Welcome to our Sydney Mills Oakley Family Law Newsletter for February 2026.
It’s been a busy month for the Sydney Mills Oakley Family Law Team. From guiding clients through complex matters to celebrating client’s successes, and lots of events in between, there’s been plenty happening.
Take a look below to find out what we’ve been up to!
On 5 February 2026, the Sydney Mills Oakley Family Law Team had the pleasure of attending the 2026 Opening of Law Term Dinner hosted by The Law Society of New South Wales.
The Team were honoured to hear from the Chief Justice, the Hon. Andrew Bell AC, who delivered the Opening of Law Term Address, as well as the President of the Law Society of NSW, Ronan MacSweeney, who delivered the Presidential Address on the rule of law.
It was a great opportunity to reconnect with many colleagues before another busy year commences
In the latest episode of Beyond Borders, our Antonia Marran and Susan Warda are joined by the Honourable Michelle May AM KC to demystify the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
The conversation explains how the Convention works to ensure children who are wrongfully removed across borders are returned to their country of habitual residence so that custody disputes can be decided in the proper jurisdiction – not relitigated internationally.
The episode outlines the strict time limits for action, how applications are made through Central Authorities, and the limited defences available, including consent, a child’s objection and the “grave risk of harm” exception. With practical insights into court processes, evidence and early intervention, this episode highlights why urgent legal advice is critical in cross-border parenting disputes.
Listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/gVXU3qBm
If this topic is relevant to you or someone you advise, feel free to share or contact Susan Warda at [email protected] or +61 2 8289 5800.
The National Mills Oakley Family Law Team were delighted to be invited to the 50th anniversary celebration dinner of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) in Melbourne on 19 February 2026.
It was a great evening of connection and recognition of the important work by the judiciary and the profession in family law. And a stunning venue in the National Gallery of Victoria!
In response to the recent amendments to the Family Law Act, questions have been raised about whether you can protect sensitive information in family law proceedings.
In this article, our Lawyer, Shannon Jenkin, and Partner, Carly Mirza-Price discuss how these changes enhance the Court’s power to safeguard private therapeutic and health records.
You can read the article here
On 19 February 2026, the Sydney Mills Oakley Family Law Team had the pleasure of hosting the first member event for CP(NSW) for 2026!
We were fortunate to hear from an expert panel, including Shelby Timmins, Gloria Hawke, Valerie Norton, Aileen Slattery and facilitated by Bianca Roche-Bolger.
The discussion invited us to “think like a coach” and explore the important question in collaborative practice, how do coaches make an assessment for suitability and what are some of their checks and red flags?
It was an engaging evening, diving into Collaborative Law and gaining valuable insight into the mindset and assessment framework of a coach.
A fantastic way to kick off the 2026 CP(NSW) calendar!
We work hard to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients, and we value the feedback we receive every day. Here’s a snapshot of what some of our clients said this month:
“Thank you to each of you for your support of my situation. It has been very reassuring to know that I am in experienced hands. I really appreciate that, again thanks.” [to Partner, Carly Mirza-Price]
“Dear Susan, I hope you’ve been keeping well. I can hardly believe it’s already been a month since the final court hearing for my property settlement. I wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for all your support, advice, and guidance over the past two years. You and your team have been brilliant in every way – your professionalism, care, and incredible attention to detail have meant so much to me. Jenna was also amazing, both in the lead up to the hearing and on the day itself. Although I was very nervous, I felt confident knowing I had the very best representation by my side. I’m absolutely thrilled with the positive outcome and couldn’t have been happier with the result. Thank you once again – I’m truly grateful to you and your team for all your support throughout this journey.” [to Partner, Susan Warda, and Senior Associate, Jenna Georgopolous]
“Thank you to my dream team!!!!” [to Partner, Susan Warda, and Lawyer, Shannon Jenkin]
Referrals are important to us. If you know someone who would benefit from a confidential conversation with a family lawyer, please pass on our details and we will do our very best to look after them.
Referrals are important to us. If you know someone who would benefit from a confidential conversation with a family lawyer, please pass on our details and we will do our very best to look after them.
Don’t forget to visit our website to read our helpful Plain English Guides.
If you would like further information or have any queries regarding other matters, please do not hesitate to contact:
