Family Law Partners

07/10/2026

Meet Carlie Marks, Senior Paralegal at Family Law Partners.

Carlie brings more than 25 years’ experience in family law—and with that comes an extraordinary depth of practical knowledge (and a great personality and sense of humour to boot!).

She works closely with our lawyers and clients across divorce, parenting and property matters, making sure the detail is handled carefully and each matter keeps moving.

Just as importantly, Carlie understands that every file represents a family going through real change. Her calm and compassionate approach helps clients feel supported at every stage.

Her experience, precision and genuine care make Carlie an invaluable part of our team.

Meet the team: familylawpartners.com.au/about/



Justin Timmer
Jody Brady
Michelle Mckinna
Kate O'Grady
Lindsay R Timmer

06/10/2026

CAN A SECRET RECORDING BE USED IN COURT? 🎙️⚖️

Content note: sexual assault and family violence.

Sometimes—but the circumstances matter.

In Potter v The King, the High Court considered a wife’s secret phone recording of a conversation with her husband. In the recording, he admitted previously sexually assaulting her while she was asleep.

They had separated but were still living in the same home. She recorded his admissions to remind herself of the danger of returning to the relationship—not because she was initially planning to report him to police.

The Court has to decide if the secret recording was legal or not. And also whether the evidence should be admitted as evidence in the proceedings.

The Court found that the recording was reasonably necessary to protect her right to bodily autonomy and safety: her right to decide what happens to her body and to protect herself from further sexual violence, even though it occurred without the husband’s knowledge or consent.

That meant the recording fell within an exception under South Australian law and it was lawfully made and could be used in his criminal trial.

NSW has similar (but not identical) laws about recording people without their consent which more people should be aware of.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

📱 Secret recordings without the other person’s consent are usually illegal- unless an exception applies.

🎥 This case involved audio recording, not video- which can raise additional legal issues.

⚖️ Whether there is a legal basis to secretly record someone depends on the facts of each case- but can be hard to prove.

👩‍⚖️ Judges don’t like parents filming each other or their children without VERY good reason.

🔒 If you already have a recording or feel you need to record for your safety, please seek specialist advice about how the law could apply to your case.

Family Law Partners 💙
familylawpartners.com.au

General information only. Advice should be tailored to your circumstances.



Justin Timmer
Michelle Mckinna
Jody Brady
Lindsay R Timmer
Kate O'Grady
Carlie Lauren
Family Law Partners

01/10/2026

MEET KATE 💙

Warm advice. Smart strategy. Strong advocacy.

Meet Kate O’Grady, Director and Accredited Specialist in Family Law at Family Law Partners.

With over 20 years’ experience, Kate helps clients navigate separation, parenting arrangements and complex financial matters with clarity, care and practical advice.

Kate is passionate about helping families resolve matters outside COURT wherever possible, reducing the financial and emotional strain of litigation—particularly for children. When COURT proceedings are necessary, she brings strong, strategic advocacy and careful preparation.

Her experience spans complex parenting and property matters, family violence, high conflict, large asset pools, complex financial structures, maintenance, financial agreements, child support and matters with international aspects.

Kate is also an AMDRAS accredited mediator, an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and an Accredited Collaborative Lawyer. She brings a collaborative approach and an extensive network of barristers, mediators, valuers, psychologists and other professionals to support clients through challenging times.

Kate has been recognised in the peer-voted Doyles Guide as a Leading Family Lawyer for the Central Coast, Hunter & Newcastle area each year from 2019-2026, and a Recommended Parenting & Children’s Lawyer for all of NSW each year from 2021-2026.

Approachable, experienced and focused on helping you move forward.

To book a complimentary one-hour consultation with Kate, call (02) 4300 1669 or visit familylawpartners.com.au.

You’re in safe hands. 💙

This post contains general information and does not constitute legal advice.

01/10/2026

Just one of Justin’s many FIVE STAR ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ reviews from one of his grateful family law clients.

And these qualities are exactly what makes him one of the best in the business.

Justin Timmer Family Law Partners

01/10/2026

💙 FEEL GOOD FRIDAY 💛

Small moments, big smiles. Help to start feeling better.

