IN THE PRESS
Here you can learn about Michael Lynch Family Lawyers’ latest internal news, views, upcoming client events and relevant media articles.
Notable achievements
This is where we celebrate exciting new hires, promotions, career milestones and team achievements.
Generally, we believe in giving back by providing legal advice to the most vulnerable members of our community. Below you can find out more about our community work.
Family law in the news
Local news articles relating to family law matters are also collated in this space, so you can learn as much as you can in the field in one place.
The social pages
We’ll also recap recent industry events and other notable happenings in our firm and in Brisbane legal circles.
If you have any questions or if you want to speak with a legal expert, call us at (07) 3221 4300.
Introducing Our New Paralegal/Law Graduate Role
Today, we share a significant development within Michael Lynch Family Lawyers – the creation of a new role: Paralegal / Law Graduate. This position is designed specifically for team members who have successfully completed their Law Degree and are working towards the completion of their Practical Legal Training (PLT). This new title reflects our commitment to recognising the hard work and dedication of our team members as they advance their legal careers. It also highlights our focus on offering long-term career pathways and professional growth opportunities within Galleon Law Group (Michael Lynch Family Lawyers, GLG Legal and Bickell & Mackenzie). We are thrilled to announce that one of our outstanding team members, Lotus Paterson (from Michael Lynch Family Lawyers) has immediately been promoted to this new role. The exceptional dedication, her knowledge and perseverance by Lotus have earned her this [...]
Michael Lynch Mediations: Introducing Mediation Services at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers
At Michael Lynch Family Lawyers, we are committed to providing compassionate, efficient, and tailored legal services for our clients. In line with this commitment, we are proud to introduce our new mediation services, designed to help clients resolve family law matters with reduced conflict and a focus on the well-being of all parties involved. Why Choose Mediation? Mediation offers a less adversarial approach to resolving disputes. Unlike traditional litigation, mediation fosters collaboration, allowing parties to work together to reach mutually beneficial solutions. It can significantly reduce the emotional and financial costs that come with court proceedings, while also promoting outcomes that prioritise the safety and welfare of children, as well as the interests of both parties. Meet Allison Caputo, our Head of Dispute Resolution With the addition of Allison Caputo to the team, heading up the dispute resolution practice, [...]
Exciting News from Michael Lynch Family Lawyers: We are Moving to a New Office
Galleon Law Group Announces Office Move for Two of its Brands to One Location We are thrilled to announce that Michael Lynch Family Lawyers and GLG Legal Brisbane, both firms of Galleon Law Group, are moving into the same location at the end of August 2024. This strategic move allows us to provide even better service while maintaining the unique and distinguished branding of both firms. What This Means for Our Clients: Same Trusted Brands: Michael Lynch Family Lawyers and GLG Legal Brisbane will retain their individual identities, ensuring you continue to receive the specialised services and personal attention you have come to expect from each brand. Enhanced Services: by consolidating our teams under one roof, we are streamlining our operations and enhancing our ability to serve you with greater efficiency. Convenient Location: our new shared location is 240 [...]
25 year Admission Anniversary for Sarah Flower
We’re thrilled to announce that our Special Counsel, Sarah Flower, has reached an incredible milestone of 25 years since her admission to the legal profession! Sarah's dedication, and expertise have made a profound impact on Michael Lynch Family Lawyers and the clients we serve. Working exclusively in Family Law, Sarah Flower has extensive knowledge and significant experience in all areas of Family Law, including complex parenting and property, child support and domestic violence. As an Accredited Family Law Specialist, Sarah's skills encompass drafting court applications and agreements as well as conducting Procedural and Interim Hearings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. We congratulate Sarah on this outstanding milestone!
Kirstie Colls Recognised as One of Australia’s Leading Family Lawyers in ‘Best Lawyers Report 2025’
We are proud to announce that Kirstie Colls, the Director and Head of Family Law at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers, has been listed in the 'Best Lawyers Report 2025'. This prestigious recognition highlights her as one of Australia's most prominent Family Lawyers. With over 20 years of experience specialising in Family Law, Kirstie has established a reputation for excellence and trust, assisting clients in navigating complex family matters. Her inclusion in the 'Best Lawyers' list, published by the Australian Financial Review, underscores her expertise, integrity, and outstanding performance in the field. For top-tier family law advice, Kirstie and the team at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers are dedicated to providing high-quality legal services, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your unique situation.
