Paterson & Dowding

28/11/2024

Paterson & Dowding supports Share the Dignity's - It's in the bag charity to help women and girls in need.

By putting together an It's in the Bag you're making Christmas brighter for someone in a domestic violence refuge.

Further details can be found at:
https://lnkd.in/gVbd8fMi

Collection points close 1 December 2024.

In the case of an emergency dial 000.

25/11/2024

Amazing turnout to the walk.

25/11/2024

Paterson & Dowing support 16 Days in WA 2024

Play your part in stopping Family and Domestic Violence

The annual 16 Days in WA campaign takes place from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Now in its eighth year, 16 Days in WA draws inspiration from the global movement for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence to drive a change in culture, behaviour and attitudes that lead to violence against women and their children.

You are invited to create change – to educate, motivate and advocate in your community, and stand up to stop violence against women.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000.

19/11/2024

We are delighted to announce, once again Paterson & Dowding has been ranked as Recommended in the category of Leading West Australian Family & Divorce Law Firms by 2025.

Our family law team have also received the following individual recognitions:

Lucy Thomas ranked as Preeminent in the category of Leading Parenting, Custody & Children’s Matters Lawyers and Recommended in the category of Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers

Claire McKenzie ranked as Recommended in the category of Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers – Regional Western Australia.

Congratulations to the team!

https://lnkd.in/gKYRyuUi
https://lnkd.in/gnWPwmCX
https://lnkd.in/g6mxTi4E

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

15/11/2024

Did you know we have an office in ? The office is located near Lakeside Joondalup shopping centre and Joondalup Courthouse.

Lawyer, Chelsea Brown is available at our Joondalup office. Chelsea enjoys practising in all areas of family law, having a particular interest in financial matters. She works with our co-director Craig Taylor, assisting him with complex financial matters.

Contact us on 92263300 to schedule your initial appointment.

13/11/2024

Maintaining a positive digital footprint.

It is important to be wary of the repercussions of social media and the impact it can have on your Family Law matter. Negative posts directed at the opposing party are sometimes attached to Affidavits and could be used as evidence.

When posting, always consider that a Judge/Magistrate is reading your social media posts and edit accordingly.

If you need advice about your Family Law matter please contact us on 08 9226 3300 or email us at [email protected]

11/11/2024

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning.
We will remember them.
&dowding

10/11/2024

Did you know our Lucy Thomas chairs parenting ?

is a process in which parties, with the support of a , identify issues, develop options, consider alternatives and make decisions about future arrangements for their children. The Mediator acts as an independent third party to support participants to reach their own decision.

What is particularly helpful about mediation is that the focus is not so much on what people want, but on what is important to them. In mediation terms, we call this interest-based negotiation rather than positional based negotiation. By shifting the focus away from positions and on to interests, mediation helps parties work together to find child focused solutions and resolve their disputes.

In child related matters Lucy’s goal is to minimise the fall out (financially and emotionally) for the parties, and by association their children.

Lucy has 35+ years of family law experience

Paterson & Dowding Family Lawyers Co-Director
Accredited Family Law Specialist
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner ( )
Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM) Accredited Mediator
Experienced Independent Children’s Lawyer ( )

Lucy has received peer recognition having been named one of the pre-eminent lawyers in Parenting and Children’s matters by Doyle's Guide 2018 to 2023 as well as one of Doyle’s Recommended Family and Divorce Lawyers in 2022 to 2024. You can also find us and further information on the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM) website.

Contact us on 08 9226 3300 or email: [email protected] to ask about Lucy’s availability to chair your next mediation.

10/10/2024

Paterson & Dowding went "pink" on Tuesday to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The team wore pink and had a pink themed morning tea to help raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Research

30/08/2024

Do you need some advice as a Grandparent?

The Family Law Act includes provisions that children have the right to spend time, and communicate on a regular basis with, both their parents and other people significant to their care and welfare including grandparents.

When determining what is in the best interests of the child, the Court is required to consider the right of the child to spend time with their grandparents if there is an ongoing relationship with the child. It will consider the effect on the child as a result of separation from a grandparent and the capacity of the grandparent to provide for the care and welfare of the child.

Please contact us on 08 9226 3300 or [email protected] to schedule an initial appointment as to your rights as a Grandparent.

26/08/2024

Paterson & Dowding are proud to announce our Claire McKenzie’s promotion to Senior Associate.

Claire leads our Mandurah Team and practices in all areas of family law, having a particular interest in parenting and financial matters.

Claire has a special interest in Practice. She is a member of Collaborative Professionals WA and is passionate about helping families resolve their disputes without going to Court. Should a client’s matter be unsuitable for Collaborative Practice, Claire has extensive advocacy experience from her time practising as a solicitor in Scotland and more recently representing clients in the Family Court of WA.

Please contact our offices on 08 9226 3300 to schedule your initial appointment with Claire.

22/08/2024

Getting a Divorce if you have been married less than two years?

If you have filed a application and it is less than two years since you were married, you both must file a signed certificate stating you have considered reconciliation with the assistance of a family counsellor or an individual or organisation nominated by a family consultant. Parties are exempt from needing a certificate if there are special circumstances and an affidavit is filed in support of the application.
You should obtain legal advice in such circumstances.

Please contact us on 08 9226 3300 or [email protected] to schedule an initial appointment.