This week, we’re sharing a little good news from home and around the world:

🏖️ All 15 Central Coast patrolled beaches received Good or Very Good annual water-quality ratings. 🙌🏻🙌🏻

We know we live in a beautiful part of the world, but this good news is definitely something to celebrate and be grateful for- our beautiful AND clean beaches. Perfect news as the weather starts to get warmer. ☀️

Check current Beachwatch advice before swimming and stay between the flags.

🦒 Melbourne Zoo’s Dream Day is making room for children with disability and their families to enjoy a special day together.

📚 In Nepal, temporary classrooms are helping children return to learning, friends and familiar routines after devastating floods.

🐻 Backpack is the 2026 Fat Bear Week champion! His nickname comes from riding on mum Holly’s back as a cub when she carried him around after he broke his leg. Apparently, greatness runs in the family as Holly was THE QUEEN of Fat Bear week a few years back.

Let’s celebrate this Chunky King’s gentleness (he’s a lover, not a fighter), his dance moves (it’s how he impresses the ladies), his patience (he waits for things he wants, watches & learns how to do better/ be a smarter bear) and the way he embraces those beautiful curves. 🐻 🙌🏻 👑

Plus some wonderfully terrible kid- friendly Dad- jokes (sorry Dads- we know they’re bad. But doing our bit to keep the Dad-jokes going).

We share a feel-good menu of small wellbeing ideas to save, and come back to for free, natural, and healthy ways to boost your mood and to feel better. ☀️ 🐶 🌊 🕺 🧘‍♀️ 🫂

And… an easy and decisions watermelon–mint cooler mocktail (or cocktail) for Friday night. 🍉🌿🧊

🎶 This week’s soundtrack: “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!” — Justin Timberlake, from our Feel Good Friday Spotify playlist.

Swipe through, save the recipe and choose one small thing to help you feel good today. A favourite song, a gentle walk, a welcome hug or a moment with your pet can be a lovely place to start. 🐾

Which good-news story made you smile?

Friday

30/09/2026

Justin isn’t one to toot his own horn and would much rather stay well clear of the limelight—but we’re very proud and excited to toot it for him! 💙🎺💛

Congratulations to Justin Timmer, Solicitor Director of Family Law Partners (our incredible boss, partner, mentor, colleague and friend) on his nomination for the Inside Family Law Awards 2026 in the ‘Purpose’ category. 🙌🏻 🍾

Justin’s sense of purpose and dedication to his family law clients are part of who he is and everything he does.

An ethical, compassionate and purpose-driven advocate, he brings care, integrity and commitment to his clients, earning respect from peers, colleagues, barristers and the bench.

That care, passion and integrity extends to everyone he mentors, teaches and works alongside. He holds himself and those around him to a high ethical and professional standard.

His generosity (and excitement) in sharing his knowledge, genuine desire to help others, and his absolute joy when others succeed, sets him apart and make him an inspiration and role model in his field.

We know how much he sometimes misses to make sure his clients get the best outcome possible. He is one of the hardest workers we know, who is not driven by money or validation/ recognition (this award and any kind of public recognition is literally his worst nightmare) but, driven by a genuine sense of care and purpose to help others- and all the more reason to celebrate him and what he does for clients, staff and the profession as a whole. 🙌🏻🙌🏻

He’s definitely one of the good ones (very good egg this one) and we need more of him in the family law community. 🙏

We’re so proud to celebrate this nomination and the recognition of what we already know to be true.🙌🏻 🎉

Congrats, Justin—from all of us at Family Law Partners! 👏💛🎺💙🥂 🥳 🙌🏻

Regardless of the outcome (and a massive congrats to the other incredible nominees), you’re already a winner in our eyes. 🏆 🎉


Justin Timmer Durand (⚖️lawyer, 🤝mediator, 🎨artist) O'Grady # Michelle Mckinna Carlie Lauren Carlie Marks Jody Brady
Law Partners
Lindsay R Timmer

Justin isn’t one to toot his own horn and would much rather stay well clear of the limelight—but we’re very proud and excited to toot it for him! 💙🎺💛

Congratulations to Justin Timmer, Solicitor Director of Family Law Partners (my incredible business partner, colleague and friend) on his nomination for the Inside Family Law Awards 2026 in the ‘Purpose’ category. 🙌🏻 🍾

Justin’s sense of purpose and dedication to his family law clients are part of who he is and everything he does.