Leading Brisbane Family & Divorce Law Firm for 2024
We are thrilled to share that 'Michael Lynch Family Lawyers' has been recognised in the latest Doyles Guide in the ‘Leading Family & Divorce Law Firms – Brisbane, 2024’ rankings. Doyles Guide, a reputable and impartial organisation, conducts assessments of individual lawyers and law firms through extensive research from various sources. This process involves online peer-based surveys, in-depth telephone and face-to-face interviews with clients, peers, and relevant industry bodies. Consequently, law firms are highlighted and acknowledged for their services in different aspects of Family Law. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to this achievement through online peer-based surveys, interviews, and support. Congratulations to our exceptional staff for their well-deserved and hard-earned recognition!
Tarah Tosh and Kirstie Colls included in the 2024 Doyles Guide for outstanding Family Law expertise
Michael Lynch Family Lawyers is thrilled to announce the inclusion of two of our esteemed team members in the 2024 Doyles Guide. Tarah Tosh and Kirstie Colls, both Accredited Family Law Specialists and leaders within our firm, have been recognised in the Doyles Guide Leading Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyer Rankings – Brisbane, 2024. Additionally, Tarah has earned a spot in the Doyles Guide Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer Rankings – Brisbane, 2024. Doyles Guide, a reputable and impartial organisation, conducts assessments of individual lawyers and law firms through extensive research from various sources. This process involves online peer-based surveys, in-depth telephone and face-to-face interviews with clients, peers, and relevant industry bodies. Consequently, lawyers are highlighted and acknowledged for their expertise in different aspects of Family Law. Both Tarah and Kirstie bring years of dedicated experience to various facets [...]
Queensland Law Society 25-year membership recognition for Kathleen Dare
We’re thrilled to announce that our Senior Associate, Kathleen Dare, has received recognition from the Queensland Law Society (QLS) for her remarkable 25-year membership. Kathleen has been presented with a special honour pin for her contributions and dedication to the society. Kathleen has extensive experience in various family law areas, including divorce proceedings, property settlement matters, parenting issues and more. Kathleen seeks to resolve clients' disputes by negotiating settlements - where possible - to avoid the expense and stress associated with Court proceedings, as well as to achieve the best possible outcome so clients can comfortably move on with their lives. The Queensland Law Society extends its appreciation for Kathleen's unwavering support of their vision of ‘Good Law, Good Lawyers and the Public Good’ and beyond. We congratulate Kathleen on this outstanding milestone!
Exciting Promotions
Following our end-of-financial-year annual review process, we are delighted to announce a series of well-deserved promotions and would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the following individuals: Skye Griffin -Paralegal Rachelle Rigney - Paralegal Lotus Paterson - Paralegal Mel Nichols - Accounts/Support Staff Supervisor Cera Sinclair - Graduate Solicitor Amanda Johnstone - Senior Associate Susan Miranda - Special Counsel Sarah Flower - Special Counsel Debra Effeney - Special Counsel. These promotions are a testament to the exceptional dedication and outstanding performance demonstrated by these individuals in their respective roles. Here at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers, we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and the contributions they have made to our firm. Please join us in congratulating our promoted staff members. We also want to express our gratitude to every member of our team for their hard work and [...]
Kirstie Colls has been listed in the ‘Best Lawyers Report 2024’
Kirstie Colls, the director and Head of Family Law at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers, has been listed in the 'Best Lawyers Report 2024', recognising her as one of Australia's prominent Family Lawyers. With over 20 years of experience as a solicitor specialising in Family Law, Kirstie has earned a reputation for excellence and trust in helping clients navigate complex family matters. The announcement of Kirstie's recognition has been published in the Australian Financial Review. Kirstie's inclusion into the 'Best Lawyers' list reflects her expertise, integrity, and overall performance in the field of Family Law. If you need family law advice, Kirstie and her team of family lawyers at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers can provide you with high-quality legal services to achieve the best possible outcome for your particular situation.
