O'Connell Family Law

06/03/2026

💜

08/12/2025

🎄Christmas Break 🎄

We are taking a break to refresh and recharge after another busy year.

We will be closing from 12 noon Friday 19 December 2025 - reopening at 9.00am Monday 12 January 2026.

Appointments for the new year (9 February 2026 onwards) can be made by emailing [email protected]

In the meantime, if you need immediate assistance please call:

• Ph: 000 if you are in danger
• Ph: 131 444 for SAPOL assistance
• Ph: 1800Respect (1800 737 732) family violence support
• Ph: 13 11 14 for Lifeline
• Ph: 1300 366 424 for Legal Services Commission Free Helpline.

O'Connell Family Law wishes you and your families a safe and loving time as we say goodbye to 2025 and welcome the New Year, 2026. ❤️

12/11/2025

Four (4) years in business today 😊

I had lunch at the beautiful Treasury 1860 with super star Sarah Cassells of Office 81, who makes life so much easier (ask her how she can help you)!

Shout out to the rest of the (outsourced) team that keeps O’Connell Family Law ticking:

- Irene Grant – Accountant and Tax Advisor - Walkerville Accountants

- Hayley Kendall – Trust Accounting at Legally Booked

- Tim Scott of Stridr – Design and web stuff

- State Technics : Network & Computer Solutions – IT stuff

And a huge, huge thank you to all the people who have trusted me with their family law matters over the years, or referred clients to me. It is a privilege to be able to help so many people and their families through some really challenging times.

❤️

05/11/2025

The 2026 Doyle’s Guide Family Law (South Australia) lists are out – congratulations to all my colleagues on the lists.

The mystery of Doyle’s Guide means that many, many wonderful practitioners are not “named”, and whilst this does not diminish the achievements of those who are publicly recognised by their peers in the Guide, it must be remembered that absence from the Guide does not mean a practitioner is not an excellent lawyer or highly regarded in their field.

This year seems to have been extra tough one for many clients and their families, and no doubt being a family lawyer has never been more challenging.

However I am again genuinely humbled to have been named:

- Preeminent Category for Leading Parenting, Custody & Children’s Matters Lawyers – South Australia, 2026

- Recommended Category for Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – South Australia, 2026.

I’m also pleased to report that for a 4th year in a row, for a micro firm which is just about to turn 4, O’Connell Family Law has been named in the Recommended Category of SA’s Leading Family & Divorce Law Firms.

Now onward we press to get to the end of 2025 and a well-earned Christmas break. ❤️

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06/09/2025

Today can be a wonderful day and it can be a really, really tough day.

Happy Father's Day ❤️

Reach out if you need support.

Men's Helpline : Ph 1300 789 978
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

16/04/2025

HAPPY EASTER 2025

We are closing at 5.00pm Thursday 17 April for the Easter Break and the days in-between Easter and Anzac Day this year.

Pre-existing Court and related Commitments will be attended to on 22 - 24 April only, and we will re-open on Monday 28 April.

It's such an important time to spend with family and loved ones, and we hope you all stay safe and well. ❤️

06/02/2025

How it started -

20 years ago!!

Today 7 February 2025 marks 20 years of my admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia.

It's a strange day - a time for celebration for surviving, but more of a time for reflection on the high highs and low lows; for the triumphs, heartbreaks, closure, acceptance and tears I have shared with thousands of clients along the way.

Very grateful to all those who have taught me and trusted me.

❤️

*photo is actually from my law school graduation 2 months earlier in December 2004 - no idea where the admission day photos are.

22/01/2025

Free Parenting Workshops: Circle of Security Parenting.
Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read their emotional needs Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions Enhance the development of your child’s self-esteem.
Dates: 7 Wednesdays starting February 19th - April 2nd Time: 9.30am - 11.30am
Place: Mark Oliphant Children’s Centre 99 Douglas Drive, Munno Para.
Bookings essential: Please contact with Christie Button – 0434856904, or Sarah Whiteside – 0439104355, or email - [email protected] - [email protected].

22/01/2025

From the Attorney-General's Department:

"Family Law is changing after the Australian Parliament passed the Family Law Amendment Act 2024. Most of the reforms commence on 10 June 2025.

The reforms will make it safer and simpler for separating families to resolve the property and financial aspects of relationship breakdown and ensure the impact of family violence on the wealth and welfare of Australian families is considered.

The reforms also support the safe, fair and effective resolution of family law disputes, including those regarding pet ownership.

If you have a matter before the family law courts or are trying to negotiate a property settlement, learn how these changes may impact you."

26/12/2024

❤️

Tis the season and this time of the year can be really tough. If you or someone you know is struggling there are places to reach out to for support.

14/12/2024

❤️