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Edwards Family Lawyers is committed to providing expert advice on all areas of Family Law following the breakdown of your marriage or de facto relationship, including same-sex relationships.
Our Legal Team
FRANCES EDWARDS
Founding Partner
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Economics
Law Society Accredited Specialist Family Law (since 1994)
Qualified Mediator
Practising since 1986
Our founding Partner, Frances Edwards, holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws. Frances is one of Sydney’s most senior, experienced and respected Family Law practitioners. Frances has been a Law Society of NSW Accredited Family Law Specialist for over 26 years and is a member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia. Frances was admitted to practice in 1986 and has practised exclusively in Family Law for over 34 years.
Frances has specialised knowledge and experience in all aspects of Family Law matters including separation and divorce, property settlement, finalisation of Family Law settlements including consent orders and financial agreements, de facto relationships and de facto relationship agreements, parenting issues and arrangements for children, child support, child abduction, domestic violence matters and spouse maintenance…
Read more
FRANCES EDWARDS
Founding Partner
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Economics
Practising since 1985
Our founding Partner, Frances Edwards, holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws. Frances is one of Sydney’s most senior, experienced and respected Family Law practitioners. Frances has been a Law Society of NSW Accredited Family Law Specialist for over 20 years and is a member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia. Frances was admitted to practice in 1986 and has
Frances has specialised knowledge and experience in all aspects of Family Law matters including separation and divorce, property settlement, finalisation of Family Law settlements including consent orders and financial agreements, de facto relationships and de facto relationship agreements, parenting issues and arrangements for children, child support, child abduction, domestic violence matters and spouse maintenance…
Read more
MICHAEL MOLONEY
Partner
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Arts
Master of Laws Commercial Litigation
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Practising Since 2006
Michael is a Partner at Edwards Family Lawyers – having joined the firm in 2018. He brings with him a wealth of experience in Family Law having practiced in a Family Law Firm for over 14 years. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts/Laws and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. He was admitted as a Lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW and as a Solicitor to the High Court of Australia in 2006.
Michael understands that for many people, their family law matter is their first experience with the legal system and it can at times be confusing and overwhelming. He has earned his clients’ trust by providing a supportive yet pragmatic approach to their individual situation.
Michael is not in the business of making sales. He recognises that Family Law is an area where people can, sometimes, lose perspective of what they are truly seeking. He considers he has an important role to ensure his clients understand all the benefits and risks involved in any Family Law matter so they can consider their options regarding how to proceed in the future from a realistic and informed perspective…Read more
ARIANE POTTER
Senior Associate
Juris Doctor
Bachelor of International Studies
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Practising Since 2014
Ariane has significant experience in both intricate parenting matters including relocation and recovery orders, domestic violence matters and property settlement matters including complex property litigation.
Ariane is mindful of the emotional stress faced by clients during Family Law proceedings and applies her extensive practical knowledge in assisting clients to reach a settlement out of Court.
Ariane holds a Bachelor of International Studies from Macquarie University and spent a semester studying in Spain. She holds a Juris Doctor from University of Technology, Sydney and was admitted as a solicitor in 2014. She is a member of the Law Society and the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia…
Read more
ELISE FORDHAM
Associate Lawyer
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Financial Administration
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Practising Since 2015
Elise is an Associate at Edwards Family Lawyers, and is an experienced family lawyer who has worked exclusively in family law related matters since 2014. She was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia in early 2015. Elise holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Financial Administration and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
Elise takes pride in assisting clients to reach strategic commercial, practical and cost-effective outcomes. Elise believes it is important to handle every matter with a strategic and practical attitude that resolves matters as efficiently as possible, or places her clients in good stead should litigation become necessary.
Elise has successfully represented clients in all areas of family law, including children’s matters, de facto relationships, same sex relationships, spousal maintenance, property matters, international child abduction, contravention applications, from the Federal Circuit Court up to Appellate level. She also has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution, and in domestic violence matters… Read more
SAMIRA FRIIS
Lawyer
Juris Doctor
Bachelors Degree in English Literature
Masters in Family Law (in progress)
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Practising Since 2017
Samira holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Technology, Sydney, and is currently completing her Masters in Family Law. Since admission as a lawyer, Samira has worked predominantly in the area of Family Law assisting separated, married and de facto couples in a wide range of property and parenting matters.
Samira has represented clients to reach just and equitable property settlements in cases with large asset pools which involve shareholdings, partnership interests, companies and trusts, international assets, and matters with complex valuation issues.
Samira has also dealt with a wide range of parenting matters involving allegations of family violence, drug use and child abuse, relocation matters, urgent airport Watch-list orders, and matters involving children born out of surrogacy arrangements… Read more
JULIA DAVIES
Paralegal
Julia is a Paralegal at Edwards Family Lawyers and is currently completing her Practical Legal Training. Julia will be admitted as a solicitor in late 2020.