An ethical, compassionate and purpose-driven advocate, he brings care, integrity and commitment to his clients, earning respect from peers, colleagues, barristers and the bench.

That care, passion and integrity extends to everyone he mentors, teaches and works alongside. He holds himself and those around him to a high ethical and professional standard.

His generosity (and excitement) in sharing his knowledge, genuine desire to help others, and his absolute joy when others succeed, sets him apart and make him an inspiration and role model in his field.

I know how much he sometimes misses to make sure his clients get the best outcome possible. He is one of the hardest workers I know, who is not driven by money or validation/ recognition (this award and any kind of public recognition is literally his worst nightmare) but, driven by a genuine sense of care and purpose to help others- and all the more reason to celebrate him and what he does for clients, staff and the profession as a whole. 🙌🏻🙌🏻

He’s definitely one of the good ones (very good egg this one) and we need more of him in the family law community. 🙏

We’re so proud to celebrate this nomination and the recognition of what we already know to be true.🙌🏻 🎉

Congrats, Justin—from all of us at Family Law Partners! 👏💛🎺💙🥂 🥳 🙌🏻

Regardless of the outcome (and a massive congrats to the other incredible nominees), you’re already a winner in our eyes. 🏆 🎉


Justin Timmer Zoë Durand (⚖️lawyer, 🤝mediator, 🎨artist) Kate O'Grady Michelle McKinna Carlie Marks Jody Brady Family Law Partners Mediation Answers

23/09/2026

Meet our fearless leader, firm founder & Solicitor Director Justin Timmer.

Justin is known for being calm, direct and down-to-earth. He helps clients cut through the noise, understand their options and build a practical strategy for what comes next.

A strong advocate & negotiator, Justin has particular experience in complex property and parenting matters, including cases involving businesses, trusts, corporate structures and self-managed superannuation funds. His earlier work in commercial law, insolvency and civil litigation gives him a valuable perspective when family and financial issues overlap.

Justin has been recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a Recommended Family & Divorce Lawyer for Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Central Coast in 2025 and 2026 and is well regarded by local solicitors, barristers & members of the Court for being ‘one of the good guys’.

Fun fact about Justin that you might not know:

🛼 He used to be a pretty impressive competitive rollerblader & instructor. 🛼
** we know these are skates, but there are no rollerblade emojis & we think JT would be pretty handy on skates too.

To speak with Justin, book a complimentary one-hour initial consultation at familylawpartners.com.au or call (02) 4300 1669.

21/09/2026

Meet the people behind Family Law Partners.

It has been a little quiet here on Facebook, but there has been plenty happening behind the scenes at Family Law Partners.

Over the next few weeks, we would love to reintroduce you to the people behind FLP—the lawyers and support professionals who help families navigate separation with clarity, practical advice and genuine care.

We are a specialist family law team based in Gosford, supporting clients across the Central Coast and beyond. We understand that no two families are the same, so our advice is tailored to the people, priorities and future behind every matter, with genuine compassion, care & strategic support.

Our team is small- but mighty and capable of big things.

Better together. You’re in safe hands.

Learn more about our team: familylawpartners.com.au/about/

19/06/2026

We are hiring a support person to join our growing team....

We are looking for someone:
1. with 5+ years experience.
2. with a good sense of humor.
3. wanting loyalty (think Jerry Maguire but make it family law).
4. with attention to detail (this and other neuro-spicy traits considered an advantage).
5. who genuinely gets a kick out of helping Central Coast families and will celebrate our wins with questionable dance moves.

If this is you (or could be you) apply now !

A Family Law Legal Assistant, competitive salary, collegiate team environment, delivering high-quality legal services to Central Coast families.

04/09/2025

We are currently looking for a Family Lawyer with 3+ years post admission experience, to join our growing team.

The successful candidate will receive an above market salary package, and work with a collegiate team.

Please contact us if you (or someone you know) is interested in discussing this opportunity with us.

Posted 3:54:55 AM. About Family Law PartnersBased on the Central Coast NSW, Family Law Partners was named as a…See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn.