Hervey Bay and Fraser Coast
Complex family law matters, handled here in Hervey Bay
High conflict parenting, domestic violence and complex asset pools are everyday work for our family law team, which includes two Accredited Family Law Specialists. Our Pialba office is led by Rebekah Hemerik. Straightforward matters are just as welcome, and your first 30 minutes are free.
What we do differently
A family lawyer here in Hervey Bay, with a specialist team behind her
In April 2026 we opened a family law office at Pialba. Not a serviced meeting room we visit once a month, and not a phone number that redirects to the Gold Coast. An office, on Torquay Road, led by a lawyer who lives here.
We only do family law
Our family law team practises family law and nothing else. Not family law alongside conveyancing, leases and estates. When the legislation changes, and it changes often, it is the only area we have to keep up with.
Two Accredited Family Law Specialists
Specialist Accreditation is awarded by the Queensland Law Society after a comprehensive assessment with, in the firm's own words, a very high failure rate. Our team includes two Accredited Family Law Specialists, among them Sally Southwood, accredited since 2005.
We aim to settle, not to fight
We focus on resolving matters through negotiation and mediation rather than court proceedings. Court is a last resort, used when it is genuinely needed. That is usually faster, and almost always cheaper.
Your local lawyer
Rebekah Hemerik leads our Fraser Coast office
Rebekah moved to Hervey Bay in early 2025 and opened our Pialba office in April 2026. She has practised exclusively in family law since 2021 and holds a Master of Applied Law in Family Law, on top of a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
She works across high conflict parenting matters, domestic and family violence, and complex asset pools, and takes a trauma informed approach to matters involving violence. Clients describe her manner as caring, supportive and approachable. As a mother herself, she brings a practical understanding of how family arrangements actually work day to day.
- Master of Applied Law (Family Law), Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Admitted in the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia
- Committee member, Fraser Coast District Law Association
- Committee member, Fraser Coast Young Professionals and the Shine Bright Foundation
"Family law is not about winning or losing. It is about helping people move from one chapter of life to the next with dignity, clarity, and the right support behind them."
Rebekah Hemerik, Associate and head of the Fraser Coast office.
Depth when you need it
A local office does not mean a small team
Some matters are straightforward. Others involve a business, a self managed super fund, an interstate parent, or an urgent recovery order. When yours is one of those, Rebekah draws on the full family law team across Hervey Bay, Brisbane and the Gold Coast rather than referring you elsewhere.
Areas we cover
What we can help you with
Our Hervey Bay family lawyers assist with all areas of family law and domestic violence, including:
Property settlement
Dividing assets, superannuation, businesses and investments. If you have already agreed how to split things, we can formalise it through consent orders or a financial agreement.
Parenting arrangements
Working out arrangements that are in your children's best interests, and that will still work as they grow up.
Divorce and separation
Simple and complex divorce applications, including separation under one roof, a spouse living overseas, or uncertainty about whether you are eligible to apply.
Domestic and family violence
Protection order applications and responses, handled with care and without judgement.
Mediation and dispute resolution
Reaching a workable resolution without court wherever that is possible.
Financial agreements
Sometimes called pre-nups. These can be entered into before, during or after a relationship.
De facto and same sex relationships
The same support for de facto and same sex couples, including surrogacy agreements.
Spousal maintenance and child support
Support arrangements after separation, and disputes about them.
What happens next
Five steps from first call to resolution
Every family is different, but the path is usually the same. This is the roadmap, so you know what you are walking into.
Get advice early
Early advice can be critical to protecting assets after separation. Start with a free 30 minute consult, in person, by phone or by video. We listen, answer your questions, and set out your options.
Get a strategy
After that first conversation we give you advice tailored to your circumstances, your goals and the law that applies, and we update it as things change.
Exchange disclosure, then negotiate
Both sides exchange the relevant documents and information, then we explore negotiation and mediation.
Formalise the agreement
Through a parenting plan, consent orders or a financial agreement, whichever suits your matter. We explain the options and what each costs.
