ experience as a lawyer (most have much more).
- Focus their practice significantly on their area of specialisation.
- Commit to ongoing professional development and training each year to maintain their specialist accreditation.
Accredited Specialists carry the mark of excellence, a nationally recognised standard that gives you confidence your lawyer has the expertise and practical experience to handle your matter with the highest level of competence.
Choosing a Family Law Accredited Specialist means you are placing your matter in the hands of a lawyer who has been tested and recognised as an expert in family law. It gives you peace of mind knowing your lawyer not only understands the law but has the proven skills to apply it to complex, real-life situations. In short, it means you are getting advice you can trust, strategies that work, and the confidence that your future is in capable hands.
You can read more about Family Law Accredited Specialists on the Queensland Law Society website here.
Do I have to go to court?
Not always. In fact, most family law matters are resolved without stepping into a courtroom. When you speak with The Law People, you will be shown all your options – from negotiating directly with your former partner, having The Law People negotiate on your behalf with your former partner (or their solicitor), mediation or collaborative law – so you can choose what’s best for your situation.
To have more of your questions answered, call or message us through the contact page.
What Legal Issue Would You Like Assistance with Today?
Parenting Arrangements
When parenting feels uncertain, stress can take over fast. The right parenting arrangements give you clarity, and your children the stability they need. You’ll feel more in control, knowing exactly where you stand and how to create a fair, workable agreement.
Whether you’re starting fresh or adjusting what’s already in place, you get expert advice focused on your child’s best interests and your long-term peace of mind.
Property Settlements
You’ve built a life. Now it’s about protecting what’s fair. With the right guidance, you can make clear decisions about assets, super, and finances – and avoid unnecessary disputes. You’ll understand what you’re entitled to, how to document things properly, and how to reach an agreement that lets you move forward with certainty.
Spousal Maintenance
If support payments are part of your separation, you deserve to know what’s reasonable. Whether you may need to pay or you’re seeking assistance, you’ll get a clear picture of your rights, obligations, and realistic options. No guesswork. No pressure. Just clarity and calm advice to help you plan ahead.
Child Support
Your children’s needs matter – and so do yours. Child support can be confusing, but you’ll get support to ensure the arrangement is fair, and reflects your unique situation. Whether you’re setting up or reviewing what’s in place, you’ll be guided through the process so you feel confident and backed every step of the way.
Collaborative Practice
Not every separation needs to end in court. Collaborative family law gives you a way to work through tough decisions respectfully, with both sides aiming for resolution – not conflict.
If you want a process that’s calmer, less costly, and more human, this approach puts you in the driver’s seat. You stay involved, stay informed, and stay focused on the future.
Divorce
Divorce is more than a legal step – it’s an emotional shift. You may feel uncertain about the process, the timeline, or what happens with children or finances. From filing the application to finalising your separation, you’ll have guidance that makes everything clearer, simpler, and easier to manage. It’s about starting fresh – with confidence and clarity.
Domestic Violence
When safety becomes a concern, fast, respectful help can change everything. Whether the threat is emotional, physical or financial, you’ll be heard and protected. Legal action, like a Domestic Violence Order, can help restore your sense of safety. You’ll be supported with urgency, confidentiality, and clear next steps from the very first conversation.
Respondent in a Domestic Violence Matter?
Being named as a respondent can feel confronting – especially if the allegations are unexpected or you believe they’re unfair. You have the right to clear, respectful legal advice that explains what the application or order means, what your options are, and how to respond without making things worse.
With the right guidance, you can navigate the process calmly and protect your legal position. This isn’t about judgement, it’s about helping you understand your rights, your responsibilities, and how to move forward with clarity.
Find Us or Reach Out
You don’t have to navigate this alone – and you don’t have to wait to get answers.
Whether you’re in Brisbane or based elsewhere in Australia, support is just a call and conversation away.
Visit the office at Level 10, 243 Edward Street, Brisbane QLD. Or save yourself the trip – just book a 15-minute complimentary consult and talk things through with someone who listens.
No pressure. No obligations. Just the clarity you need to start moving forward.
LOCATION
Level 10, 243 Edward Street
Brisbane City QLD 4000