Patford-Smith Legal Services

01/10/2026

Separation rarely comes with a plan attached. Many people come to us unsure what to ask, what matters most, or where to begin. That’s okay.

A first conversation isn’t about having everything worked out. It’s about understanding your options, knowing what to prioritise, and finding a pathway forward that protects what matters, including your children.

If you’re facing a separation or family law matter and would like steady, practical guidance, we’re here when you’re ready. Contact Patford-Smith Legal Services to arrange a time to talk.

General information only, not legal advice.

17/09/2026

Today I had the privilege of joining a panel discussion for Legalwise on parenting matters involving children with mental health issues and neurodiversity.

The panel consisted of myself, Stephanie Lau, Antonia Marran, Katerina Stratilas and Juliette Kratochvil and was chaired by Claire O’Connor SC.

We discussed the role of expert evidence, how neurodivergence can affect the way children communicate and present, and the importance of ensuring parenting arrangements are genuinely workable for the individual child.

From an Independent Children’s Lawyer perspective, one of the key themes for me is that we are not representing a diagnosis. We are representing a particular child, with their own needs, experiences, relationships and way of communicating.

A child’s behaviour gives us information, but we need to be careful about the meaning we attach to it, particularly in the context of family conflict.

I was very grateful to be part of such a thoughtful and important discussion with colleagues bringing different professional perspectives to the table.

Antonia Kidman Stephanie Lau 🤍 Claire O'Connor Katerina Stratilas

FamilyLawAustralia
Familylawsymposium

27/08/2026

A gentle reminder for today: not every family dispute needs to be resolved in a courtroom. Numerous cases can be settled through collaborative discussions, mediation, or agreed-upon orders. At Patford-Smith Legal Services, we offer compassionate guidance and skilled support throughout the process. 🤝

16/08/2026

*Sneak Peek* Our new website launches next week and we are very excited. Click the link below for a sneaky peek.

https://p-slegal.com.au/about-us/

We thank Studio Nu . Branding + Website Design for all the hard work on the rebrand (and continued work)! We are very proud of the new look.

Sixth Studio | Brand & Web Designer

11/08/2026

11/08/2026

When families separate, it can be easy for conflict, frustration and short-term reactions to take over.

We help our clients refocus on what genuinely matters.

Where children are involved, their safety, wellbeing and long-term needs remain at the centre of our approach.

That does not mean avoiding difficult conversations or decisions. It means making them thoughtfully, with a clear understanding of how today’s choices may affect a family’s future.

Children first. Always.

07/08/2026

The High Court has delivered an important decision on covert recordings.

In Potter (a pseudonym) v The King [2026] HCA 25, the High Court considered whether a covert recording made by a complainant without her husband’s knowledge was admissible in criminal proceedings.

The Court held that, in the circumstances of this case, the recording was lawfully obtained because it was reasonably necessary to protect the complainant’s lawful interests. The appeal was dismissed. This decision provides important guidance on the operation of surveillance legislation and the admissibility of evidence in cases involving family violence and sexual offending. (High Court of Australia)

What does this mean for family law?

While this was a criminal matter, the decision is a timely reminder that covert recordings are not automatically unlawful or automatically admissible. Whether a recording can be used will always depend on:
• the legislation in the relevant State or Territory;
• why the recording was made;
• the circumstances in which it was obtained; and
• the purpose for which it is sought to be relied upon.

If you are considering recording conversations with a former partner or co-parent, obtain legal advice first. A recording that helps one case may create difficulties in another if it has been made unlawfully.

Every situation is different. The safest approach is to seek advice before pressing “record.”

This post provides general information only and is not legal advice.

06/08/2026

Behind every legal issue is a person trying to protect what matters, understand their options and work out what comes next.

At Patford-Smith Legal Services, we take the time to listen, explain things clearly and provide advice that considers the person behind the paperwork.

Because good legal support should feel capable, calm and human.

03/08/2026

Patford-Smith Legal Services was founded by Lauren Patford-Smith during the COVID period.

After years of doing the work for someone else, Lauren decided to build a practice of her own - one that gave her greater freedom around her children and the ability to give clients the time and attention they genuinely needed.

Lauren is passionate about family law, willing to take on difficult matters and known for being honest, approachable and deeply invested in the people she represents.

She is also appointed by the courts as an Independent Children’s Lawyer in complex family law matters.

She loves beautiful things, open roads, and proving that capable lawyers do not have to feel intimidating.

30/07/2026