Court, only if it is needed
Court proceedings are a last resort, after negotiation and dispute resolution have been properly explored.
What it costs
The cost question, answered up front
The first thing almost everyone wants to ask, and the hardest thing to ask, is what this is going to cost. So here is where we stand.
Your first 30 minutes are free
In person at Pialba, by phone or by video. No obligation, and you will get real answers about your position rather than a sales pitch. Free consultations cover all areas of law except migration.
Fixed fees where we can offer them
Many family law services can be done on a fixed fee, so you know the number before we start.
No surprise invoices
We are transparent about costs, and we tell you when something will change the estimate before we do the work.
Full details of how we charge are on our fees page.
Recognition
Credentials worth checking
Doyle's Guide, RecommendedLeading family and divorce law firms, 2025 and 2026.
Accredited SpecialistsTwo Family Law Accredited Specialists on the team.
Queensland Law SocietyThe accrediting body for specialist accreditation in Queensland.
Family Law Practitioners AssociationMember firm.
25+ yearsOf legal experience across the firm.
In their words
What family law clients say
Sally Southwood, best family lawyer. Dealt with an extremely difficult case and helped us come out on top.
Natasha Maria PruchniewiczFamily law client
I would like to endorse Stone Group Lawyers for my family law outcome. They have been nothing but attentive and vigilant in my favour and have recommended the best outcome in my circumstances, with their excellent professional knowledge in family law, which they achieved over and above what was expected.
Family law clientSeptember 2022
Stone Group were extremely professional and helped to resolve my matter promptly. The advice provided was not only correct, it was explained in a way that was easily comprehendible to a non legal person.
Sorren PerridgeStone Group client
Common questions
The things people ask us first
You talk, we listen. You explain what has happened and what you are worried about, we ask some questions, and then we tell you where you stand and what your realistic options are. It takes about 30 minutes, it is free, and there is no obligation to go further. Nothing is filed and nothing is set in motion unless you decide to.
If you and your ex-partner genuinely agree, you may not need much from us. But an informal agreement is not binding, and people often find that out at the worst possible moment. In most cases the sensible step is to get advice early, then formalise whatever you have agreed through consent orders or a financial agreement so that it actually holds. We will tell you honestly if you do not need us.
Usually not, and that is deliberate. We focus on resolving matters by negotiation and mediation, and treat court as a last resort. Court is slower, more expensive and harder on everyone involved, particularly children. Sometimes it is genuinely necessary, and if your matter is one of those we will tell you and we will be ready.
The first 30 minutes cost nothing. Beyond that it depends on your matter, and any lawyer who quotes you a number before understanding your situation is guessing. We offer fixed fees for many family law services so you know the cost before we begin, and we are upfront when something is likely to change an estimate.
It is a real office at Unit 19, 58 to 60 Torquay Road, Pialba, open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. It opened in April 2026 and is led by Rebekah Hemerik, who lives on the Fraser Coast. You can also meet by phone or by video if that suits you better, and appointments outside those hours can be arranged.
That is a fair question, and it is exactly why the office is set up the way it is. Rebekah is supported by our full family law team across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, including two Accredited Family Law Specialists. If your matter involves a business, superannuation splitting, an interstate parent or urgent orders, that experience is available to you without you having to travel or start again with a new firm.
Nothing at all is required. If you have them handy, a rough list of assets and debts, any court or police documents, and any written agreement or correspondence with your ex-partner will let us give you sharper advice on the day. If you have none of that, come anyway.
Free consultation
Request your free 30 minute consultation
Tell us a little about your situation and we will be in touch to arrange a time. In person at Pialba, by phone, or by video, whichever suits you.
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Fraser Coast office Unit 19/58-60 Torquay Rd, Pialba QLD 4655
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Phone 1300 088 440 or (07) 5635 0180
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Email admin@stonegroup.com.au
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Hours Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Appointments outside these hours by arrangement.
Request your consultation
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