Legal Advice From Family Lawyers in Victoria and NSW
Our Team
Lauren holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Legal Studies, and a Masters of Applied Law (Family Law). She has also completed the additional training to be an Independent Children’s Lawyer and a Parenting Coordinator.
Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing and Drama) and a Masters of Applied Law (Family Law). Prior to her legal career, Alexandra operated as a sole trader providing children’s entertainment.
Chelsea holds a Diploma of Paralegal Services as well as a Bachelor of Counter Terrorism, Security and Intelligence and a Masters of Security and Strategic Studies.
Having completed work experience with Victoria Police and being invited to attend a Global Security Conference in Chicago, Chelsea has a keen insight and interest in the law.
Chelsea is understanding, personable and approachable – but above all prides herself on being empathetic and honest to clients.
Lauren Patford-Smith, the Firm’s Principal, has over fifteen years of experience in Family Law, Children’s Law, Family Violence and Intervention Orders.
Lauren holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Legal Studies and a Masters of Applied Law (Family Law). She has also completed the additional training to be an Independent Children’s Lawyer and a Parenting Coordinator.
Since 2010 she has practiced exclusively in Family Law and has experience in property matters acting for individuals with complex financial structures including trusts, companies, partnerships and businesses.
Lauren has experience in preparing and advising on financial agreements, formalising settlements between parties and spousal maintenance issues.
Lauren has experience in negotiating, mediating and representing clients in litigation in both the State Courts and the Family Law Courts. Lauren also has experience in complex children’s matters including formalising living arrangements, relocations and recovery applications.
Lauren brings empathy and a common sense approach to resolving Family Law and Domestic (De Facto/Same Sex) matters and achieving a suitable resolution for her clients.
Lauren is a member of the Family Law sections of both the Law Institute of Victoria and the Law Council of Australia. She is also member of the Separation Guide and Parenting Coordination Australia.
In her spare time, Lauren enjoys relaxing, reading and spending time with her family.
Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing and Drama) and a Masters of Applied Law (Family Law). Prior to her legal career, Alexandra operated as a sole trader providing children’s entertainment.
After completing her studies, Alexandra was admitted as a Solicitor in July 2021 and has practiced exclusively in family law, with a particular interest in children’s matters. Alexandra has experience in all facets of family law issues including divorce, financial agreements, property division and parenting. Alexandra also has experience in intervention orders and estate planning.
Alexandra is passionate about her role as a family lawyer and aims to resolve matters as swiftly and inexpensively as possible, with a focus on minimising conflict where achievable. She provides honest, solutions-based advice and assists her clients to achieve the best possible outcome so they can begin the next chapter of their lives.
Whilst Alexandra is keen to resolve matters without Court intervention, she has regularly appeared in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia as a strong advocate for her clients.
Outside of work, Alexandra enjoys spending time with her family and two cats, watching theatre and baking goods that contain copious amounts of chocolate.
Chelsea holds a Diploma of Paralegal Services as well as a Bachelor of Counter Terrorism, Security and Intelligence and a Masters of Security and Strategic Studies.
Having completed work experience with Victoria Police and being invited to attend a Global Security Conference in Chicago, Chelsea has a keen insight and interest in the law.
Chelsea is understanding, personable and approachable – but above all prides herself on being empathetic and honest to clients.
Our Memberships Include
Our memberships include:
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Law Council of Australia
- Victorian Women Lawyers
- Golden Key International
- Independent Children’s Lawyer Panel
- The Separation Guide
- Parenting Coordination Australia
- Doyle’s Guide
We Are Different From the Other Traditional Law Firms
- We are approachable, not stuffy, real life people who love the work that we do and to help people.
- We offer a fixed price service – you choose your process and therefore your price. This empowers our clients.
- We want the best for you not just your money. We are passionate and determined to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
- We limit the amount of clients we have to ensure all files are looked after properly. Many firms take on cases they don’t have the ability to run in an effort to simply make money.
- We like to give every client the time and attention they deserve, which is why we maintain our firm as a boutique and meetings are by appointment only.