Our Sydney criminal defense lawyers specialise in all criminal matters, and we believe every individual is entitled to strong and competent legal representation.
We also represent clients in interstate and international relocation disputes, spousal maintenance, and child support matters.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence and due to face court, rely on the experience and expertise of the King York Lawyers defence
Whether you have received an infringement notice, facing a license suspension or have been charged with serious traffic offences,
Having a child removed from your care can be extremely traumatic. If Family and Community Services (‘FACS’) becomes involved with
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer a free initial consultation with one of our expert family lawyers. Whether or not you choose to
work with us following this consultation, you should be confident that you will leave with a better
understanding of both your legal position and the options available to you.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that parents have rights under law. That is not necessarily the
case. The Family Law Act focuses on the best interests of the child, not the parents. The object of the
Act is to:
1. enable children to have meaningful relationships with both their parents, to the extent that this
does not compromise children’s best interests
2. protect children from physical and psychological harm, neglect and violence
3. ensure children receive proper and adequate parenting
4. ensure parents fulfil their duties and responsibilities.
5. As a parent, unless there are issues of abuse or violence, you can reasonably expect to:
6. have ongoing involvement in your children’s lives
7. see your children regularly, including on weekdays, weekends and school holidays and
8. be involved in ongoing decision making about your children.
Parents can agree on any living arrangements they want for their children. If parents cannot agree on
arrangements they can initiated proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The
Court will consider what is in the best interests of the children. The Court may decide that it is in the
best interests of the children to spend equal time with each parent, but this is not always the case
It is generally ideal to reach an agreement on your property settlement rather than go to Court.
However, before you make a final agreement or divide your assets, it is highly recommended that you
obtain independent legal advice about whether the agreement is fair to you.
A family lawyer can also assist you in formalising your agreement by obtaining Consent Orders
through the Federal Circuit and Family Court. This will make your agreement legally binding and
protect you from further property claims. You do not have to attend Court to have the Orders made.
You can finalise your property settlement any time after you separate – you do not need to wait until
you are divorced.
There is a time limit of 12 months to start Court proceedings after you are divorced. The Court can
give permission to start proceedings after this period in limited circumstances. However, you should
not assume that permission will be granted.
We offer a free initial consultation with one of our expert criminal lawyers. Whether or not you choose
to work with us following this consultation, you should be confident that you will leave with a better
understanding of both your legal position and the options available to you.
Yes. Fixed fees are offered for a range of criminal and traffic law cases and services, including:
a. Guilty pleas – where you wish to plead guilty in the Local Court to charges brought against you,
b. Mental health applications – where you wish to apply for your Local Court criminal or traffic law
case to be dismissed because you suffer from a mental health condition,
c. Bail applications – where you or a loved-one wish to apply to get out of custody until your case is
finalised,
d. Prison visits – which are conferences at the correctional centre in person or by audio-visual link,
e. Police station visits – where is it appropriate to attend a police station with you,
f. Severity appeals – where you wish to appeal to the District Court because the penalty imposed in
the local court was too harsh, and
g. Defended hearings – where you wish to plead not guilty and have your cases defended in the
Local Court.
If you are arrested, you are obligated to answer questions regarding your identity including name,
address and date of birth only. You have a right to silence and can refuse to answer any other
questions. If Police want to interview you, you have the right to remain silent. They must also give you
an opportunity to speak with your lawyer. We always recommend that you contact our specialist
criminal lawyers before you communicate with Police. If you suspect that Police are investigating you,
contact our office immediately for a free confidential discussion.
It is absolutely critical that you seek advice from a lawyer before you attend a police station and/or
engage in any discussions with Police. A lawyer can:
• Advise you of your rights.
• Explain any charges against you.
• Explain your options.
• Advise on any possible penalties.
• Attend a police interview with you.
• Make a bail application for you in court where you are bail-refused.
• Represent you at court.
The police can search a person without obtaining a warrant if they have reasonable grounds to
believe that the person has in their possession:
1. a dangerous weapon;
2. illicit drugs;
3. stolen, or unlawfully obtained property;
4. an object to commit a crime, or cause harm to themselves, or to another person.
Monday 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
