Paterson & Dowding are proud to announce our inclusion in the Doyle’s Guide as a Recommended Firm in Leading Family & Divorce Law Firms for 2024. A special congratulations to our Lucy Thomas for her recognition as Preeminent ranking in Leading Parenting, Custody & Children’s Lawyers category and Recommended ranking in Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers category.

Paterson & Dowding are delighted to welcome our new Lawyer, Natalie Warner. Natalie graduated from Edith Cowan University with a Bachelor of Law and was admitted to the Supreme Court in 2021. Natalie is currently studying for her Masters degree in Family Law. Natalie has particular interests in parenting matters and will be available for

Paterson & Dowding are delighted to welcome our new Mandurah Team, Associate Claire McKenzie and Paralegal, Sophie Graham. Claire is an Associate Family Lawyer who has worked in private practice in Scotland for 10 years. Claire has since relocated to Mandurah, WA where she has been working for a prominent law firm leading their Family Law

We are supporting the Share the Dignity It’s in the Bag Christmas appeal. It’s in the Bag is an appeal where Australian’s are encouraged to put together Adult, Teen or Mum and Bub bags filled with items to donate to someone in need for Christmas.

Step 1 – Separation Date You can file a divorce application if you have separated and lived separately and apart for a continuous period of not less than 12 months immediately before filing your application. Step 2 – Do I file a Joint or Sole Application for Divorce? You may file a joint application if

Chelsea holds a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) from Curtin University and also has completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with the College of Law. Chelsea enjoys practising in all areas of family law, having a particular interest in financial matters. Chelsea works with our co-director Craig Taylor, assisting him with complex

The Family Court may make what is known as ‘decree for the nullity of a marriage’ if it deems the marriage void. A ‘decree of nullity of marriage’ can be instituted by either party to the marriage or jointly by both parties. A marriage may be nullified for any of the following reasons: – Either

You have 21 days from the date of being served with the interim Family Violence Restraining Order (“FVRO”) to file an objection to the interim order being made final. You should return the objection to the Court that issued the interim FVRO to file your objection. This can be done in person or electronically. You