Recognised and trusted by:

Recognised and trusted by:

International Society for Therapeutic Jurisprudence
Queensland Law Society
Women Lawers Association of Queensland Inc

High-conflict family law, divorce, coercive control, and domestic violence lawyer.

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You've tried reasoning. Now you need someone who knows how to finish it.

You've tried reasoning.
Now you need someone who knows how to finish it.

You know what you're dealing with, you've tried the reasonable approach, the negotiating and the hoping. Now you need a Brisbane family lawyer who understands high-conflict divorce, coercive control, domestic violence and custody disputes, and knows what to do with them.


At Locke Family Law, that means building a clear strategy for your matter from the first session and driving it forward without unnecessary escalation or delay. That's what we do.

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Our practice areas

We can help with:

We can help with:

Domestic violence and protection order matters.

We help you understand your options, navigate court and stay safe.

Domestic violence, for people responding to allegations.

Facing accusations? We provide clear, measured advice and representation at every stage.

High-conflict parenting and custody disputes.

For parenting disputes involving leverage, non-compliance or conflict that makes arrangements unworkable.

Child support.

We negotiate arrangements, draft agreements and represent you if litigation is required.

High-conflict divorce representation.

For divorces where the other side won't engage, we bring strategic, determined representation.

Coercive control matters.

We advise on the complexities of coercive control and how they pertain to family law and domestic violence matters.

Misidentified perpetrator cases.

For clients wrongly identified as the aggressor after taking defensive action.

Court advocacy in escalated family law matters.

When matters can't settle out of court, we prepare thoroughly and advocate confidently.

When the legal process itself is being used against you.

For clients facing repeated, vexatious applications used as a tool of control.

Child protection.

Advice and representation for parents and carers in Child Safety matters.

Domestic violence and protection order matters.

We help you understand your options, navigate court and stay safe.

Domestic violence, for people responding to allegations.

Facing accusations? We provide clear, measured advice and representation at every stage.

High-conflict parenting and custody disputes.

For parenting disputes involving leverage, non-compliance or conflict that makes arrangements unworkable.

Child support 

We negotiate arrangements, draft agreements and represent you if litigation is required.

High-conflict divorce representation.

For divorces where the other side won't engage, we bring strategic, determined representation.

Coercive control matters.

We advise on the complexities of coercive control and how they pertain to family law and domestic violence matters.

Misidentified perpetrator cases.

For clients wrongly identified as the aggressor after taking defensive action.

Court advocacy in escalated family law matters.

When matters can't settle out of court, we prepare thoroughly and advocate confidently.

When the legal process itself is being used against you.

For clients facing repeated, vexatious applications used as a tool of control.

Child protection

Advice and representation for parents and carers in Child Safety matters.

What is coercive control?
What coercive control can actually look like

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour that uses fear, isolation, financial restriction, and psychological manipulation to dominate another person. It often involves no physical violence at all.


Most people don't walk into a lawyer's office knowing the words for what they've experienced. Here are some things that we know to be true about coercive control:

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01

It doesn't always look like what you'd expect.

Coercive control builds slowly, through a range of behaviours: 

- financial restriction,
- isolation,

- using children as a means of control,

- monitoring, and
- the gradual erosion of your confidence in your own judgment. 


Many clients don't recognise it until someone else names it for them.

02

It doesn't have to involve physical violence to be serious.

Whether it has ever turned physical, coercive control is serious.

03

Under Hannah’s Law, coercive control is a criminal offence in Queensland.

As of May 2025, Hannah’s Law criminalised coercive control in Queensland. Understanding what you have experienced and being able to name it changes what is possible in your family law matter.

What is coercive control?

What coercive control can actually look like

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour that uses fear, isolation, financial restriction, and psychological manipulation to dominate another person. It often involves no physical violence at all.


Most people don't walk into a lawyer's office knowing the words for what they've experienced. Here are some things that we know to be true about coercive control:

BOOK YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CALL
01

It doesn't always look like what you'd expect.

