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Best Family Lawyers in Hobart

Seven Hobart family law firms, compared for divorce, property settlements and parenting matters.

For each firm you'll see who would handle your matter, the kind of work it suits, how it charges where that's published, and the lawyers named on its website.

38 Hobart firms checked, 7 shortlisted. No firm pays to be listed. Updated October 2026.

Find a firm for your situation
Property with a business, farm or super fund
PWB Lawyers, Murdoch Clarke, Simmons Wolfhagen
Overseas or interstate matters
Dobson Mitchell Allport, Simmons Wolfhagen, PWB Lawyers
Surrogacy or LGBTQIA+ families
Simmons Wolfhagen, Dobson Mitchell Allport
Lawyers on the Independent Children's Lawyer panel
PWB Lawyers, Wallace Wilkinson & Webster, Butler McIntyre & Butler, Jacobs Family Law
A lawyer who speaks another language
Dobson Mitchell Allport

Grouped by what each firm publishes about its work. Most firms handle all common family law matters.

1. PWB Lawyers

Hobart CBDFamily law only

3.6

16 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Separating couples with property involving trusts, businesses, farms or superannuation, and parenting cases involving relocation or risk

  • Emma Daniels has appeared in matters referred to the Major Complex Financial Proceedings List and acts for property clients in several states.
  • Ros Courtney has practised family law since 1994 and has served on the panel of independent children's lawyers.
  • Practises only family law, and has practised in Hobart since 1936.
(03) 6235 1111 Visit website
Fees
First appointment usually about an hour, charged at the solicitor's hourly rate; rates are given by reception, not published. Time-based fees only, with a written costs agreement before work begins. JustFund funding for eligible clients. Not currently taking new legal aid matters.
Office
Level 1, 57 Elizabeth St, Hobart TAS 7000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

PWB Lawyers works from Level 1, 57 Elizabeth Street in the Hobart CBD and practises only family law. The site names two directors and four principal solicitors. Work covers separation and divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlements, spousal maintenance, financial agreements and child support. Kate Hughes spent five years at Legal Aid in family violence and parenting matters and acts for grandparents seeking time with or care of grandchildren. Sarah Dowd acts as an Independent Children's Lawyer.

Before a first appointment the firm checks for conflicts and asks clients to complete intake forms. The first meeting runs about an hour and is billed at the lawyer's hourly rate. The firm states that most matters settle through negotiation, mediation or conciliation, and its lawyers appear in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia when a case goes to court. Third-party funding through JustFund is offered to eligible clients.

Established 1936.

Also worth knowing

  • The fees page explains time-based billing with monthly itemised invoices, and JustFund funding is offered to eligible clients.

Lawyers

  • Ros Courtney, Director
  • Emma Daniels, Director
  • Anna Lydon, Principal Solicitor

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements
  • Grandparents' rights

Office

Level 1, 57 Elizabeth St, Hobart TAS 7000

Sources

Back to the shortlist

2. Dobson Mitchell Allport

Hobart CBDFamily law team in a broader firm

4.5

187 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Separations with a cross-border or international element, and clients who want mediation considered alongside court

  • David Harper worked for over a decade in family law practices in Melbourne, London and Jersey and is admitted in Tasmania and in England and Wales.
  • Associate Sara Ding speaks Mandarin and focuses on analysing financial records in property matters.
  • Managing Director David Harper has practised only in family law for more than 20 years and is a Nationally Accredited Mediator.
(03) 6210 0000 Visit website
Fees
Not published on the firm's website. Ask for a written estimate.
Office
59 Harrington Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

The Family & Relationships team works from the firm's Harrington Street office in Hobart. Listed work covers parenting arrangements and relocation, division of assets and superannuation, financial agreements, divorce, child support, surrogacy agreements and registration of de facto relationships. The firm states it aims to resolve matters without litigation where possible, and its lawyers appear in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

David Harper's interests include international family law, relocation and jurisdictional disputes, and his practice draws on collaborative practice principles. Linda Connelly has more than 20 years in family law, mainly in North West Tasmania, acts for privately funded and legally aided clients, and is a nationally accredited mediator. Suzanne Harris is Secretary of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Tasmania. A free online intake tool gives initial information before a meeting, and JustFund funding is offered to eligible clients.

