Why a city firm
Away from the beach, where no one knows you
Life on the Northern Beaches is lived outdoors and in public: at the surf club, on the school run, in the coffee queue. Communities from Manly to Palm Beach are close, and word travels fast. It is not surprising that many families here prefer to take family law advice somewhere else.
Our office in the city gives Northern Beaches clients that distance. And because the peninsula stretches a long way north, we have built our practice to work well remotely: secure video consultations, electronic signing where the law allows, and meetings in the city only when they genuinely add value.
Matters we see
What Northern Beaches families ask us about
Property and lifestyle assets
Many Northern Beaches families hold their wealth in real estate: the family home near the water, sometimes a second property, and often investment property. Deciding who keeps what (and whether properties are sold, retained or transferred) is often the central question. See property settlement.
Small and family businesses
The Beaches have a strong culture of owner-operated businesses, trades and professional practices. When a business is part of the asset pool, valuation, cash flow and the continuity of the business all matter. Read separating as a business owner.
De facto relationships
Many long-term couples on the Beaches never married. De facto separations have their own threshold and a strict two-year time limit. See de facto separation.
Parenting and relocation
Families sometimes consider moving (up the coast, interstate or overseas) after separating. Relocation with children raises difficult questions that need early advice. See parenting and custody and our guide to relocating with children.
Resolving matters privately
Many Beaches families want to stay on good terms for their children's sake. Mediation and collaborative approaches are often a good fit.
Getting here
From the Northern Beaches to 185 Elizabeth Street
- By ferry from Manly to Circular Quay, then one stop on the City Circle to St James, a 3-minute walk from our building.
- By B-Line bus from Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Dee Why, Brookvale and other stops to Wynyard, then a short walk east.
- By car via the Spit Bridge and Harbour Bridge or Tunnel. Commercial car parks are within a short walk of our office.
- By video
For most meetings, particularly for clients from Avalon, Whale Beach and Palm Beach.
Meeting options
Advice without the commute
Your first consultation can be by video, phone or in person. You can enquire online at any time, and we respond within one business day during business hours.