Coercive control builds slowly, through a range of behaviours: 

- financial restriction,
- isolation,

- using children as a means of control,

- monitoring, and
- the gradual erosion of your confidence in your own judgment. 


Many clients don't recognise it until someone else names it for them.

02

It doesn't have to involve physical violence to be serious.

Whether it has ever turned physical, coercive control is serious.

03

Under Hannah’s Law, coercive control is a criminal offence in Queensland.

As of May 2025, Hannah’s Law criminalised coercive control in Queensland. Understanding what you have experienced and being able to name it changes what is possible in your family law matter.

As of May 2025, Hannah’s Law criminalised coercive control in Queensland. Understanding what you have experienced and being able to name it changes what is possible in your family law matter.

who this is for

High-conflict divorce and coercive control legal assistance may be right for you if:

You are separating from or have left a controlling or abusive relationship…

and need a lawyer who understands the dynamic without needing it explained.

You have tried to negotiate or mediate…

and the other side refuses to engage in good faith.

You are dealing with a high-conflict divorce…

custody dispute or parenting matter that has stalled or escalated.

You have been misidentified as the person responsible for the conflict…

in your relationship, and need someone who can put the full picture before the court.

You are a professional experiencing domestic violence or coercive control…

and need someone who understands both the personal and financial complexity of your situation.

BOOK YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CALL
BOOK YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CALL
Meet your lawyer.

Whatever brings you here, the goal is the same: a clear picture of your family law matter and an honest plan for what comes next.

Experience

15+ years in family law courts

Published in

Proctor
HOW I WORK
BOOK YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CALL
Meet your lawyer.

Whatever brings you here, the goal is the same: a clear picture of your family law matter and an honest plan for what comes next.

Experience

15+ years in family law courts

Published in

Proctor
HOW I WORK
BOOK YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CALL
Meet your lawyer.

Whatever brings you here, the goal is the same: a clear picture of your family law matter and an honest plan for what comes next.

Experience

15+ years in family law courts

Published in

Proctor
HOW I WORK
BOOK YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CALL
how we work

High-conflict family law and coercive control matters need the experience that general family law practice doesn't cover.

BOOK YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CALL
01

The financial reality of coercive control.

Many clients in coercive control situations are cash-poor despite being asset-rich because the other party has controlled finances throughout the relationship. We know how to navigate this from the first session, including how to fund a matter when the money is tied up elsewhere.

02

Funding options when the other side controls the money.

Through our partnership with JustFund, eligible clients may be able to access a flexible line of credit to cover legal fees, with repayment deferred until a settlement is reached. We will advise you on your options at the strategy meeting.

03

How to fund your legal matter when the other side controls the money.

Understanding what motivates the other party, what predicts escalation, and what creates real movement on a stalled matter is the work most family lawyers haven't focused on. We have. That experience shapes every strategic decision we make on a high-conflict file.

04

Awareness of the new criminal framework around coercive control.

Since Queensland criminalised coercive control under Hannah's Law, family law matters can now intersect with criminal proceedings in ways they didn't before. We know how to advise on both dimensions and how they affect each other.

01

The financial reality of coercive control.

Many clients in coercive control situations are cash-poor despite being asset-rich because the other party has controlled finances throughout the relationship. We know how to navigate this from the first session, including how to fund a matter when the money is tied up elsewhere.

02

Funding options when the other side controls the money.

Through our partnership with JustFund, eligible clients may be able to access a flexible line of credit to cover legal fees, with repayment deferred until a settlement is reached. We will advise you on your options at the strategy meeting.

03

How to fund your legal matter when the other side controls the money.

Understanding what motivates the other party, what predicts escalation, and what creates real movement on a stalled matter is the work most family lawyers haven't focused on. We have. That experience shapes every strategic decision we make on a high-conflict file.