Established 1834.

Also worth knowing

  • A free online intake tool gives initial information before a meeting. JustFund funding is offered to eligible clients.

Lawyers

  • David Harper, Managing Director
  • Suzanne Harris, Senior Associate
  • Linda Connelly, Senior Associate

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements
  • International family law
  • Surrogacy

Office

59 Harrington Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000

Other details

Other offices
Devonport (31 Stewart St)
Languages
Mandarin (Sara Ding)

Sources

Back to the shortlist

3. Wallace Wilkinson & Webster

Hobart CBDFamily law team in a broader firm

4.0

40 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Parenting matters where an early mediated outcome is the aim

  • Partner Kate Behrens has practised only family law since 2009 in Perth and Hobart and has been on the Independent Children's Lawyer panel since 2015.
  • Associate Prue McLardie-Hore's stated interests include child protection and family violence.
  • The site offers a free online welcome pack before a first meeting.
(03) 6231 1765 Visit website
Fees
Not published on the firm's website. Ask for a written estimate.
Office
169 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

The firm works from 169 Liverpool Street in Hobart and practises across several areas, with a named family law team of a partner, special counsel, an associate and two lawyers. Family work covers matrimonial property, parenting, significant relationship matters, property settlements and child support agreements. The team handles informal negotiation and mediation and represents clients in court where needed.

Kate Behrens was admitted in Tasmania in 2009 and Western Australia in 2010, joined the firm in 2021 and became a partner in July 2024. Her profile states a focus on early resolution and mediated outcomes. Ann Schrale was admitted in New South Wales in 1992, moved to Tasmania in 2022 and joined the firm in February 2026. Prue McLardie-Hore has a stated interest in child protection and family violence matters.

Also worth knowing

  • Five lawyers are named in the family law team.

Lawyers

  • Kate Behrens, Partner
  • Ann Schrale, Special Counsel
  • Prue McLardie-Hore, Associate

Areas of family law handled

  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Child support
  • Mediation

Office

169 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000

Sources

Back to the shortlist

4. Butler McIntyre & Butler

Hobart CBDFamily law team in a broader firm

4.1

65 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Married or de facto couples needing advice on property, children and child support, including binding child support agreements

  • Partner Anna Grant established the firm's family and relationship law practice in 2000 and became a partner in 2004.
  • Anna Grant is on the Independent Children's Lawyer Panel for the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
  • Advises on binding and limited child support agreements and matters in the child welfare jurisdiction.
(03) 6222 9444 Visit website
Fees
Not published on the firm's website. Ask for a written estimate.
Office
20 Murray Street, Hobart TAS 7000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

Butler McIntyre & Butler is a medium sized independent Tasmanian firm in Murray Street, Hobart. Its Family and Relationship Law team of six named lawyers advises on children's matters, child support including binding and limited child support agreements, property, financial agreements, spousal maintenance and matters in the child welfare jurisdiction.

Anna Grant is a committee member of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Tasmania and previously coordinated and lectured the family law unit of the University of Tasmania Legal Practice Course. Zoey Dwyer has practised at the firm since 2019 with a focus on family and relationships law. The firm states it is sponsoring a session at the National Family Law Conference in Hobart in October 2026.

Established 1824.

Also worth knowing

  • The office is in the Hobart CBD close to the Commonwealth Law Courts.

