Toomey Family Law

13/10/2026

It’s officially birthday week at Toomey Family Law!

Hot on the heels of celebrating Wendy yesterday, today we’re wishing a very happy birthday to Francesca Choppin.

Francesca is a much-loved member of our team, bringing warmth, professionalism and a great sense of humour to the office. She is always a pleasure to work alongside and someone who adds so much to the positive energy of our team.

We hope you have a wonderful birthday, Francesca, and enjoy being the second reason for cake in the office this week.

Happy Birthday from all of us at Toomey Family Law.

12/10/2026

Today we’re celebrating someone very special to Toomey Family Law — Wendy Faithful.

Wendy is so much more than the person who keeps the office running smoothly. She is the anchor of our business, the steady hand behind so much of what happens each day, and someone who is deeply loved and valued by both our team and our clients.

Her warmth, loyalty, generosity and calm presence make an enormous difference to everyone around her. She knows the business inside and out, supports the team in countless ways, and has a remarkable ability to make people feel looked after.

Wendy has also been a trusted friend and colleague to Leisa for decades — a relationship built on years of shared history, respect and genuine friendship. It is such a special part of the story of Toomey Family Law.

We simply would not be the same without her.

Happy Birthday, Wendy. We hope you know just how appreciated, respected and loved you are by all of us.

11/10/2026

Some of the strongest family law outcomes are achieved away from court.

Mediation, arbitration and collaborative law can provide alternative pathways for resolving property and parenting matters — often allowing parties to retain greater control over the process and work towards practical solutions without the cost, delay and uncertainty that can accompany litigation.

At Toomey Family Law, we know when to be firm, when to negotiate, and when a more collaborative approach may deliver a better long-term outcome.

Because resolving a matter strategically does not mean avoiding difficult decisions. It means choosing the right forum in which to make them.

10/10/2026

When a relationship involves businesses, trusts, substantial property portfolios or other complex financial structures, a property settlement is rarely just about dividing what appears on a balance sheet.

At Toomey Family Law, we take a broader view — gathering and assessing the financial picture and, where required, working alongside valuers, tax experts, actuaries and other specialist advisers to develop a considered exit strategy.

For high-net-worth clients, the right outcome requires an understanding not only of what assets exist, but how they are structured, valued and ultimately dealt with.
If your financial affairs are complex, speak with our team about a confidential consultation or second opinion.

toomeyfamilylaw.com.au

09/10/2026

What is collaborative law and what are the benefits?

Collaborative law is a particular model for resolving financial and other issues that arise from separation without asking a court to make those decisions for you. Under the collaborative law model, each person is represented by their own lawyer and often other professionals who are brought into the process when their expertise is needed.

Read more about potential benefits in our latest article.

toomeyfamilylaw.com.au/benefits-of-collaborative-law-principles-in-a-high-net-worth-separation/

07/10/2026

Many people won’t be familiar with the term ‘collaborative law’, but the principles behind it can be particularly valuable in separation and divorce.

This is especially true for separating high-net-worth couples or those who may have additional privacy concerns, complex financial structures or ongoing business or family relationships, and where an adversarial approach could be significantly less appealing.

At Toomey Family Law, we strongly agree with many of the principles that underpin the collaborative law model, including resolving matters outside court where possible, bringing in the right financial experts and focusing on privacy that allows for the best possible outcomes for your particular circumstances.

Read more in our latest article:

Discover the benefits of using the principles of collaborative law in a high-net-worth separation, from greater privacy to more flexible solutions.

04/10/2026

Sometimes, a second opinion can provide the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

This can be particularly valuable in complex family law matters involving significant property, businesses, trusts, superannuation, international assets or competing valuations.

You may want a second opinion if:

➡ you are unsure whether the proposed settlement is fair
➡ you do not fully understand the strategy being recommended
➡ your financial circumstances are particularly complex
➡ you feel important issues may have been overlooked
➡ you simply want reassurance before making a significant decision

At Toomey Family Law, we regularly assist clients seeking a fresh perspective on complex matters.

If you would value a considered second opinion, contact our team for a confidential consultation.

01/10/2026

AI is changing the way people gather information, prepare documents and even present material in legal matters. But a recent Australian case is a timely reminder that AI-generated content can be confidently wrong.

A lawyer was ordered to personally pay $9,600 in costs after court submissions included multiple authorities generated by AI that did not exist. The Court said lawyers remain responsible for checking and verifying material placed before it.

For family law, the implications extend well beyond legal research.

We are increasingly seeing a world where:
➡ screenshots, images, audio and video may be manipulated or AI-generated
➡ financial or written material may be created or altered using AI
➡ people may rely on AI-generated legal advice that sounds authoritative but is inaccurate
➡ digital evidence may require closer scrutiny and, in some cases, forensic verification

In complex parenting and financial matters, accuracy and authenticity matter enormously. AI can be a useful tool, but it does not replace experienced legal judgement, proper verification or careful analysis of the evidence.

As technology evolves, so too must the way legal professionals and clients approach information, evidence and advice.

30/09/2026

There is no legal outcome that can undo the loss of a life.

But a recent NSW Supreme Court decision provides one small measure of justice in circumstances where the consequences of domestic violence were devastating.

In Prangemeier v Prangemeier [2026] NSWSC 1077, the Court applied the forfeiture rule to prevent a former husband from benefiting from the estate of his ex-wife after unlawfully causing her death. The decision also affected jointly held property and the way those assets were ultimately treated.

The case is a sobering reminder that domestic and family violence can have consequences that extend far beyond the end of a relationship.

For those working in family law, it also reinforces the importance of recognising that separation can be a period of significant risk and that safety, legal planning and access to appropriate support must remain central.

27/09/2026

Today we’re celebrating Emma Middleton, Senior Associate at Toomey Family Law.

Emma is not only a highly valued member of our legal team, but also a steady and generous presence within the office, a guiding hand to colleagues and clients alike.

She brings warmth, wisdom and care to everything she does, balancing a demanding professional role with being a dedicated mum and someone who is always willing to support those around her.

Emma’s calm nature, thoughtfulness and commitment make a real difference to our team and to the clients she works with.

We feel very lucky to have her with us.

Happy Birthday, Emma. We hope you have a beautiful day and feel very celebrated.