Family law for fathers.
& nothing else.
Being kept from your kids is a kind of pain most lawyers don't understand. We do. For twenty years, we've worked exclusively with fathers across NSW and the ACT.
Experienced. Exclusive. Trusted.
Helping fathers protect their relationships with their children for over twenty years
What we do
Every family law matter a father faces
One focus means deep experience. Whatever stage you're at — just separated, mid-dispute, or trying to enforce orders — we've handled it hundreds of times.
Parenting disputes
Securing meaningful, workable time with your children — through agreement where possible, court orders where necessary.
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Separation & divorce
Clear advice on your rights and obligations from day one, so early decisions don't cost you later.
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Recovery & relocation orders
Urgent action when a child has been taken, withheld, or is at risk of being moved away from you.
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Child support
Assessments, agreements, and disputes — making sure what you pay or receive is actually fair.
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Property settlement
Protecting what you've built. Fair division of assets, superannuation, and debts after separation.
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Consent orders & financial agreements
Turning agreements into legally binding, enforceable documents — so handshakes can't be walked back.
Learn moreHow it works
Three steps. No mystery.
Family law is overwhelming. We strip it back so you always know what's next, what it costs, and what you're moving toward.
Tell us what's happening
A confidential first consultation. We listen first — no jargon, no judgement — and tell you honestly whether we can help.
Get a plan and a fixed fee
We map your options, realistic outcomes, and a fixed-fee plan. Twenty years of doing this means no surprises.
Move forward
Negotiation, mediation, or court — whichever path serves you and your kids best. We do the heavy lifting.
Who you'll work with
Led by a lawyer who is also a father of five
Principal lawyer Paul Mannion has worked with families and children since 2005. He built this practice around one belief: a child benefits from a meaningful relationship with their dad — and that's worth fighting for properly.
Client stories
What fathers say afterwards
Unsolicited, word for word.
"More access to my children."
Can't thank the team enough for the assistance they have provided me in gaining more access to my children. Mannion Lawyers really do go above and beyond.
"Professional and quick to act."
I couldn't give higher praise to Paul, Suvarna and the entire team at Mannion Lawyers. Throughout a difficult time they were professional, caring and quick to act.
"Sorted it very quickly."
At one point I thought I would never see my kids again, so it was great when Mannion Lawyers were able to come to an agreement without even having to go to court. Highly recommended.
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
Will I have to go to court?
Not always — and not usually first. Most parenting matters are resolved through Family Dispute Resolution (mediation) before they ever reach a courtroom. Where court is unavoidable, we prepare you thoroughly so you walk in ready, not rattled.
How long will my matter take?
Simple matters resolved through consent orders can take a few months. Complex disputes that go to trial may take a year or more. We'll give you a realistic timeline at our first meeting — no false promises.
Will my children have to give evidence?
Generally no. Children don't appear in family court. Their views, where relevant, are presented through a Family Report or by an Independent Children's Lawyer (ICL) — not by the children themselves.
What if my ex won't agree to anything?
You don't need their agreement to move forward. We can apply for parenting orders through the court if mediation breaks down or isn't appropriate. The law's central question is your child's best interests — and it expressly recognises the benefit to a child of a relationship with both parents.
Where we are
Four offices across NSW & the ACT
In person at any office, or by phone and video wherever you are in Australia.
Batemans Bay
Unit 8/3 Orient St
Batemans Bay NSW 2536
Penrith
3/34 Woodriff St
Penrith NSW 2750
Canberra
2 Phillip Law St
Acton ACT 2601
Wagga Wagga
Suite 1/161-169 Baylis St
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
It starts with one conversation.
The first step is yours.
Tell us what's happening. We'll tell you honestly where you stand and what we'd do next.
Book a ConsultationPrefer to talk? Call (02) 4704 9977 — weekdays 8.30am–5.30pm.