Lawyers

  • Anna Grant, Partner
  • Zoey Dwyer, Senior Associate
  • Jessica Miller, Associate

Areas of family law handled

  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements

Office

20 Murray Street, Hobart TAS 7000

Sources

Back to the shortlist

5. Simmons Wolfhagen

Hobart CBDFamily law team in a broader firm

4.5

80 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Clients anywhere in Tasmania wanting a larger family team, including matters involving businesses, relocation or grandparents

  • Director Kristi Foale leads the family law team and has practised only in this area for over 25 years.
  • The firm states its statewide family law team has twelve lawyers, with offices in Hobart and Kingston and in the north and north west.
  • Private mediation by a nationally accredited mediator is listed among the team's services.
(03) 6226 1200 Visit website
Fees
Not published on the firm's website. Ask for a written estimate.
Office
Level 4, 99 Bathurst Street, Hobart
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

Simmons Wolfhagen has a Hobart office in Bathurst Street and a Kingston office at Channel Court, with further offices in the north and north west. The family law team covers married and de facto property settlements, financial agreements, parenting disputes including relocation and allegations of abuse, grandparents, child support, surrogacy, family violence orders and work for LGBTQIA+ clients.

Kristi Foale's profile mentions cases involving businesses and other structures. Katryna Induni practised in Hobart for six years, worked in family law in Melbourne from 2022 and returned to Hobart in January 2025; her work includes international and interstate relocation and recovery orders. Charlotte Griffith appears in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and the Magistrates Court of Tasmania.

Also worth knowing

  • Listed work includes surrogacy and work for LGBTQIA+ clients.

Lawyers

  • Kristi Foale, Director
  • Charlotte Griffith, Director
  • Katryna Induni, Senior Associate

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements
  • De facto relationships
  • Mediation
  • Family violence
  • Surrogacy
  • Grandparents' rights

Office

Level 4, 99 Bathurst Street, Hobart

Other details

Other offices
Kingston, Launceston, Devonport, Scottsdale and Smithton

Sources

Back to the shortlist

6. Murdoch Clarke

Hobart CBDFamily law team in a broader firm

3.5

55 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for People who want early advice before or soon after separation, including on property involving a business or self-managed super fund

  • Consultant Melissa Eddington advises on property involving businesses and self-managed superannuation funds, and on recovery and relocation of children.
  • Kirsten Starkey practises only family law, was admitted in 2010 and is Deputy Chair (South) of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Tasmania.
  • The family law page encourages advice early, even before separation, and describes a one-hour initial advice meeting.
(03) 6235 9311 Visit website
Fees
Not published on the firm's website. Ask for a written estimate.
Office
10 Victoria Street, Hobart Tasmania
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

Murdoch Clarke works from 10 Victoria Street in the Hobart CBD and practises across personal, commercial, dispute and injury law. Its family law page states that after initial advice some clients negotiate their own settlement and the firm prepares the agreement, while others use mediation or have the firm negotiate for them.

Kirsten Starkey joined in February 2026 after 15 years at another Hobart firm and chaired the Law Society of Tasmania Pro Bono Committee from 2024 to 2025. Melissa Eddington returned to the firm in 2025 and handles parenting matters involving family violence, substance abuse and mental health issues. Meghan Scolyer's primary practice is family law, with experience in family violence and child protection.

Also worth knowing

  • Five lawyers are listed for family law on the firm's family law page.

Lawyers

  • Melissa Eddington, Consultant
  • Kirsten Starkey, Senior Associate Lawyer
  • Meghan Scolyer, Senior Associate Lawyer

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements

Office

10 Victoria Street, Hobart Tasmania

Sources

Back to the shortlist

7. Jacobs Family Law

Hobart CBDFamily law only

4.2

5 reviews on Google Maps

Checked 10 Oct 2026

Best for Clients who want a small family law practice where the principal handles the matter, including parenting cases

  • Cassandra Jacobs is on the panel of lawyers selected to act for children in Family Court and child protection proceedings.
  • She has practised in family law for about 18 years and also holds a commerce degree majoring in accounting.
  • First appointments can be requested online, and the form asks whether the client holds a pension or health care card.
(03) 6108 2224 Visit website
Fees
Not published on the firm's website. Ask for a written estimate.
Office
7 Campbell Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources

About the firm

Jacobs Family Law is a small practice in Campbell Street, Hobart. Cassandra Jacobs is the principal and the only lawyer named on the site; the other named staff are an office manager, a client services administrator and legal assistants. Listed work covers divorce, pre-nuptial and separation agreements, spousal maintenance, property settlements, child support, parenting plans, guardianship, adoption, parentage and family violence orders.