Julia works alongside the lawyers at Edwards Family Lawyers, and assists in complex financial matters. Julia has an in-depth knowledge of the family law jurisdiction and processes from both the legal and administrative perspective, having worked in both administrative and paralegal roles in Sydney Family Law firms on a full-time basis over the past 6 years whilst completing her law degree.
Julia’s great strength is her perseverance and dedication to her work. She plays an important role in assisting our professional staff in unravelling complex financial structures, analysing financial documents, preparing balance sheets and with the preparation of property matters involving complex corporate structures and valuation issues.
Julia’s ability to assist the legal team at Edwards Family Lawyers means that Edwards Family Lawyers are able to deliver high quality work to our clients in a cost-efficient manner…Read more
STEPHANIE LUONG
Paralegal
Stephanie is in her penultimate year of a Bachelor of Communications (Social and Political Sciences) and a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Technology Sydney. Stephanie has extensive experience as a Law Clerk and Paralegal having worked in law firms since August 2017 in the areas of conveyancing and family law. She is a quick learner with a good eye for detail.
Stephanie works closely with our professional staff to ensure all documents are able to be easily accessed as and when required without delay.
Stephanie joined the Edwards Family Lawyers team in March 2019. Stephanie is an invaluable member of the team and provides assistance to the lawyers to manage their files, analyse and organise financial disclosure and draft Court documents. Stephanie has a long-standing interest in family law, and hopes to pursue a career in this area post her admission as a solicitor.
BRIDGET BARKUS
Law Clerk
Bridget is in her second year of her degrees in Commerce and Law at Macquarie University.
Bridget’s interest in law was sparked when she studied and excelled at Legal Studies in her HSC which included observing proceedings in various courts. Bridget takes every opportunity to develop her experience and understanding about what is required to improve the prospects of a successful negotiated agreement or outcome in any court proceedings.
Bridget joined Edwards Family Lawyers as a Law Clerk in November 2019. Bridget brings to the team a keen desire to assist the lawyers at Edwards Family Lawyers to deliver the highest quality family law service for which Edwards Family Lawyers is renowned.
HOLLIE BREGG
Law Firm Manager
Senior Legal Secretary
Cert IV Workplace Training and assessment
Hollie has been an integral part of the team at Edwards Family Lawyers since 2014. Hollie has 20 years’ experience in the legal industry; she has a clear passion for Family Law, ensuring that our clients are welcomed, and their needs are understood and met.
As the Practice Manager, Hollie has strong leadership skills in the day to day running of the practice, including client management, staff management, and general administration support. Her welcoming nature and professional manner help to make our clients feel assured that they are receiving our best service.
MICHAEL MOLONEY
Partner
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Arts
Masters of Laws Commercial Litigation
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Practising Since 2006
Michael is a Partner at Edwards Family Lawyers – having joined the firm in 2018. He brings with him a wealth of experience in Family Law having practiced in a Family Law Firm for over 14 years. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts/Laws and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. He was admitted as a Lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW and as a Solicitor to the High Court of Australia in 2006.
Michael understands that for many people, their family law matter is their first experience with the legal system and it can at times be confusing and overwhelming. He has earned his clients’ trust by providing a supportive yet pragmatic approach to their individual situation.
Michael is not in the business of making sales. He recognises that Family Law is an area where people can, sometimes, lose perspective of what they are truly seeking. He considers he has an important role to ensure his clients understand all the benefits and risks involved in any Family Law matter so they can consider their options regarding how to proceed in the future from a realistic and informed perspective…Read more
ARIANE POTTER
Associate Lawyer
Juris Doctor
Bachelor of International Studies
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Practicing Since 2014
Ariane has significant experience in both intricate parenting matters including relocation and recovery orders, domestic violence matters and property settlement matters including complex property litigation.
Ariane is mindful of the emotional stress faced by clients during Family Law proceedings and applies her extensive practical knowledge in assisting clients to reach a settlement out of Court.
Ariane holds a Bachelor of International Studies from Macquarie University and spent a semester studying in Spain. She holds a Juris Doctor from University of Technology, Sydney and was admitted as a solicitor in 2014. She is a member of the Law Society and the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia…
Read more
ELISE FORDHAM
Associate Lawyer
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Financial Administration
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Elise is an Associate at Edwards Family Lawyers, and is an experienced family lawyer who has worked exclusively in family law related matters since 2014. She was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia in early 2015. Elise holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Financial Administration and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
Elise takes pride in assisting clients to reach strategic commercial, practical and cost-effective outcomes. Elise believes it is important to handle every matter with a strategic and practical attitude that resolves matters as efficiently as possible, or places her clients in good stead should litigation become necessary.
