About us
Legal issues can be stressful.
We can help.
Watts McCray has now merged with the nation’s largest specialised family law firm Australian Family Lawyers (AFL). The joining of Watts McCray and AFL concretes a common commitment to solutions-based practice with an empathetic approach to helping you navigate the Family Law legal system.
Who we are
We aim to help you understand and feel more in control of your changing situation in a caring and supportive environment. That’s why we place so much emphasis on communication. As a Watts McCray client, you always have access to a Family Law Specialist who has the ability to discuss any matter of concern with you.
As a specialist and leading provider of Family Law services in Australia, we understand Family Law and the way the various Courts function. Our Family Lawyers, many of whom are Accredited Specialists, are well placed to provide clients with the best possible representation in all manner of Family Law cases.
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- Reputation – Our strong reputation for settling disputes without the need for a court hearing, whilst providing efficient and effective court representation when required.
- Experience – Our team of family lawyers having sound knowledge and experience in their respective fields, particularly Collaborative Law and other Dispute Resolution methods.
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Our expert team is fluent in these languages:
- Mandarin Chinese
- Cantonese
- Arabic
- Hindi
- French
- Gujarati
- Kannada
- Croatian
Interpreters will be used where required.
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Our expert team of lawyers are at the heart of what makes us great.
Our family lawyers will make sure you feel comfortable, and informed throughout the entire process.
Meet the team
Our history
Watts McCray Lawyers is recognised as one of Australia’s leading family law firms. For over 40 years, our legal teams have offered family law services to our clients.
Originally with one office located in Parramatta, Watts McCray Lawyers has now grown to include multiple offices across the Sydney, including our newest office at Norwest Business Park. Supported by a team of highly experienced solicitors, Watts McCray continues to be very highly regarded by clients, the Judiciary and the marketplace overall.
Why more people choose Watts McCray
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An Accredited Specialist is recognised by the Law Society of NSW, the governing body of all lawyers in NSW, as being a specially competent practitioner, an expert in that field. To become an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, a solicitor must have a minimum five years experience as a practising lawyer, with a focus on the practice of Family Law.
In addition, a solicitor must complete a rigorous assessment process that involves assessment of the solicitor’s written work, a “mock file” involving complex legal issues, an extensive exam covering all areas of family law, and assessment of the solicitor’s client interviewing skills. A solicitor’s application to become an Accredited Specialist must also have the support of other members of the profession through the provision of references. A solicitor’s application is assessed by industry leaders in the Family Law jurisdiction maintaining the standard of Accredited Specialists that complete that assessment process.
Engaging an Accredited Specialist ensures that you are represented to the highest standard possible, by a solicitor who has been recognised as one who stands out as a leader in the family law jurisdiction, providing the confidence you need to have in your Family Lawyer.
Get in touch -
Our family lawyers understand the stressful and emotional nature of divorce. We can advise on a number of options, and do our best to help you avoid long and expensive court battles over your home or business.
We offer people across our firm the training, mentoring, support and working conditions unique to our industry. The benefit of this to our clients is that we can attract and keep only the very best family lawyers and administrators employed in our firm.
Accredited to deliver
Choose the team with more accredited lawyers.
An Accredited Specialist is recognised by the Law Society of NSW, the governing body of all lawyers in NSW, as being a specially competent practitioner, an expert in that field. To become an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, a solicitor must have a minimum five years experience as a practising lawyer, with a focus on the practice of Family Law.
In addition, a solicitor must complete a rigorous assessment process that involves assessment of the solicitor’s written work, a “mock file” involving complex legal issues, an extensive exam covering all areas of family law, and assessment of the solicitor’s client interviewing skills. A solicitor’s application to become an Accredited Specialist must also have the support of other members of the profession through the provision of references. A solicitor’s application is assessed by industry leaders in the Family Law jurisdiction maintaining the standard of Accredited Specialists that complete that assessment process.
Engaging an Accredited Specialist ensures that you are represented to the highest standard possible, by a solicitor who has been recognised as one who stands out as a leader in the family law jurisdiction, providing the confidence you need to have in your Family Lawyer.
A legal powerhouse
At Watts McCray Lawyers we believe leadership is not just a privilege we work hard for, it’s also a responsibility to get involved and contribute to ethical legal practices.
We are proud members of a number of industry associations and work in association with experienced professionals giving our lawyers the opportunity to interact with other legal minds and help build the reputation of our industry.
Emeritus Professor Patrick Parkinson AM
Emeritus Professor Patrick Parkinson AM is Special Counsel at Watts McCray. Prior to June 2018, he was a professor of law at the University of Sydney. He is now a professor of law at the University of Queensland. He continues to provide expert guidance to our lawyers.
Law Society of New South Wales
The Law Society of NSW sets the professional standards for practising lawyers in NSW. With Watts McCray’s Justin Dowd serving as President in 2012, Watts McCray is proud to support the advancement and evolution of our profession.
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ACT Law Society
Our membership of the ACT Law Society brings many opportunities for our family lawyers Sydney to network, develop, train and grow in the field – leading to better results for our clients.
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Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
All of our family law solicitors are members of the Family Law Section. The largest professional association for family law practitioners, the Family Law Section promotes professional excellence for those engaged in the family law system.
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International Family Law Group
We are proud to be associated with the International Family Law Group, where many of our family lawyers Sydney play an active role shaping the conversation about some of the most pressing international legal issues.
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LexisNexis
We are proud to have partnered with LexisNexis to share our family law expertise with legal professionals across Australia.
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Redfern Legal Centre
Our family lawyers Sydney are proud to partner with the Redfern Legal Centre to provide family law assistance to those in the community not otherwise able to afford legal advice.
Visit siteWatts McCray has been the lead author of LexisNexis Practical Guidance Family module for the past five years, the ‘how-to’ resource for all family law matters. Watts McCray provided its expertise to the foundation of the module and continue to update the module to ensure that Practical Guidance Family remains a leading online resource for lawyers. Watts McCray has delivered content ranging from simple procedural matters to complex legal issues on all aspects of family law.