The firm states that it tries to settle disputes outside court where possible. Cassandra Jacobs represents clients in negotiation, mediation and court, and acts as a children's lawyer in Family Court and child protection proceedings.

Also worth knowing

  • A small Hobart practice at 7 Campbell Street.

Lawyers

  • Cassandra Jacobs, Principal

Areas of family law handled

  • Divorce
  • Property settlement
  • Parenting arrangements
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Child support
  • Financial agreements
  • Family violence

Office

7 Campbell Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000

Sources

Back to the shortlist

Details come from each firm's website and the relevant law society list, checked October 2026. Google ratings are shown as published on Google and don't affect the order. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

How we selected these Hobart firms

We recorded 38 family law firms with offices in Hobart and southern Tasmania, including Glenorchy, Kingston and Rosny/Bellerive, then read each firm's own website: team, services, contact and fees pages. 7 made the shortlist. We favoured firms where family law is the main practice, with named family lawyers in the Hobart office, accredited specialists we could confirm on the relevant law society list, and clear published information about how they work.

Firms were left out for reasons such as:

  • Firms based in Melbourne or Launceston with no Hobart office
  • Referral and lead-generation services
  • Firms where family law is a minor part of a criminal, injury or commercial practice
  • Firms whose website did not load or could not be found
  • Firms that have closed or merged
  • Mediation-only services that do not act for one party

How the order was set

The numbers are an editorial order, not a score. We weighed the same criteria together: firms come earlier where family law is the firm's whole practice, where more of the Hobart team are accredited specialists we could confirm on the relevant law society list, and where the firm publishes clear information about who you would deal with and how it charges. We also kept variety on the list, so firms with a particular focus or location, such as mediation, international matters or a Kingston office, are included even with smaller teams.

Firms close to each other in the order aren't meaningfully different, and a lower number doesn't mean a firm is a worse choice for your matter. The right firm depends on the kind of matter you have. Google ratings don't affect the order, and no firm has paid to be listed or placed. Read the full method.

Family law in Hobart: courts and free help

Family law cases in Hobart are filed and heard at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia registry in the Edward Braddon Commonwealth Law Courts Building, 39-41 Davey Street. The Magistrates Court in Liverpool Street hears a limited range of family law matters and deals with Family Violence Orders, which can affect existing parenting orders.

Free help is close by. Tasmania Legal Aid's Hobart office at 158 Liverpool Street runs family dispute resolution conferences, and its Family Advocacy and Support Service works at the court with families affected by family violence. Relationships Australia Tasmania runs the Family Relationship Centre at New Town. Hobart Community Legal Service and Women's Legal Service Tasmania give free advice.

Most family law firms serving Hobart, Glenorchy, Kingston and the eastern shore have offices in the CBD, within a few blocks of the court. The market mixes a few family-law-only practices with family teams inside long-established general firms. Tasmania has no specialist accreditation scheme of its own; lawyers here can be accredited through the Law Institute of Victoria.

Where matters are heard

  • Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Hobart registry

    Edward Braddon Commonwealth Law Courts Building, 39-41 Davey St, Hobart TAS 7000

    Registry open 8.30am to 4.30pm. Tasmania Legal Aid helps with information and court forms from 1pm to 2pm on Mondays and duty list days, on the first floor. No photocopiers at the registry.