Kirstie Colls, Presenter at QLS Symposium 2023
We are excited to announce that Kirstie Colls, Director and Head of Family Law at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers and a renowned expert in Family Law, will be presenting at QLS Symposium 2023 on 10 March 2023. The sold-out event hosted by Queensland Law Society, which will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, will bring together industry leaders and experts from around the State to share their insights and knowledge. Kirstie is widely recognised for her contributions to the field of Family Law, and her presentation at QLS Symposium 2023 is expected to be one of the highlights of the event for Early Career Lawyers. With over 20 years’ experience in all areas of Family Law, Kirstie has become known for her particular interest and expertise in matters involving complex parenting issues, matters arising under the [...]
Client Testimonials
Lovely to deal with and provides a balanced view in what are very difficult circumstances.
I was very impressed with the initial interview. Everything was well-explained, and the advice was honest about what I should expect.
Thank you for your ongoing conciliatory approach in this matter and as always I appreciate your level headed advice. I certainly feel that I ended up with the right Solicitor.
Amy, thanks very much to you and your team. Throughout my dealings with MLFL I have been continually impressed with your level of professionalism and, in particular, your understanding of circumstances and the articulate way you conduct yourself. I was completely satisfied with today’s outcome and without your experience and expertise in family law I doubt that the result would have been achieved.
If I need a family lawyer in the future I’ll be heading to Michael Lynch Family Lawyers again.
Your staff is knowledgeable, professional and very calm.
I was always confident that I was getting the very best advice.
The professionalism and reliability delivered by Amy Honan was fantastic. I had an urgent matter around my property sale and Amy offered to provide assistance over a weekend if I required it – that’s above and beyond!
The staff at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers were great. Everyone was fantastic, professional, understanding, caring and always communicated with me. I knew I was in good hands.
Many thanks to Stephanie for her help and support through this time, I was incredibly impressed with her work.
My solicitor provided a personalised service, prompt and quick responses and cost information prior to my commitment.
Michael, thank you again for your presence here yesterday. We really appreciated the clarity and accessibility of your presentation. It is a rare thing to find somebody who not only has expertise, but also has a skill in communicating it.
I like that my lawyer treated me like a friend and kept jargon to a minimum. She was easy to contact and kept me informed.
Thank you for providing me with a professional yet empathetic approach to gain the best outcome for me. My solicitor was excellent in explaining the processes and in representing me in Court. You have great customer service!
Michael Lynch Family Lawyers have really listened to me. I felt confident my case was handled well. The law has changed recently, and I did not feel that a previous law practice I spoke to was suitably up-to-date.
Your newsletters are great, I appreciate them.
Amy’s work was extremely professional but above all she has a manner and wisdom in dealing with people under stress. I will be recommending your firm to anyone that requires assistance.
Thank you, you placed my needs first, you were aware of the need to reach a final result and not get caught up in the personal issues of the other party.
Thank you very much to everyone at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers. Thank you for helping me get my life back and make a fresh start. To have that fresh start without fear and anxiety is priceless.
Michael Lynch Family Lawyers always gave me competent and knowledgeable advice. I was consistently kept up to date. The meetings and phone calls were kept business-like, yet caring and thoughtful of my emotional state at the time. Thank you.
My lawyer acted with professionalism in all her dealings with me and with the lawyer on the other side. I was always kept in the loop. I liked her approach. Thanks.
Your team is professional, warm, friendly and real.
I appreciate my lawyer’s professional approach and her being on top of my situation.
I always felt that the service provided by Michael Lynch Family Lawyers was of a high standard. Each time, after appointments I came away feeling secure. Keep doing what you are and maintain the ‘family feel’ that permeates your services.
May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you and your staff for the excellent professional services I received. In a word, priceless.
Michael Lynch Family Lawyers are easy to deal with, and your systems are good.
Thank you for the great newsletter. Your article on “Coping with Christmas” is brilliant – clear, caring and helpful. Thanks again!
