Sydney's Leading experts in Family Law:
Property Settlement Divorce & Separation Mediation & Negotiations Parenting & Child Custody Complex Matters
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Meet Sydney’s leading experts in family law
FRANCES EDWARDS
Founding Partner
Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Qualified Mediator
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Economics
Practising since 1986
ABOUT FRANCES:
With over 35+ years of success in complex family law matters, Frances is one of Sydney’s most senior, experienced, well-known and respected Family Law practitioners. As Edwards Family Lawyers founding Partner and most experienced senior solicitor, Frances has nurtured and matured a legal team that can handle the most complex of matters.
Frances has been a Law Society of NSW Accredited Family Law Specialist for over 28 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 35 years after graduating with a Bachelors of Laws and Economics.
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...
MICHAEL MOLONEY
Partner
Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Arts
Master of Laws Commercial Litigation
Practising since 2006
ABOUT MICHAEL:
Michael is a Law Society of NSW Accredited specialist in Family Law. This combined with his commercial litigation experience and completion of a Masters of Laws in Commercial Litigation, means he is well equipped to handle complex Family Law matters as he draws on experience in other jurisdictions which so often overlap with Family Law. Michael’s approach is strategic, systematic and highly detailed, bringing successful outcomes for his clients. Michael understands that for many people, their Family Law matter is their first experience with the legal system and it can be confusing and overwhelming. He earns trust by providing a supportive yet pragmatic approach to their individual situation.
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 15 years. Michael holds a Bachelor of Laws/Arts. He was admitted as a Lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW and as a Solicitor to the High Court of Australia in 2006. Family Lawyers in Sydney are...
LACHLAN JACKSON
Senior Associate
Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Bachelor of Laws (Hons)
Bachelor of Arts
Masters of Applied Family Law
Practising since 2014
ABOUT LACHLAN:
Lachlan is a Senior Associate at Edwards Family Lawyers having first joined the firm in 2018. Lachlan is a Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law and has worked exclusively in the area of Family Law since 2011. In that time, he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and appreciation for the expertise required in Family Law.
Lachlan holds a Bachelor of Arts Bachelor and Bachelor of Laws (Hons), Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, and a Masters of Applied Family Law (with Distinction). He was admitted as a Lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW and as a Solicitor to the High Court of Australia in May 2014.
Lachlan understands that a family breakdown is a stressful and often overwhelming experience for his clients. He takes pride in adopting an empathetic, friendly yet well-grounded approach to navigating clients through the Family Law process to achieve the best outcome available.
NICHOLAS GIBBS
Senior Associate
Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Communication
Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
Practising since 2016
ABOUT NICHOLAS:
Nicholas is a dedicated family lawyer who has extensive experience having worked as a family lawyer for many years in both national and specialist family law firms.
Nicholas recognises the importance of excellent communication with his clients to ensure they are informed of their options and understand advice so they can make good decisions. He has a good eye for detail and an ability to summarise the issues in a matter and outline the pathway to achieving a favourable outcome.
He takes a pragmatic approach to family law matters and advocates strongly for his clients to achieve their desired outcomes in the most expeditious and cost-effective manner possible…
TILLY HERBERT-SMITH
Associate Lawyer
Bachelor of Laws (Hons)
Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
Member of the Law Society of NSW
Practising since 2019
ABOUT TILLY:
Tilly is a motivated family lawyer whose experience includes practising in a Family Law team within a national law firm as well as boutique specialist Family Law firms.
Tilly is a forthright advocate and has been described by a former client as a ‘terrier’ when it comes to investigating complex financial arrangements and structures. Her incisive approach enables early practical discussion of issues which facilitates a final resolution for her clients at the earliest opportunity
Tilly has experience in negotiation, mediation and litigation as a passionate Sydney Family Lawyer who aims…
Zoe Hanley
Paralegal
2nd year Bachelor of Laws
and Commerce (Accounting)
Paralegal and Support Team
Our paralegals are all actively undertaking degrees in Law, whilst completing degrees in supporting fields such as Accounting and Commerce. Our paralegals are motivated in pursuing life-long careers in Family Law and they actively aid our lawyers in managing our clients’ cases including collating and indexing documentation required for disclosure in property settlement, spouse maintenance, child support, parenting cases and mediation. Edwards Family Lawyers team is located in Sydney, Australia, and prides itself on providing top-quality systems and ongoing training to our supporting staff to ensure our family law firm delivers the highest quality service for which Edwards Family Lawyers is renowned.
Henry Commins
Paralegal
4th year Bachelor of Laws
and Commerce (Accounting)
Paralegal and Support Team
Our paralegals are all actively undertaking degrees in Law, whilst completing degrees in supporting fields such as Accounting and Commerce. Our paralegals are motivated in pursuing life-long careers in Family Law and they actively aid our lawyers in managing our clients’ cases including collating and indexing documentation required for disclosure in property settlement, spouse maintenance, child support, parenting cases and mediation. Edwards Family Lawyers team is located in Sydney, Australia, and prides itself on providing top-quality systems and ongoing training to our supporting staff to ensure our family law firm delivers the highest quality service for which Edwards Family Lawyers is renowned.
