Logo with a semi-circle and the text 'neilson + co' curved above it and 'legal' below, on a black background.

Because legal help should feel like help.

At Neilson & Co Legal, we don’t just provide legal advice—we deliver peace of mind, clarity, and practical solutions when you need them most.

Our clients come to us in some of life’s biggest moments: separating from a partner, buying or selling property, planning for the future, or finalising a loved one’s estate. They’re often overwhelmed, uncertain, and time-poor. We make the legal side easier—by listening closely, explaining clearly, and taking the weight off your shoulders.

Three women standing in a kitchen holding coffee mugs and smiling. Louise Neilson - Neilson and Co Legal - The Hunter Valley, Maitland and Newcastle.
Three women standing in a kitchen, smiling and holding coffee mugs, engaged in conversation. Louise Neilson - Neilson and Co Legal - The Hunter Valley, Maitland and Newcastle.
Three women smiling and talking, each holding a mug, in a kitchen with shelves of jars in the background. Louise Neilson - Neilson and Co Legal - The Hunter Valley, Maitland and Newcastle.

Your trusted Newcastle & Hunter Valley legal team

At Neilson & Co Legal, we offer expert legal advice with a personal touch. Based in the Hunter Valley and servicing Newcastle, Maitland, Singleton and surrounding areas, we help clients navigate family law, property conveyancing, and wills and estate planning with clarity and confidence.

Whether you're going through a divorce, buying a home in the Hunter, updating your Will, or administering a deceased estate, our team provides practical, compassionate, and results-focused legal services tailored to your needs.

We combine modern legal solutions with old-fashioned service—the kind where your lawyer knows your name, calls you back, and keeps things clear from start to finish.

A note from Louise.

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiling in a modern kitchen, wearing a white blouse and dark green pants. Louise Neilson - Neilson and Co Legal - The Hunter Valley, Maitland and Newcastle.

Whether you need help with family law parenting, financial and property settlement or Will preparation, I’ll get the job done with no fuss, hidden costs or wasted time.

After the birth of my daughter in 2011, I ran my own conveyancing firm for eight years before returning to my first love: practicing law. Since then, I’ve handled hundreds of matters across the areas of family law, conveyancing & property, and estate planning & Wills.

I am passionate about helping families navigate separation and divorce with as little stress as possible. Over the years, I have assisted clients across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley to resolve their family law matters efficiently and amicably—so their time, energy, and money can be focused on what truly matters.

While I am known as #thepeacefullawyer for my practical and compassionate approach, I also have extensive experience representing clients in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. I regularly appear in court for complex parenting matters, property settlement disputes, and family law litigation when agreement is not possible.

I work closely with clients through every stage of the process—from negotiation and mediation to litigation—whether the matter involves parenting arrangements for children, financial settlements, or urgent court applications.

If you're looking for a dedicated and experienced family lawyer in Newcastle who can guide you through separation, property settlement, or parenting matters, I am here to help.

I have worked through estate plans with clients preparing their wills and enduring powers of attorneys and guardianship documents to make sure they have a plan for the future. I have also helped families after a loved one has passed away to administer their estate, making sure that everything is done in accordance with the will and where necessary helping to meet or make claims against the estate.

I have helped many clients to sell and buy their dream homes. I have much experience in all aspects of property law including: Leasing of residential, retail, commercial and rural property, Tenancy issues, Crown Leases and Licences, Building Contracts and ‘off the plan’ purchases, Easements, covenants and restrictions, Subdivisions and Development Applications, Mortgages and loans, Government grants and duty exemptions; and Intergenerational farm transfers.

GET IN TOUCH

Meet the team supporting
your journey

We deliver personalised legal solutions that reduce stress and achieve fair, timely outcomes.

A woman with long red hair, wearing a black blazer and pearl earrings, sitting at a wooden table in front of a laptop, smiling, with a brick fireplace in the background. Louise Neilson - Neilson and Co Legal The Hunter Valley, Maitland and Newcastle
  • Louise brings over 20 years of experience in NSW conveyancing, family law and estate planning law. Known locally as #thepeacefullawyer, Louise is trusted for her calm approach, clear advice, and deep knowledge of regional legal issues.

