Best Lawyers in Australia for Family Law
Select a location from the list below to find the best legal talent for your needs.
Cities
Paul Fildes is an Accredited Family Law Specialist with over four decades of experience, having practised exclusively in family law since 1983. Recognised nationally for his expertise, Paul is ranked as one of the Preeminent Family & Divorce Lawyers in Melbourne by Doyle’s Guide 2026 and is also recognised nationally as a Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer. Paul has been consistently listed by Doyle’s Guide as a Preeminent family lawyer every year from 2019 through 2026, refl...
Justine Woods is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Justine practices law in Brisbane, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Justine Woods since 2017. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Justine Woods is held by other lawyers.
Kathleen is a Partner practising exclusively in Family and Relationship law. Kathleen has extensive experience advising on relocation matters, international disputes, family violence and general parenting issues that arise upon the breakdown of a relationship. Kathleen advises clients on the financial issues arising upon a separation and ensures settlements are finalised as quickly as possible. As an Accredited Specialist (Family Law), as well as a responsive and accomplished practitioner, Ka...
Leeann is a Special Counsel in our Family and Relationship Law practice. Leeann practices exclusively in family and relationship law and advises clients on both matrimonial and de facto property settlements. Her experience includes advising on alternative dispute resolution (including collaborative law), child-related matters, spousal maintenance and binding financial agreements.Most recently, Leeann was named in the 12th edition of Best Lawyers, Australia for Family Law. Leeann holds qualifi...
Geoffrey Wilson is a Brisbane-based lawyer with HopgoodGanim, where he focuses on Alternative Dispute Resolution, Family Law and Family Law Mediation. He works with individuals and families navigating separation, parenting arrangements and property matters, with an emphasis on practical pathways that reduce conflict and support long-term outcomes. His practice is grounded in a clear understanding of the legal and personal issues that arise during family law disputes. Geoffrey regularly assist...
Judy Stewart is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Judy practices law in Brisbane, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Judy Stewart since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Judy Stewart is held by other lawyers.
Stephanie Doyle is a highly respected family lawyer in Australia, known for her extensive experience and expertise in family law matters. With 20 years of experience, Stephanie is committed to continuing her professional education and is currently serving as the Chair of the LIV Family Law Section Education Work Group. She is also a member of the LIV Family Law Section Courts Practice and Executive Committees, where she advocates for the family law profession and education of the profession m...
Bonnie Phillips is an Accredited Family Law Specialist with the Law Institute of Victoria and has been recognised in Best Lawyers and as a Preeminent Family & Divorce Lawyer in Regional Victoria in the 2025 Doyle’s Guide. Bonnie is a Director and Principal of Coulter Legal and acts for clients in all aspects of Family Law, ranging from divorce and intricate parenting matters, through to complex and multifaceted financial matters, including multi-party international disputes. Bonnie ...
Damien has practised for over 40 years in the Family law and de facto relationship fields. Damien is an Accredited Family Law Specialist, a Mediator and an Arbitrator with extensive knowledge and expertise in all areas of family law. He has a particular interest in complex financial and property settlements and international family law matters. Damien is consistently recognised by his peers in published reviews as a leader in the field of family law. Damien was invited to become a Fellow of t...
Adele Katzew is our Head of Family Law, a Principal, and Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Family Law. Adele’s strength is helping people feel comfortable whilst they're dealing with the legal complexities and emotional strain of separation and divorce . She achieves this by helping clients identify and get a positive outcome, sorting things out on their behalf - and most importantly, providing people with as much certainty as possible when their lives may feel out of t...
I practice exclusively in family law and have done so for the better part of the last 25 years. I have developed a reputation for resolving complex financial and parenting matters in a sensitive but structured way. You can rely on me to provide you with honest and practical advice. Whether you are in the process of separating or needing to protect yourself with a pre-nuptial agreement you can be sure that I will look after your interests. I will keep you informed every step of the way and giv...
Jason Walker is a Partner at Forte Family Lawyers and is an accreditation specialist in Family Law (2005). Jason has over 30 years of experience helping clients through family and relationship breakdown. He has particular expertise in complex parenting matters and complex financial litigation, acting for high net worth individuals in matters involving trusts, companies and businesses. Jason’s practice includes international family law , often involving jurisdictional and forum disputes....
Wendy is a highly experienced accredited family law specialist and an accredited family law arbitrator. Her strong preference is to assist clients settle their family law issues in a conciliatory manner through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or through the collaborative law process. However, if litigation is necessary Wendy will take immediate action to protect her client’s position. Much of Wendy’s work is with financial agreements and the often difficult corporate, trust an...
Kimberly Hunter brings expertise and empathy to the practice of family law. She has wide-ranging experience in family law across a variety of settings and contexts and amongst a diverse client base. Kimberly started her career in New Zealand where she was admitted. She spent time in the UK where she was actively involved in complex children cases. Kimberly became a Director of Clancy & Triado in 2000 after joining the firm in 1998. She gained specialist accreditation in Family Law from th...
Shannon Ariens is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Shannon practices law in Brisbane, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Shannon Ariens since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Shannon Ariens is held by other lawyers.
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.
