About
Compassionate
Legal Specialists
The Family Law Co. is a boutique practice where our collective goal is to provide reliable and accessible family law advice to anyone, anywhere, anytime – regardless of how simple or complicated their circumstances are.
We are experts in Family Law in Newcastle and Maitland. Although many firms offer family law services, very few make it their sole focus. This is our significant point of difference, and it has allowed us to provide the best possible services.
PRINCIPAL SOLICITOR / Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner / Collaborative Practitioner & Coach
B. LAWS, GDLP, MASTERS OF LAW (FAMILY LAW), GRAD. DIP. FDRP
Doyle's Guide - Recommended Lawyer for Newcastle/Central Coast
Carla was born and raised in regional New South Wales and has experienced firsthand the barriers faced by regional Australians in accessing quality family law advice and support. With this in mind, Carla established The Family Law Co. as a firm that specialises exclusively in Family Law and leverages technology to deliver quality family law services Australia-wide, providing services not only to clients living in Newcastle, Maitland, and the Hunter Valley but also to those in regional and remote areas.
Carla has extensive experience as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) and Collaborative Practitioner. Her legal career has focused on litigious disputes, including property disputes with complex corporate structures or trusts, and requiring carefully managed discovery of unaccounted assets/due diligence.
Carla’s expertise also extends to delicate and intricate parenting matters, including those with complicating factors such as parental alienation, international/interstate relocation, significant neglect of children, and parentage disputes. Carla’s unwavering commitment to resolving disputes through mediation and collaborative practices, before resorting to the legal route, ensures that her clients reach amicable and practical solutions.
Carla also has a strong commitment to supporting, mentoring and training junior lawyers, helping to shape the next generation of legal professionals.
Carla’s dedication and expertise have been recognised by the legal community through various awards:
2023 Australian Law Awards:
-Mentor of the Year: Winner
-Regional/Suburban Lawyer of the Year: Finalist
2023 Women in Law Awards:
-Mentor of the Year: Winner
2024 Recognised as a Doyles Guide ‘Recommended Lawyer’
2024 Australian Law Awards:
-Mentor of the Year: Finalist
-Regional/Suburban Lawyer of the Year: Finalist
When she’s not hard at work, Carla enjoys spending time at home with her family, and two jackadoodles, Hank and Ginger.
SENIOR SOLICITOR/ ACCREDITED SPECIALIST
B. ARTS, B. LAWS, MASTERS OF APPLIED LAW (FAMILY LAW), GDLP Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards - Regional/Suburban Lawyer of the Year Finalist
Sacha Mastras is a dedicated Senior Solicitor at The Family Law Co., bringing over 15 years of experience in family law. As an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, Sacha has demonstrated expertise in providing legal advice, dispute resolution, and court representation. This accreditation is a mark of excellence, indicating Sacha’s commitment to the highest standards of legal practice and specialist knowledge.
Sacha completed her Master of Laws (Applied Law) with a major in Family Law, further enhancing her ability to navigate complex family law matters. She is passionate about helping clients through challenging times, offering a compassionate and results-driven approach.
Sacha has a keen interest in fertility law, including surrogacy, adoption, and donor agreements. Her expertise in these niche areas ensures that clients receive comprehensive advice and clear guidance through these sensitive and often complex legal processes.
Sacha’s role involves managing cases, drafting legal correspondence, and advocating for clients both in and out of court. Her extensive experience and specialist accreditation ensure clients receive top-tier legal support tailored to their unique circumstances.
In her spare time, Sacha enjoys exploring new parks and beaches with her young family and catching up with friends over a (often competitive) board game.
SOLICITOR
BA, LLB (HONS I), GDLP
Lauren is a dedicated family law solicitor known for her empathetic approach, strong advocacy for marginalised communities and deep commitment to achieving meaningful outcomes for her clients. With a particular interest in family law and domestic and family and sexual violence (DFSV), Lauren brings a thoughtful and informed perspective to her work, especially in matters involving LGBTQIA+ individuals and access to gender affirming care.
Throughout her legal career, Lauren has developed a strong foundation in family law through a range of practical roles, including positions as a legal secretary and paralegal prior to her admission as a solicitor. Her experience working within legal practice has provided her with a comprehensive and hands-on understanding of family law matters, allowing her to support clients with both sensitivity and clarity during what are often highly complex and emotional situations.
Lauren is particularly passionate about advocacy at the intersection of family law, human rights and social justice. Her work and research have explored international human rights law, including contributions to research on global refugee frameworks and United Nations treaty obligations through the University of Newcastle. She has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community and policy work, serving in roles such as Advocacy Officer for Pride in Law (NSW Chapter), Advisory Board Member for NSW Women’s Legal Service, and Co-Founder of The Rainbow Roundtable, which was recognised with an ABC Haywire Grant. Her contributions have been further acknowledged through awards including the Leo Cussen Outstanding Community Contribution Award and recognition as a Smokeball Community Hero Award Finalist.
Beyond her professional work, Lauren is deeply committed to community initiatives that support inclusion, awareness and systemic change, particularly in relation to DFSV and LGBTQIA+ rights. Her dedication to both her clients and the broader community reflects her belief in the power of law as a tool for positive change.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, friends and animals, and has a strong love for music.
SOLICITOR
BSW (HONS I), JD (DISTINCTION)
Mirren is a dedicated family law solicitor known for her compassionate, trauma-informed approach and strong commitment to supporting clients through complex and often distressing circumstances. With a particular interest in the intersection of family violence and family law, she is driven to provide clear, reliable and client-focused advice to individuals and families navigating the legal system.
Mirren brings a unique and well-rounded perspective to her practice, shaped by both her legal and social work experience. Prior to her admission as a solicitor, she gained valuable experience as a paralegal working on matters spanning employment law, coronial inquests, and civil litigation. Alongside this, her background in social work saw her supporting women and children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness, equipping her with a deep understanding of the broader social and personal contexts in which family law issues arise
Her dual qualifications in social work and law underpin her ability to approach matters with both legal precision and genuine empathy. Mirren is particularly committed to delivering trauma-informed care, ensuring her clients feel supported, understood and empowered throughout the legal process. Her work is grounded in honesty, empathy and a strong dedication to social justice.
Beyond her legal practice, Mirren enjoys spending time immersed in fantasy novels, playing in her local women’s AFL team and relaxing with her Schnauzer pup, Willa.
SOLICITOR
B. SCI (DISTINCTION), LLB (HONS I), GDLP
Georgia is a dedicated family law solicitor known for her practical insight, strong work ethic and genuine commitment to supporting clients through complex and often challenging circumstances. Admitted to practice in March 2026, she has worked exclusively in family law for several years prior to her admission, developing a well-rounded and grounded understanding of the field from the outset.
Beginning her journey with the firm in a receptionist role before progressing to paralegal and ultimately solicitor, Georgia has built a unique, hands-on perspective of family law at every level. Over this time, she has developed a strong practical understanding of legal processes, as well as an appreciation for the importance of clear communication, empathy and consistency when guiding clients through emotionally charged situations.
Georgia is particularly passionate about supporting individuals and families navigating difficult personal circumstances. Through her experience, she has seen how access to the right legal support can act as a turning point, empowering clients to create safer and more stable environments for themselves and their children. This insight continues to drive her commitment to family law and her client-first approach.
Beyond her legal practice, Georgia is committed to contributing to community initiatives that increase awareness around family violence and support those affected by it. She is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact both within and beyond the legal profession.
Outside of work, Georgia enjoys spending time at the beach, getting lost in a good book and relaxing with her two dogs