Thank you for being very personable, professional and always providing me with the most appropriate advice in my times of difficulty. The other party’s lawyers were extremely aggressive, while Michael Lynch Family Lawyers remained calm and professional.
We had such a positive experience with Michael Lynch Family Lawyers, and we highly recommend their services. Meticulous attention to detail, attended quickly to every additional request we made, and made sure we always knew exactly where we were every step of the way. Our lawyer took what was such a stressful and emotional time for our family, and made the process feel so smooth and seamless.
After utilising the mediation services team recommended by your organisation, my ex-partner and I were able to reach some interim agreements about parenting. I am incredibly grateful for the advice provided by Debra Effeney; and found your firm’s services to be exceptionally professional. If we needed to consult a family lawyer in the future, we would have no hesitation in reconnecting with your firm.
I’m very glad ‘Michael Lynch Family Lawyers’ is my lawyer and not the other side’s solicitor.
Your team’s communication with me was exceptional, I knew exactly what was happening.
At Michael Lynch Family Lawyers I got professional and ‘no-nonsense’ advice, costs were within quoted amounts and my matter was resolved quickly – well done!
I liked my solicitor keeping things as simple as possible.
Thank you Debra for all the work you did for me, you both made the process manageable and brought sense to the chaos.
My family lawyer was very helpful in assisting me to combat a very ugly situation without stooping to the low levels that the other solicitor attempted to take us.
Michael is very personable and very good at covering the material and explaining the strategy.
Amy, thank you. You have been diligent, accurate and pro-active for the entire duration of my matter. I appreciate it.
My lawyer was the most knowledgeable of all lawyers I spoke to when looking for a lawyer. Michael Lynch Family Lawyers showed professionalism.
My solicitor is a good listener. My documentation maintained the high moral ground.
Thank you for the outstanding legal advice you have provided and professionalism in which you conduct yourself. I am truly thankful that it was you who represented me.
My lawyer has been an amazing help through this stressful time. I will remember her help for the rest of my life. Thank you.
I really liked the personable service by Michael Lynch Family Lawyers, the simple plain language you adopt and everyone’s patience.
Many thanks for your assistance – life is now great – I’m moving on.
I have appreciated the way that you and the staff at your firm have handled my situation. I would especially like to mention the professional and caring way my lawyer conducted my case, I am deeply grateful and extremely happy with the results. I will be referring others to your service.
I just wanted to get in touch to say thanks for helping me get through my custody and settlement. Thanks again to you and your staff. You have had a significant positive impact in my kids’ lives!
I really appreciated the happiness of your secretarial staff.
Thank you, you kept me sane in a difficult situation and gave me the encouragement and the confidence to keep going. You made me feel extremely comfortable.
I appreciate you being upfront with fee estimates. You also have a fantastic website and the seminars REALLY helped to get me focussed.
I like your friendly service and the ability to speak to my solicitor directly.
Amy, thank you for all that you have done during this matter. You impressed me with your professionalism from our initial meeting, and you have proven beyond doubt, to have had the skills and knowledge required. You are a credit to the company, and I would highly recommend you to anyone in a similar situation.
Thank you for helping me through this difficult time. You have been caring, compassionate and efficient. Some of my divorcing friends have not been so fortunate. In my mind, you are the best family lawyer in Brisbane. If anyone I know needs a good family lawyer, I will tell them to speak to you. Thanks again.
Michael Lynch Family Lawyers know what they are talking about.
I was impressed by my solicitor’s attention to detail and her concern for me, and that the process was explained to me and that I understood it at all times.
You, guys, provide extraordinary service.
I was guided through a really difficult time with expertise of Michael Lynch Family Lawyers. I am more than happy with the outcome of mediation.
I would like to thank your firm for the support and compassion shown while dealing with my matter.
So pleased to have had a good, sound and knowledgeable firm.
A personalised and professional service. Information has been clear and provided timely to assist my decision-making.
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FAMILY FLYER
The Family Flyer is a monthly e-mail newsletter. It contains a mix of short topical articles to keep you up-to-date with family law issues.Subscribe now and receive a FREE copy of A Guide To Family Law by Family Law Specialist, Michael Lynch containing information valued at over $500.