Patford-Smith Legal Services

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

28/07/2026

Same firm. Same commitment. A completely new look.

Welcome to the new Patford-Smith Legal Services.

Our new brand reflects the kind of legal practice we have always set out to be: warm, modern, approachable and quietly confident.
We provide clear advice and steady guidance without the intimidating language, unnecessary formality or traditional law firm attitude.

Because when life feels uncertain, your lawyer should help make things clearer - not more complicated.

08/07/2026

Our phones are currently not working due to the Telstra outage. Please send us an email.