  • Magistrates Court of Tasmania, Hobart

    23-25 Liverpool Street, Hobart

    Hears a limited range of family law matters, mainly property settlements and parenting orders, and deals with Family Violence Orders. A magistrate making a Family Violence Order can change, suspend or revive a parenting order so the two are consistent.

Family Violence Orders in Tasmania

Under Tasmania's Family Violence Act 2004, police can issue a Police Family Violence Order, and a person can apply to a court for a Family Violence Order. Orders issued after 25 November 2017 apply across Australia. Tasmania Legal Aid gives information on 1300 366 611. Source

Legal Aid, mediation and community legal centres

  • Tasmania Legal Aid, Hobart office

    158 Liverpool Street, Hobart

    Open 8.45am to 5pm weekdays. Office phone 6236 3800. Free Legal Help line 1300 366 611.

  • Tasmania Legal Aid Family Dispute Resolution

    158 Liverpool Street, Hobart

    Conferences of about 3 hours for parenting, property and financial disputes, run from the Hobart and Launceston offices, 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm weekdays. Chaired by an accredited FDR practitioner.

  • Family Advocacy and Support Service (FASS)

    Free duty lawyer and social support worker service at the court for families with family law matters affected by family violence. Appointments on 1800 431 157.

  • Relationships Australia Tasmania, Family Relationship Centre

    20 Clare Street, New Town TAS 7008

    Phone 1300 364 277. Services listed include family dispute resolution, family law counselling, a children's contact service and the Parenting Orders Program. Relationships Australia Tasmania states FDR sessions cost $0 to $60 per hour depending on income.

  • Hobart Community Legal Service

    166 Macquarie Street, Hobart TAS 7000

    Free legal information, advice and limited representation for southern Tasmania, including child support, family law information and family violence. Phone 6223 2500. Bridgewater outreach office at Covehill Shopping Centre, phone 6263 4755.

  • Women's Legal Service Tasmania

    Free advice for women, trans and non-binary people statewide on family violence, family law, child safety and workplace sexual harassment. Advice line 1800 682 468, 10am to 4pm weekdays. Domestic Violence Unit offices in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie.

Checking a lawyer before you engage them

Every solicitor practising in Tasmania needs a current practising certificate. You can search the Law Society of Tasmania register of current Tasmanian lawyers and law firms (Find a Lawyer), which also shows who holds family law specialist accreditation.

Family lawyers in Hobart: common questions

Where are family law cases heard in Hobart?

At the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia registry in the Edward Braddon Commonwealth Law Courts Building, 39-41 Davey Street. The registry is open 8.30am to 4.30pm. The Magistrates Court of Tasmania at 23-25 Liverpool Street can hear some property and parenting matters, but divorces and most family law cases go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court.

Is there free family law help in Hobart?

Yes. Tasmania Legal Aid runs a Legal Help line on 1300 366 611 and has an office at 158 Liverpool Street. Hobart Community Legal Service at 166 Macquarie Street gives free information and advice on child support and family law. Women's Legal Service Tasmania runs a free advice line on 1800 682 468.

Can I get mediation before going to court in Hobart?

Yes. Separated parents are generally required to make a genuine effort at family dispute resolution before applying to court about parenting, with some exceptions. Tasmania Legal Aid runs FDR conferences at its Hobart office, and Relationships Australia Tasmania runs the Family Relationship Centre at 20 Clare Street, New Town.

What help is there at court if family violence is involved?

Tasmania Legal Aid's Family Advocacy and Support Service has duty lawyers and social support workers at the court for families with family law matters affected by family violence. Appointments are made on 1800 431 157.

Does Tasmania have accredited family law specialists?

The Law Society of Tasmania does not run its own specialist accreditation. Tasmanian lawyers can apply for accreditation through the Law Institute of Victoria, which publishes an Accredited Specialist Directory.

General information only, not legal advice.

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Sources for the local information on this page