Why a city firm
Why Lower North Shore families come into the city
The Lower North Shore is close-knit. Children attend the same schools, parents meet on the same sidelines, and the local professional community is small enough that people know one another's business. For many families going through a separation, that familiarity is exactly the problem.
Our clients from Mosman to Lane Cove often tell us the same thing: they want advice from people who are not part of their local network, in a place where they will not run into their neighbours, and from people who explain things clearly. A city office, away from the local high street, gives them that.
It is also practical. Many of our North Shore clients work in the CBD or North Sydney already. An appointment at 185 Elizabeth Street fits around a working day, and the city is minutes from the Sydney registry of the Federal Circuit and Family Court if the matter ever needs it.
Matters we see
What Lower North Shore families ask us about
Every family is different, but the matters we see from the Lower North Shore share some common features.
The family home and the mortgage
Harbourside and village properties in suburbs such as Cremorne, Neutral Bay and Northbridge are frequently the largest single asset in the pool, and often carry significant debt. Whether one party can retain the home, and on what terms, is often the first question. We model the options (buy-out, sale, deferred sale) with the refinancing reality in mind. See our property settlement page.
Two professional incomes
Dual-career households are common, with income from salaries, bonuses and equity plans. The treatment of unvested shares, deferred bonuses and superannuation often needs careful work. Our high net worth divorce team handles these regularly.
Schools and continuity for children
Many North Shore families are anchored to a particular school and neighbourhood. Parenting arrangements usually aim to keep children close to both, and to share school fees and costs sensibly. See parenting and custody.
Second relationships and financial agreements
Couples entering new relationships, often with children and assets from earlier ones, ask us to prepare binding financial agreements that protect everyone.
Getting here
From the Lower North Shore to 185 Elizabeth Street
Our office is in the St James Trust Building on Elizabeth Street, a 3-minute walk from St James Station.
- Sydney Metro from Crows Nest or Victoria Cross (North Sydney) to Martin Place or Gadigal, then a short walk along Elizabeth or Castlereagh Street.
- Trains on the North Shore line from North Sydney, Waverton, Wollstonecraft, St Leonards or Artarmon to Wynyard or Town Hall, then a walk of around ten to fifteen minutes, or change to the City Circle for St James.
- Ferries from Mosman Bay, Cremorne Point, Neutral Bay or Kirribilli to Circular Quay, then one stop on the City Circle to St James.
- Buses from Military Road, Lane Cove and Hunters Hill run to Wynyard and the city.
- By car, commercial car parks are within a short walk. We are happy to suggest the most convenient one when we confirm your appointment.
Meeting options
In person, by video, or both
Many clients meet us in person for the first consultation and at key moments (before a mediation, for example) and by video or phone for everything else. Documents are exchanged securely, and you will always know who is working on your matter.
We respond within one business day during business hours.