As a young lawyer, I had a passion to change the world and make a difference, starting out in a Specialist Family Law firm in Penrith in 2000. In addition to my Family Law practice, I volunteered as part of the local court support scheme assisting women applying for Apprehended Violence Orders. I was on the Management Committee for Penrith Women’s Refuge; volunteered at Community Legal Centres, supported local schools in Mock Trial competitions and taught Law at the University of Third Age.Growing up in Western Sydney, I have always had a passion to ‘fight for the underdog’ and assist those who are less fortunate than myself.

 

Within the first few years of practice, I quickly realised that Family Law is so much more than simply giving client’s legal advice and acting for them in Court. It needs a co-ordinated, multi-disciplinary approach with many other professionals to support families. I am able to identify the need for additional supports and recommend supports in place to help clients navigate their separation.

 

In early 2015, I started working as an Independent Children’s lawyer (ICL), which I continued for a number of years. I found ICL work to be both challenging, and very rewarding. It also changed the way I conduct parenting matters, with constantly considering how would I tackle this case if I was representing the children.

 

I am also very passionate about Mental Health issues. The area of Men’s Mental Health is a field that requires, in particular, sensitive attention, as my experience is that men find it difficult to connect and share issues with others during a difficult divorce.  I completed a Mental Health First Aider Course in 2024 to assist me to better recognise mental health issues, help clients when they are dealing with spouses and/ or children living with mental illness and to refer them to the appropriate mental health providers.

 

I have a number of connections with other professionals such as Valuers, Accountants, Financial Advisers, Mediators, Therapists, and Psychologists who can assist parties in resolving disputes.

 

In addition to my family law practice, I have experience in the preparation of Wills and handling disputed deceased estates, particularly in Family Provision matters.

 

Qualifications:-

  • Admitted to the roll of the Supreme Court of New South Wales
  • Admitted to the roll of the High Court of Australia
  • Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Social Science
  • Bachelor of Laws degree (with First class Honours)
  • Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
  • Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Training
  • Specialist Accreditation – Family Law
  • Independent Children Lawyer (training and accreditation)

 

Memberships:-

  • The Law Society of New South Wales
  • St George Sutherland Local Law Society
  • Member of the Law Council of Australia – Family Law Section
  • Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals
  • Collaborative Professionals (NSW) Inc
  • Southern Sydney Collaborative Professionals Inc.

 

With over 25 years of practice exclusively in Family Law, I like to think that I have impacted upon people’s lives in a positive way.

 

A maths nerd at heart, I love the challenge of complex property matters, often involving high net worth assets, valuation issues and superannuation considerations.

 

I am a passionate Scorpio – Like Scorpios, I also have a sting!

 

When not working in the office, I enjoy spending time with my family at our property in the country. I love a good puzzle, true crime podcast, comedy, theatre productions and reality TV shows.