Vanessa Merlino
Family Lawyer
Vanessa is a dedicated family lawyer who is passionate about helping clients navigate separation, parenting and property matters with empathy, professionalism and practical guidance. She understands that family law matters can be emotionally challenging and is committed to ensuring her clients feel supported, informed and empowered throughout every stage of their matter.
Admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of NSW in 2025, Vanessa joined Edwards Moloney Family Law after gaining experience across family law, workers compensation, property and conveyancing, commercial law, wills and estates and litigation. Her diverse background has equipped her with strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail and the ability to guide clients through complex legal issues with confidence and care.
Vanessa values building genuine relationships with her clients and believes that clear communication and practical advice are key to achieving positive outcomes. She takes the time to understand each client’s unique circumstances and works collaboratively to find solutions that best meet their needs, while supporting them through what is often one of life’s most significant transitions.
Our Services
Divorce & Separation
Divorce Services
When married couples separate, there is only one ground for the grant of a Divorce Order, and that is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. This is established by the parties being separated for a minimum of 12 months prior to Divorce. In some circumstances, parties can be living under the same roof and still be able to establish this ground.
Property Settlement
Expert property settlement lawyers
Edwards Moloney Family Lawyers can assist you and your spouse/partner to come to an agreement in relation to all financial matters and issues arising from the breakdown of a relationship, including the division of all assets and liabilities, spouse maintenance payments, superannuation splitting orders and child support departure Orders.
Negotiation & Resolution
Expert negotiation and resolution lawyers
Opportunities for negotiation, dispute resolution, and settlement, exist not only before proceedings are commenced, but also after proceedings have been commenced and right up until the time that the Court finally hears and determines the matter. Parties can settle a matter at any time.
Parenting & Children
Parenting and Children Family Lawyers
The best interests of the children is the paramount consideration when determining the most appropriate and suitable arrangements for the children after a separation. At Edwards Moloney Family Lawyers, we encourage our clients to participate in the counselling or mediation services available to assist them to reach an agreement with their spouse/former partner
Mediation Services
Mediation Lawyers
Edwards Moloney Family Lawyers offer Mediation Services to assist parties to engage in effective dispute resolution. Our Principal, Frances Edwards, has extensive experience in negotiating settlements in both parenting and property matters, and is a National Accredited Mediator and member of LEADR and IAMA.
De Facto
De Facto Lawyers
De Facto couples (including same sex couples) who separate after 1 March 2009 have the same rights as married couples. The rights and obligations of couples upon the breakdown of a Marriage or De Facto relationship are now all governed by the Family Law Act 1975. De Facto couples who separated prior to 1 March 2009 are still covered by the old State legislation
CONTACT US
We are a leading family law firm in Sydney with over 30 years of award-winning experience in matters relating to complex family law matters. We are a full-service family law firm with a rich history of helping clients with complex property settlements, divorce law, divorce negotiations, child custody and mediation services. Our law firm has a strong focus on providing expert specialist advice relating to Family Law following the breakdown of your marriage or de facto relationship.
Contact Us:
North Sydney: Suite 10-02, 65 Berry Street
North Sydney, NSW 2060
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
We acknowledge the Cammeraygal and Gadigal people being the traditional owners of the land on which we work and their elders past and present.
