Both partners of Bryant McKinnon Lawyers are Accredited Specialist Family Lawyers. In addition, both are qualified to act as Independent Children’s Lawyers (ICLs) — appointed by the Court to represent children in complex parenting proceedings.
That experience matters.
Acting as an Independent Children’s Lawyer provides a direct understanding of how judicial officers assess parenting cases, how children experience conflict, and what arrangements are most likely to promote long-term stability.
If you are looking for an experienced parenting lawyer who will give you clear, strategic advice focused on your child’s best interests, we can assist.
We work transparently, often on a fixed fee basis, and we approach children’s matters with discipline and care.
Parenting arrangements after separation require practical, forward-looking decisions.
We assist with:
Our advice is measured and realistic. We explain how the Court approaches parenting matters and what outcomes are likely in your circumstances.
You do not need to formally retain us or commit to litigation to seek advice.
Many parents begin with a preliminary consultation to understand:
Clear advice early often reduces conflict later.
Not always. Many parents reach agreement through discussion or mediation.
Parenting Plans can record agreed arrangements, but they are not legally enforceable. If certainty and enforceability are required, Consent Orders may be appropriate.
We will advise which option best suits your circumstances.
An Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) is appointed by the Court in certain cases to represent a child’s best interests.
Both partners of Bryant McKinnon Lawyers are qualified ICLs. This experience provides valuable insight into how children’s matters are assessed by the Court and what arrangements are most likely to be considered appropriate.
Child support is generally assessed under federal legislation based on income, number of children and time arrangements.
Private child support agreements are also possible in some cases. We can advise on the most appropriate structure for your situation.
Where possible, we scope stages of work and provide a fixed fee for that stage. You know what is included and what it will cost.
If circumstances change, we discuss it with you before additional work is undertaken.
Family law is federal law (with the exception of WA). We can act for clients anywhere in Australia.
Our offices are located in Coffs Harbour and Bellingen. We regularly assist clients across the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions, including Kempsey, Taree, Macksville, Nambucca Heads, Sawtell, Urunga, Woolgoolga, Grafton, Lismore, Casino, Ballina and Byron Bay.
Many matters can be managed efficiently via phone and video conference.
For comprehensive guidance, please see our Children’s Matters FAQ Guide.