04

Awareness of the new criminal framework around coercive control.

Since Queensland criminalised coercive control under Hannah's Law, family law matters can now intersect with criminal proceedings in ways they didn't before. We know how to advise on both dimensions and how they affect each other.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

In their words

All testimonials are anonymised to protect client privacy.

  • "I’ve been so lucky to have your help and guidance over the last 12 months with our family court matters. You have gone above and beyond for our family, and I cannot thank you enough for that. For the first time in years, I feel a sense of freedom to raise my family comfortably, happily, and in a safe environment. You don’t realise how much these changes affect a family—how they allow someone to feel free from manipulation and control. For the first time in a long time, I can make my own decisions and live a life with my kids without it being dictated by someone else or feeling like we’re constantly being watched. You have played a big part in this freedom and helped me become a stronger Mum for it. You change families' lives for the better, and you should be so incredibly proud of the job you do."

  • “Dear Natalie, I am just writing to say thank you again for your support in the last couple of years. The other party signed the consent order for property settlement, and the house will be transferred under my name soon. If I didn’t meet you for your advice session 3 years ago, this could not happen. Thank you for guiding me through all the way to here. Regarding parenting, [omitted for privacy]. These are more than I could wish for. You were the only person who advised me these could be possible. I really appreciate all your advice. Thank you again for all your compassion and support.”

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

In their words

All testimonials are anonymised to protect client privacy.

  • "I’ve been so lucky to have your help and guidance over the last 12 months with our family court matters. You have gone above and beyond for our family, and I cannot thank you enough for that. For the first time in years, I feel a sense of freedom to raise my family comfortably, happily, and in a safe environment. You don’t realise how much these changes affect a family—how they allow someone to feel free from manipulation and control. For the first time in a long time, I can make my own decisions and live a life with my kids without it being dictated by someone else or feeling like we’re constantly being watched. You have played a big part in this freedom and helped me become a stronger Mum for it. You change families' lives for the better, and you should be so incredibly proud of the job you do."

  • “Dear Natalie, I am just writing to say thank you again for your support in the last couple of years. The other party signed the consent order for property settlement, and the house will be transferred under my name soon. If I didn’t meet you for your advice session 3 years ago, this could not happen. Thank you for guiding me through all the way to here. Regarding parenting, [omitted for privacy]. These are more than I could wish for. You were the only person who advised me these could be possible. I really appreciate all your advice. Thank you again for all your compassion and support.”

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

In their words

All testimonials are anonymised to protect client privacy.

  • "I’ve been so lucky to have your help and guidance over the last 12 months with our family court matters. You have gone above and beyond for our family, and I cannot thank you enough for that. For the first time in years, I feel a sense of freedom to raise my family comfortably, happily, and in a safe environment. You don’t realise how much these changes affect a family—how they allow someone to feel free from manipulation and control. For the first time in a long time, I can make my own decisions and live a life with my kids without it being dictated by someone else or feeling like we’re constantly being watched. You have played a big part in this freedom and helped me become a stronger Mum for it. You change families' lives for the better, and you should be so incredibly proud of the job you do."

  • “Dear Natalie, I am just writing to say thank you again for your support in the last couple of years. The other party signed the consent order for property settlement, and the house will be transferred under my name soon. If I didn’t meet you for your advice session 3 years ago, this could not happen. Thank you for guiding me through all the way to here. Regarding parenting, [omitted for privacy]. These are more than I could wish for. You were the only person who advised me these could be possible. I really appreciate all your advice. Thank you again for all your compassion and support.”

For clients referred by domestic violence services

Our values-driven commitment reflects Natalie's longstanding relationship with the DV service community and her history with Women's Legal Service Queensland. Please mention this when you get in touch.

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FAQs

Answers to your high-conflict and coercive control family and divorce law questions.

Answers to your high-conflict and coercive control family and divorce law questions.

What is the difference between domestic violence and coercive control?

