Michael Rodrigues is an Australian litigation lawyer, Nationally Accredited Mediator, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Independent Children’s Lawyer. He acts in complex family law, parenting, property, commercial, estate and cross-border disputes where the outcome carries significant financial, personal or strategic consequences.
Michael’s practice is focused on disputes that require more than standard legal advice. He works with clients involved in high-conflict parenting matters, substantial property settlements, business and trust-related asset disputes, allegations of risk, family violence issues, urgent court proceedings, appellate matters and disputes involving international or multi-jurisdictional elements.
Complex Family Law, Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Michael regularly appears in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, including in complex parenting and property proceedings. His experience includes matters involving business interests, companies, trusts, disclosure disputes, valuation issues, high-value asset pools, relocation issues, child welfare concerns and contested evidence.
He also accepts appointments as an Independent Children’s Lawyer, representing the best interests of children in difficult parenting disputes. This work reflects his experience in matters involving entrenched conflict, allegations of family violence, risk issues, child development concerns and competing expert evidence.
Strategic Litigation Experience
Michael has experience across family law litigation, commercial disputes, estate litigation, contested wills, appellate proceedings and superior court matters. His litigation background assists clients who need strategic judgment, disciplined preparation and a clear pathway through difficult disputes.
Michael is admitted in Australia, New Zealand and Ontario, Canada. This broader jurisdictional background gives him a valuable perspective in matters involving cross-border families, international legal issues, overseas assets, relocation disputes and procedural complexity.
Mediation and Resolution-Focused Advocacy
In addition to his litigation work, Michael is a Nationally Accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. He assists parties in family law, commercial and business disputes, combining practical negotiation skills with litigation experience.
His approach is resolution-focused where possible, but trial-ready where necessary. Michael is suited to clients who need careful strategy, strong advocacy and practical advice in disputes involving significant legal, financial or personal risk.
Key Areas of Practice
- Complex family law litigation
- High-value property settlements
- Parenting disputes and child-related proceedings
- Independent Children’s Lawyer matters
- Family violence and risk-related proceedings
- Business, company and trust-related family law disputes
- Cross-border and international family law issues
- Commercial litigation and business disputes
- Estate litigation and contested wills
- Mediation, negotiation and dispute resolution
- Appeals and superior court litigation
Clients commonly seek Michael’s assistance where a dispute involves substantial assets, complex evidence, urgent court intervention, entrenched conflict, reputational risk, difficult negotiations or a need for clear strategic direction.