Hannah Hurst
Paralegal
5th year Bachelor of Laws
and Commerce (International Business)
Paralegal and Support Team
Our paralegals are all actively undertaking degrees in Law, whilst completing degrees in supporting fields such as Accounting and Commerce. Our paralegals are motivated in pursuing life-long careers in Family Law and they actively aid our lawyers in managing our clients’ cases including collating and indexing documentation required for disclosure in property settlement, spouse maintenance, child support, parenting cases and mediation. Edwards Family Lawyers team is located in Sydney, Australia, and prides itself on providing top-quality systems and ongoing training to our supporting staff to ensure our family law firm delivers the highest quality service for which Edwards Family Lawyers is renowned.
BRIDGET BARKUS
Paralegal
4th year Bachelor of Laws
and Commerce (Marketing)
SOPHIE WANG
Legal Assistant
Yael Basserabie
Accounts Manager
Frances Edwards
Founding Partner
Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Qualified Mediator
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Economics
Practising since 1986
With over 35+ years of success in complex family law matters, Frances is one of Sydney’s most senior, experienced, well-known and respected Family Law practitioners. As Edwards Family Lawyers founding Partner and most experienced senior solicitor, Frances has nurtured and matured a legal team that can handle the most complex of matters.
Frances has been a Law Society of NSW Accredited Family Law Specialist for over 28 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 35 years after graduating with a Bachelors of Laws and Economics.
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… Read More...
Michael Moloney
Partner
Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Arts
Master of Laws Commercial Litigation
Practising since 2006
Michael is a Law Society of NSW Accredited specialist in Family Law. This combined with his commercial litigation experience and completion of a Masters of Laws in Commercial Litigation, means he is well equipped to handle complex Family Law matters as he draws on experience in other jurisdictions which so often overlap with Family Law. Michael’s approach is strategic, systematic and highly detailed, bringing successful outcomes for his clients. Michael understands that for many people, their Family Law matter is their first experience with the legal system and it can be confusing and overwhelming. He earns trust by providing a supportive yet pragmatic approach to their individual situation.
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 15 years. Michael holds a Bachelor of Laws/Arts. He was admitted as a Lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW and as a Solicitor to the High Court of Australia in 2006. Family Lawyers in Sydney are… Read More…
Lachlan Jackson
Senior Associate
Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Bachelor of Laws (Hons)
Bachelor of Arts
Masters of Applied Family Law
Practising since 2014
Lachlan is a Senior Associate at Edwards Family Lawyers having first joined the firm in 2018. Lachlan is a Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law and has worked exclusively in the area of Family Law since 2011. In that time, he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and appreciation for the expertise required in Family Law.
Lachlan holds a Bachelor of Arts Bachelor and Bachelor of Laws (Hons), Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, and a Masters of Applied Family Law (with Distinction). He was admitted as a Lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW and as a Solicitor to the High Court of Australia in May 2014.
Lachlan understands that a family breakdown is a stressful and often overwhelming experience for his clients. He takes pride in adopting an empathetic, friendly yet well-grounded approach to navigating clients through the Family Law process to achieve the best outcome available… Read More…
Nicholas Gibbs
Senior Associate
Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Communication
Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
Practising since 2016
Nicholas is a dedicated family lawyer who has extensive experience having worked as a family lawyer for many years in both national and specialist family law firms.
Nicholas recognises the importance of excellent communication with his clients to ensure they are informed of their options and understand advice so they can make good decisions. He has a good eye for detail and an ability to summarise the issues in a matter and outline the pathway to achieving a favourable outcome.
He takes a pragmatic approach to family law matters and advocates strongly for his clients to achieve their desired outcomes in the most expeditious and cost-effective manner possible… Read More…
Tilly Herbert-Smith
Associate Lawyer
Bachelor of Laws (Hons)
Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
Member of the Law Society of NSW
Practising since 2019
Tilly is a motivated family lawyer whose experience includes practising in a Family Law team within a national law firm as well as boutique specialist Family Law firms.
Tilly is a forthright advocate and has been described by a former client as a ‘terrier’ when it comes to investigating complex financial arrangements and structures. Her incisive approach enables early practical discussion of issues which facilitates a final resolution for her clients at the earliest opportunity
Tilly has experience in negotiation, mediation and litigation as a passionate Sydney Family Lawyer who aims… Read More…
Zoe Hanley
Paralegal
2nd year Bachelor of Laws
and Commerce (Accounting)
Our paralegals are all actively undertaking degrees in Law, whilst completing degrees in supporting fields such as Accounting and Commerce. Our paralegals are motivated in pursuing life-long careers in Family Law and they actively aid our lawyers in managing our clients’ cases including collating and indexing documentation required for disclosure in property settlement, spouse maintenance, child support, parenting cases and mediation. Edwards Family Lawyers team is located in Sydney, Australia, and prides itself on providing top-quality systems and ongoing training to our supporting staff to ensure our family law firm delivers the highest quality service for which Edwards Family Lawyers is renowned.
