• Without (urgent) and on notice (non-urgent) proceedings in the Family Court where a new Parenting Order or a variation of an existing Order are required.

• Leave requirements where section 139A applies [2 year limitation on filing new proceedings].

• Mediations, roundtable meetings, negotiations and all Court events including defended hearings.

• Without (urgent) and on notice (non-urgent) proceedings in the Family Court seeking a Protection Order where there has been family harm [physical, sexual, psychological, economic].

• Discharge of an existing Protection Order.

• Undertakings and negotiation to resolve out of Court.

• All Court events including defended hearings.

• Both domestic and international relocation Applications, seeking a Court Order prior to relocation occurring.

• Objecting to or preventing relocation through Orders Preventing Removal and Border Alerts on a child's passport.

• All Court events including defended hearings.

• The legislation categorises guardianship matters as 'important matters affecting the child' which includes:

  • the child’s name (and any changes to it).

  • the child’s registered sex under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 (and any changes to it).

  • changes to the child’s place of residence (including, without limitation, changes of that kind arising from travel by the child) that may affect the child’s relationship with his or her parents and guardians.

  • medical treatment for the child (if that medical treatment is not routine in nature).

  • where, and how, the child is to be educated.

  • the child’s culture, language, and religious denomination and practice.

  • Section 16(2) of the Care of Children Act 2004.

• Stand alone Applications or combined with other parenting disputes.

• Court proceedings seeking Paternity Declarations where the legislative criteria are met.

• Section 17 of the Care of Children Act 2004.

• Court proceedings where paternity is disputed, including information in respect of DNA testing when required.

• Separation and Relationship Property Agreements recording the distribution of property between parties, including negotiating terms.

• Contracting Out Agreements (pre-nup) during an ongoing relationship.

• Independent Advice.

• Negotiations, roundtable meetings and mediations, prior to or during Court proceedings.

• Applications in the Family Court for division of relationship property, discovery (prior to proceedings or after proceedings have commenced), Orders for sale of property, other Applications for seeking additional information (interlocutory applications). 

• Note: if the transaction involves companies or trust disputes, I may not be able to assist or, may require an instructing solicitor.

• Applications in the Family Court for personal Orders as to residential care, placement, transfer of funds. 

• Applications in the Family Court to challenge decisions made by an Attorney (EPOA) and/or to revoke the Attorney's power and appoint another Attorney.

• Applications in the Court for the Appointment of a Property Manager and/or Welfare Guardian

• Assistance where there is adverse reporting from Public Trust for Property Managers

I am experienced in adoption law, both domestic and international adoptions.

Adoption matters involve complex legal requirements alongside deeply personal family circumstances. I provide careful guidance throughout the process, ensuring each matter is handled with sensitivity, diligence and attention to detail.

• Review of Plans.

• Representation where Orders are sought.