OUR TEAM
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…
Victoria Principe
Family Lawyer
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Business
Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
Practising since 2021
ABOUT VICTORIA:
Victoria is a dedicated and experienced lawyer who specialises in Family Law and draws upon her previous experience in other types of litigation to assist her clients.
Victoria holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business (Distinction) from the University of Technology, Sydney, as well as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. She advises her clients on various family law issues, such as property settlements, divorce, child support, relocation, de-facto relationships and parenting disputes.
Victoria was admitted as a Lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW in 2021 and is a member of The Law Society of New South Wales. As an undergraduate at the University of Technology, Sydney, she volunteered for Women’s Safety NSW...
Zoe Hanley
Paralegal
3rd 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.
Isabella Barkus
Paralegal
3rd year Bachelor of Laws
and Bachelor of 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.
Sinead Peters
Paralegal
4th year Bachelor of Laws
and Bachelor of Psychology
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.
Charlotte Ekins
Paralegal
3rd year Bachelor of Laws
and Bachelor of Business
Paralegal 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.
Anabelle Truong
Paralegal
3rd year Bachelor of Laws
and Bachelor of Arts
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.
Anouck Heyse
Paralegal
2nd year Bachelor of Laws
and Bachelor of Professional 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.
Yael Basserabie
Accounts Manager
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
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.
Schedule a call back
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.
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.
