Divorce Law on
the Central Coast

Applying for divorce in NSW? We give clear, straightforward advice so you can finalise the legal process with confidence and certainty.

Divorce Lawyers in Toukley and Erina, Serving the Central Coast

Ryan & Ryan is a family-run Central Coast law firm with offices in Toukley and Erina. We prepare and file divorce applications for Central Coast clients, whether you are applying jointly or on your own. Clients who can’t easily come in can meet with us by phone, Zoom or Teams.

Divorce in Australia is no-fault. You need to show the marriage has broken down, proven by at least 12 months of separation. Couples married for under two years usually need a counselling certificate first. The application goes to the Federal Circuit and Family Court, and many people never attend Court. Divorce doesn’t settle property or arrangements for the children, though. Once the divorce order takes effect, you have 12 months to start a property claim.

We confirm you meet the separation requirement, including the extra evidence needed if you separated under one roof. We then lodge the application correctly and arrange service for sole applications. Because we also run property settlements and parenting matters, we flag anything else you should deal with now rather than later.

Why Central Coast Clients
Choose Us for Divorce Law

You get a straightforward process, done correctly the first time, so there’s no delay caused by an avoidable error in the application.

We’ll also tell you plainly what divorce doesn’t cover, the twelve-month property claim window it starts, and the fact that parenting and property need their own resolution, so nothing catches you out later.

And because we handle property settlement, parenting matters and mediation under one roof, you’re not sent to a second firm to deal with what comes next.

How We Handle Your Divorce Application

1. Get in touch

Call (02) 4397 1500 or book a time. You don't need paperwork ready, just your separation date and whether it's a joint or sole application.

2. First consultation

We confirm you meet the 12-month separation requirement, work out which application type suits your situation, and flag anything else you should be addressing in parallel.

3. A clear plan and price

You get a clear view of the process, timeframe, and cost, plus what to expect if property or parenting matters also need attention.

4. We get it done

We prepare and lodge the application correctly the first time, so there's no unnecessary delay in finalising it.

Divorce Law Across the Central Coast

We run family law matters from two offices, Toukley for the northern Coast and Erina for the south, and we meet by phone, Zoom or Teams when getting in is hard. Divorce applications are managed by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia; where related parenting or property matters need a courtroom, we appear at the Wyong, Gosford and Woy Woy Local Courts.

Toukley

Erina

What Our Clients Say

Reviews from clients we’ve acted for across family, estate, property and business matters.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 151 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   michael stranger 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have only had a great experience with Tony and the team at Ryan & Ryan, whether it be with assistance and advice with the sale of my property or preparation and revisions to my Will. I find the service and staff friendly, professional and knowledgable, and the fees reasonable. Definitely recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ben Debono 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had Krystal look after several affairs for me & i couldn't recommend Krystal & the R&R team more highly. krystal's attention to detail & understanding was very re assuring , especially at such difficult times. thanks again..
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Stuart Garfatth 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience on the day was incredibly informative, very personal, but in no way intrusive, quite the opposite. Indeed, the guidance throughout the interview was very, very helpful, broaching quite a few points that I had no idea about, of which I am most appreciative, I am so very glad I went to your office that day, thank you so much!.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jay Morgan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Alyssa Wood & staff at Ryan & Ryan solicitors were very professional, efficient & courteous. Highly recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ellie Kember 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nadia was exceptional throughout the entire process. She was professional, easy to deal with, and always communicated promptly and clearly. I truly appreciated all of the support and guidance I received. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience with Ryan and Ryan. Everyone was helpful and made the process as smooth and stress-free for me as possible. I would happily recommend Nadia to others.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Maryann Murphy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cant thank Ryan & Ryan enough for the professionalism, dedication and support they showed throughout my property settlement. It was a long & stressful process, but they always kept me informed, explained everything clearly and fought hard to achieve the best possible outcome for me. Their knowledge, attention to detail,and genuine care gave me confidence during my most challenging times of my life. I truly appreciate all of Tom's hard work & would highly recommend Ryan & Ryan to anyone looking for honest experienced, and supportive solicitors THANK YOU AGAIN TOM for everything you have done for me Maryann Murphy
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Weatherhead 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very easy process, friendly professional staff
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   graham hughes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A very painless experience, wills for mysel and my wife professionally completed within an hour ....all signed, witnessed and certified. Kristen was great, explained everything very well and made sure we understood it all. Recommended ....
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cess A 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very happy with Krystal's legal advice with regards to creating our Will. She's very professional and approacheable. Will recommend to family and friends.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jeff Hescott 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have been in contact with Ryan and Ryan solicitors for a few years. They helped my late step father complete his will , power of attorney and other documents. Sadly he passed away in December 2025. Alyssa and Lilley helped us with his estate and application for Probate. The process was explained well, it flowed efficiently and both Alyssa and Lilley remained professional, attentive and helpful. They responded quickly to our requests and enquiries. Big thank you for making a sad situation a little easier to manage.

Divorce Law FAQs

Do I need to be separated for a full 12 months before applying?

Yes, this is a strict requirement under Australian family law, whether you’re separated under one roof or in different homes. If you’re separated under one roof, additional evidence is usually needed to show the separation was genuine.

Does getting divorced automatically sort out property or the kids?

No, divorce only legally ends the marriage. Parenting arrangements and property settlement are entirely separate processes and need to be addressed on their own, either before, alongside, or after the divorce is finalised.

Do I have to go to court to get divorced?

In most cases, no. Divorce applications in Australia are largely administrative, and a court appearance generally isn’t required unless there are children under 18 and the court has specific concerns about arrangements for them.

Is there a time limit for sorting out property after divorce?

Yes, generally 12 months from the divorce being finalised for married couples. If that window passes without an application or agreement, you may need the court’s permission to proceed, so it’s worth addressing property matters before or shortly after applying for divorce, not long after.

Talk to a Central Coast family lawyer before you apply for divorce.

A short conversation now can save unnecessary delay in finalising your divorce, and make sure nothing else is missed.

Divorce Law on the Central Coast