Henry Commins
Paralegal
4th year Bachelor of Laws
and Commerce (Accounting)
Our paralegals are all actively undertaking degrees in Law, whilst completing degrees in supporting fields such as Accounting and Commerce. Our paralegals are motivated in pursuing life-long careers in Family Law and they actively aid our lawyers in managing our clients’ cases including collating and indexing documentation required for disclosure in property settlement, spouse maintenance, child support, parenting cases and mediation. Edwards Family Lawyers team is located in Sydney, Australia, and prides itself on providing top-quality systems and ongoing training to our supporting staff to ensure our family law firm delivers the highest quality service for which Edwards Family Lawyers is renowned.
Hannah Hurst
Paralegal
Paralegal
5th year Bachelor of Laws
and Commerce (International Business)
Our paralegals are all actively undertaking degrees in Law, whilst completing degrees in supporting fields such as Accounting and Commerce. Our paralegals are motivated in pursuing life-long careers in Family Law and they actively aid our lawyers in managing our clients’ cases including collating and indexing documentation required for disclosure in property settlement, spouse maintenance, child support, parenting cases and mediation. Edwards Family Lawyers team is located in Sydney, Australia, and prides itself on providing top-quality systems and ongoing training to our supporting staff to ensure our family law firm delivers the highest quality service for which Edwards Family Lawyers is renowned.
Bridget Barkus
Paralegal
4th year Bachelor of Laws
and Commerce (Marketing)
Our paralegals are all actively undertaking degrees in law, whilst completing degrees in supporting fields such as Accounting and Commerce. Our paralegals are motivated in pursuing life-long careers in Family Law and they actively aid our lawyers in managing our clients’ cases including collating and indexing documentation required for disclosure in property settlement, spouse maintenance, child support, parenting cases and mediation. Edwards Family Lawyers team is located in Sydney, Australia, and prides itself on providing top-quality systems and ongoing training to our supporting staff to ensure our family law firm delivers the highest quality service for which Edwards Family Lawyers is renowned.
Sophie Wang
Legal Secretary
Yael Basserabie
Accounts Manager
About Edwards Moloney Family Law
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 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.
What are Accredited Family Law Specialists?
Members of our senior legal team are accredited Family Law Specialists. In the legal profession an Accredited Specialist is a practising solicitor who has demonstrated specialised competence in a particular area of law and has been conferred Specialist Accreditation by the Law Society under its Specialist Accreditation Scheme. Edwards Family Lawyers is a highly experienced specialist family law firm that has 4 accredited specialists working out of our offices in Sydney CBD and North Sydney.
How to decide the best family lawyer for your case?
1. Assess your situation:
In order to find the most suitable family lawyer for your case, it is important to first evaluate your specific needs. Ask yourself what kind of legal representation you require. Do you need help with a divorce, child custody, property settlement or more complex matters? Once you have determined what kind of legal advice you need, it is time to begin searching for the best possible lawyer for your situation. It is beneficial to speak with people who you trust and who have had experience with family law firms in the past. By speaking with friends, family members, or colleagues, you can gain valuable insight into which firms may be best suited to handle your particular case.
2. Referrals
Referrals from friends and family are a great starting point for finding the right family lawyer. While it is true that your situation may be different from someone else‘s, referrals can provide an indication of the quality of service you can expect from a particular lawyer.
3. Research:
To make sure you‘re getting the best representation for your case, it is important to do your own research as well. Look for lawyers who specialise in family law and are accredited specialists. Make sure to check their background, education, qualifications, experience and registrations so that you have all the information necessary to make an informed decision.
4. Schedule an Initial Consultation:
Once you’ve identified a few potential family lawyers, it is important to take the time to schedule an initial consultation with each one. This meeting will be your opportunity to discuss the details of your case and evaluate whether or not you feel comfortable with the lawyer‘s approach and experience. It may be necessary for you to attend multiple consultations in order to find the best solicitor who you can trust to handle your case. Doing research ahead of time and taking notes during each meeting can help make this process easier and ensure that you make an informed decision.
5. Ask Questions:
It is important to ask a lot of questions during each consultation with each lawyer. You should inquire about their experience, how they would handle your case, if they have had any success with similar cases, and what strategies they would use to help you reach your desired outcome. Additionally, you should make sure to ask about their fees so that you know exactly what you are getting into if you decide to hire them. A good lawyer will be taking notes throughout the meeting and it is recommended that you do the same in order to get the most out of the consultation.
Our Services
Divorce & Separation
Expert divorce lawyers
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. 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 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 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 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 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
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.