Elise has successfully represented clients in all areas of family law, including children’s matters, de facto relationships, same sex relationships, spousal maintenance, property matters, international child abduction, contravention applications, from the Federal Circuit Court up to Appellate level. She also has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution, and in domestic violence matters… Read more
SAMIRA FRIIS
Lawyer
Juris Doctor
Bachelor’s degree in English Literature
Masters in Family Law (in progress)
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Practising Since 2017
Samira holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Technology, Sydney, and is currently completing her Masters in Family Law. Since admission as a lawyer, Samira has worked predominantly in the area of Family Law assisting separated, married and de facto couples in a wide range of property and parenting matters.
Samira has represented clients to reach just and equitable property settlements in cases with large asset pools which involve shareholdings, partnership interests, companies and trusts, international assets, and matters with complex valuation issues.
Samira has also dealt with a wide range of parenting matters involving allegations of family violence, drug use and child abuse, relocation matters, urgent airport Watch-list orders, and matters involving children born out of surrogacy arrangements… Read more
JULIA DAVIES
Paralegal
Julia is a Paralegal at Edwards Family Lawyers and is currently completing her Practical Legal Training. Julia will be admitted as a solicitor in late 2020.
Julia works alongside the lawyers at Edwards Family Lawyers, and assists in complex financial matters. Julia has an in-depth knowledge of the family law jurisdiction and processes from both the legal and administrative perspective, having worked in both administrative and paralegal roles in Sydney Family Law firms on a full-time basis over the past 6 years whilst completing her law degree.
Julia’s great strength is her perseverance and dedication to her work. She plays an important role in assisting our professional staff in unravelling complex financial structures, analysing financial documents, preparing balance sheets and with the preparation of property matters involving complex corporate structures and valuation issues.
Julia’s ability to assist the legal team at Edwards Family Lawyers means that Edwards Family Lawyers are able to deliver high quality work to our clients in a cost-efficient manner…Read more
STEPHANIE LUONG
Paralegal
Stephanie is in her penultimate year of a Bachelor of Communications (Social and Political Sciences) and a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Technology Sydney.
Stephanie has extensive experience as a Law Clerk and Paralegal having worked in law firms since August 2017 in the areas of conveyancing and family law. She is a quick learner with a good eye for detail.
Stephanie works closely with our professional staff to ensure all documents are able to be easily accessed as and when required without delay.
Stephanie joined the Edwards Family Lawyers team in March 2019. Stephanie is an invaluable member of the team and provides assistance to the lawyers to manage their files, analyse and organise financial disclosure and draft Court documents. Stephanie has a long-standing interest in family law, and hopes to pursue a career in this area post her admission as a solicitor.
BRIDGET BARKUS
Law Clerk
Bridget is in her second year of her degrees in Commerce and Law at Macquarie University.
Bridget’s interest in law was sparked when she studied and excelled at Legal Studies in her HSC which included observing proceedings in various courts. Bridget takes every opportunity to develop her experience and understanding about what is required to improve the prospects of a successful negotiated agreement or outcome in any court proceedings.
Bridget joined Edwards Family Lawyers as a Law Clerk in November 2019. Bridget brings to the team a keen desire to assist the lawyers at Edwards Family Lawyers to deliver the highest quality family law service for which Edwards Family Lawyers is renowned.
HOLLIE BREGG
Firm Manager
Senior Legal Secretary
Cert IV Workplace Training and assessment
Hollie has been an integral part of the team at Edwards Family Lawyers since 2014. Hollie has 18 years’ experience in the legal industry; she has a clear passion for Family Law, ensuring that our clients are welcomed, and their needs are understood and met.
As the Practice Manager, Hollie has strong leadership skills in the day to day running of the practice, including client management, staff management, and general administration support. Her welcoming nature and professional manner help to make our clients feel assured that they are receiving our best service.
Our Specialities
Divorce & Separation
When married couples separate, there is only one ground for the grant of a Divorce Order, and that is…Learn More
Property Settlement
Edwards Family Lawyers can assist you and your spouse/partner to come to an agreement in relation to…Learn More
Negotiation & Resolution
Opportunities for negotiation and settlement exist not only before proceedings are commenced, but also after….Learn More
Parenting & Children
The best interests of the children is the paramount consideration when determining the most appropriate and suitable…Learn More
De Facto
De Facto couples (including same sex couples) who separate after 1 March 2009 have the same rights as married….Learn More
Mediation Services
Edwards Family Lawyers offer Mediation Services to assist parties to engage in effective dispute resolution….Learn More
Our Family Lawyers are here to help
We navigate legal issues for our clients with empathy and a deep understanding of the associated stresses and implications. We can help you, like we have helped many clients in Sydney.
Our Family Lawyers are here to help
We navigate legal issues for our clients with empathy and a deep understanding of the associated stresses and implications. We can help you, like we have helped many clients in Sydney.