Domestic violence refers to a broad range of abusive behaviours within a relationship, including physical, emotional, financial and psychological harm. Coercive control is a specific pattern of behaviour used to dominate, isolate, and control another person over time. It does not require physical violence to be serious and is often harder to identify because it builds gradually. Since May 2025, coercive control has been a criminal offence in Queensland under Hannah’s Law.

I’m not sure what I have experienced qualifies as domestic violence. Should I still get in touch?

Can I get legal help if I am still in the relationship and haven’t left yet?

What if I have been misidentified as the person responsible for the violence?

What does it cost to get legal help for a high-conflict family law, divorce, coercive control, or domestic violence matter? And what if I can’t afford it?

If your legal matter doesn’t end here

Complex property settlements

High-value divorce and de facto settlements, business interests, trusts and complex asset structures.

Explore complex property settlements

Complex property settlements

High-value divorce and de facto settlements, business interests, trusts and complex asset structures.

Explore Property Advice

Complex property settlements

High-value divorce and de facto settlements, business interests, trusts and complex asset structures.

Explore Property Advice

Pre-separation advice

Legal advice for people who are still in the relationship and planning their next move.

explore pre-separation advice

Pre-separation advice

Legal advice for people who are still in the relationship and planning their next move.

explore pre-separation advice

Pre-separation advice

Legal advice for people who are still in the relationship and planning their next move.

explore pre-separation advice
At Locke Family Law, we call it a strategy session

You know things need to change. Start with a plan.

You know things need to change. Start with a plan.

You know things need to change. Start with a plan.

The word ‘strategy’ is intentional because you don't leave with a brochure and a follow-up email. You leave with a real picture of your situation, an honest assessment of what it will take to reach a resolution, and a specific plan for how to get there. 


Book your $495 strategy session with our Principal, Natalie Locke, at Locke Family Law today.

BOOK YOUR CONFIDENTIAL CALL

blogs & Resources

For anyone who needs to understand
what they are dealing with before they act.

Parenting

Equal Time Parenting Despite Conflict: What the Court Said in Jefferson & Hooper (No 2)

The Federal Circuit and Family Court delivered an important parenting decision in Jefferson & Hooper (No 2).

read blog
Parenting

International Travel With Children: What Australian Family Law Actually Says

International travel disputes are some of the most common and emotionally charged issues in parenting matters.

read blog
Family Violence

Online Sexual Violence Regulation Australia: What Needs to Change to Keep People Safe Online

Online sexual violence regulation in Australia is failing to keep pace with the scale and seriousness of digital harm.

read blog

blogs & Resources

For anyone who needs to understand what they are dealing with before they act.

Parenting

Equal Time Parenting Despite Conflict: What the Court Said in Jefferson & Hooper (No 2)

The Federal Circuit and Family Court delivered an important parenting decision in Jefferson & Hooper (No 2).

read blog
Parenting

International Travel With Children: What Australian Family Law Actually Says

International travel disputes are some of the most common and emotionally charged issues in parenting matters.

read blog
Family Violence

Online Sexual Violence Regulation Australia: What Needs to Change to Keep People Safe Online

Online sexual violence regulation in Australia is failing to keep pace with the scale and seriousness of digital harm.

read blog

blogs & Resources

For anyone who needs to understand what they are dealing with before they act.

Parenting

Equal Time Parenting Despite Conflict: What the Court Said in Jefferson & Hooper (No 2)

The Federal Circuit and Family Court delivered an important parenting decision in Jefferson & Hooper (No 2).

read blog
Parenting

International Travel With Children: What Australian Family Law Actually Says

International travel disputes are some of the most common and emotionally charged issues in parenting matters.

read blog
Family Violence

Online Sexual Violence Regulation Australia: What Needs to Change to Keep People Safe Online

Online sexual violence regulation in Australia is failing to keep pace with the scale and seriousness of digital harm.

read blog

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