    She assists clients with:

    • Parenting agreements and property settlements

    • Spousal maintenance and consent orders

    • Estate administration and complex wills

    • Buying, selling or transferring property—including rural and residential matters.

    LOUISE@NEILSONCOLEGAL.COM.AU

A woman with shoulder-length curly blonde hair, smiling, wearing a black blazer over a white collared shirt, sitting at a wooden table with a laptop. Neilson and Co Legal - The Hunter Valley, Maitland and Newcastle.
  • Angela started in the industry at a local firm as a conveyancing assistant. After several years, Ang decided to study and obtained an Associate Law Degree and her Conveyancers License. Ang and Louise while we were both studying for their Associate Law Degree.

    After 11 years in the industry, Ang took a break, wore high vis, got married and had 2 children who are now 11 & 9.

    When the opportunity came up to work with Louise at Neilson & Co Legal Ang jumped at it and enjoyed getting back into the legal world.

    In 2023 Ang reapplied & received her Conveyancers License and is enjoying working with clients again, helping them with the next exciting chapter in their lives. Ang aim’s to make the process of buying and selling as smooth & stress free as possible!

    Outside of work, Ang loves a good glass of wine, cooking and traveling in the caravan with her family. Kids sports keeps life hectic!

    HELLO@NEILSONCOLEGAL.COM.AU

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and wearing a black blazer is sitting at a table, smiling, with a laptop, notebook, and pen in front of her. Neilson and Co Legal - The Hunter Valley, Maitland and Newcastle.
  • Jo commenced her career in the legal industry in 1994 after obtaining her Certificate IV in Office Administration, as a junior assistant. In 1995 she progressed into a secretarial role assisting with criminal law, personal injury, worker's compensation, estate planning and conveyancing matters and then in 1999, she transitioned into family law as a personal assistant. From 2001 to 2007, Jo sought a different pathway in Hospitality Administration and then returned to Legal administration in late 2007. There she gained a wealth of knowledge and experience working in all areas of law. Jo's passion now lies in Family Law and estate planning, and she finds great satisfaction in helping clients navigate challenging periods in their lives.

    Outside of work, Jo is a devoted wife and mother who enjoys quality time with her family and friends. She also enjoys the occasional relaxing afternoon with a glass of wine and a good book. She would also love to travel overseas and tick some places off her bucket list.

    Jo had the pleasure of working with Louise at a previous law firm and is delighted to now support Louise and be part of the team at Neilson & Co Lawyers.

    ADMIN@NEILSONCOLEGAL.COM.AU

What you can expect from us

✔ Clear Direction, Not Confusion

We translate complex legal issues into clear next steps. You’ll always know what’s happening and why.

✔ Calm, Compassionate Support

Whether you're navigating a parenting matter or signing contracts, we’re here to reduce stress—not add to it.

✔ Local Knowledge That Works for You

Based in the Hunter Valley and helping clients across Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock, and beyond, we understand the unique legal and property needs of our regional clients.

✔ Flexible, Respectful Service

Online, over the phone or face-to-face—we’ll meet you where you are. You can expect fixed fees where possible, responsive communication, and no surprises.

Our Legal Services

Area What we offer
Family Law – Newcastle & Hunter Valley Divorce, separation, parenting plans, property settlements, consent orders, and spousal maintenance under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).
Conveyancing – NSW Property Law Fixed-fee conveyancing for homes, land, farms and commercial property.
Wills & Estates – Planning & Administration Wills, Trusts, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Appointments of Enduring Guardian, Probate and Letters of Administration. We also assist with NSW estate disputes and family provision claims.

“Louise helped me through the most difficult time in my life. Not only did she really listen to what was important to me, she gave me really practical ideas & advice. Louise made a really stressful time, calm

PETER