Kate originally commenced practice in commercial law before pursuing her passion for family law where she has practiced for the majority of her career. Her commercial background has provided her with the ability to advise on all forms of property settlements, with a particular interest in complex or significant asset pools, spousal maintenance, and child support obligations.
Kate is well known for her empathy and compassion for her clients during the challenging aftermath of a family breakdown, whilst providing robust and realistic advice. As a mother, Kate is able to understand the emotions and resulting complexities that are often intrinsic in parenting disputes. Kate’s experience and ability to negotiate positive outcomes often mean that her clients are able to resolve even complex and heated disputes without resorting to litigation, however she is experienced in handling matters and trials in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and Appeal matters with respect to both parenting and property disputes. Additionally, Kate has experience in a broad range of jurisdictions that touch on some of the multifaceted features extant to family law matters, including the Youth Court of South Australia, and the Magistrates Court of South Australia.
Expertise
Kate’s expertise includes:
- Parenting disputes
- Property settlements
- Spousal maintenance
- Financial Agreements
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia litigation
- Appeal matters (parenting and property matters)
- Divorce
- Surrogacy matters
- Adoption matters
- Magistrates Court (Family Violence list)
Recent Projects
- Several successful applications to the Youth Court (SA) for Surrogacy Orders
- Successful outcome in the Family Court of Australia matter of Peat & Northup (No.2) [2020] FamCA 1123 and subsequent successful application for costs
- Successful outcome in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) matter Garwood & Shipton (No 7) [2023] FedCFamC1F 935
- Successful outcome in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) matter Decker & Thames [2023] FedCFamC1F 990
Professional Memberships/ Accreditation & Activities
- Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, Flinders University – 2011
- Bachelor of Education, University of South Australia – 2005
- Admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor in the Supreme Court of South Australia and the High Court of Australia – October 2021
- Council member, Law Society of South Australia, 2023 and 2024
- Member, Law Society of South Australia
- Member, Family Law Section, Law Council of Australia
- Leading Parenting, Custody & Children’s Matters Lawyer – South Australia 2024 – Doyles Guide
- Leading Parenting, Custody & Children’s Matters Lawyer – South Australia 2023 – Doyles Guide
- Recognition by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia in respect to fundraising efforts for Catherine House – 2023
Sector
- Family Law ,
Services
location
Adelaide
