Zoë Durand is an accomplished family lawyer at Urban Family Lawyers, bringing a wealth of experience and an unparalleled perspective to her clients. With a career spanning private practice, Legal Aid as a Court Appointed Independent Children’s Lawyer, and large international commercial firms such as K&L Gates and HFW, Zoë combines her deep understanding of family law with a financial acumen that is invaluable in property matters. Her unique insight into the best interests of children in complex parenting disputes ensures she consistently delivers tailored and holistic solutions for her clients.
Zoë is highly regarded for her expertise in drafting persuasive affidavits, advocacy, and providing strategic advice on Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) and Binding Child Support Agreements. In addition, she is passionate about creating meaningful outcomes for families, balancing sharp legal knowledge with a compassionate and approachable demeanour.
Her career includes significant accolades and contributions to the field of family law. Zoë won the 2019 and 2020 APAC Insider Legal Awards for Family Law Mediator of the Year and received the 2019 Best Family Law Publication award for her seminal work, Inside Family Law. The book is widely recognised as a “must read” in the field, praised by The Honourable Peter Rose AM QC and included on the recommended reading lists at multiple universities.
A leading voice in family law education, Zoë hosts the Inside Family Law Podcast, on which she has interviewed judges and key experts in the family law process across Australia and internationally. As a correspondent, she has conducted interviews with family law keynote speakers for the AFCC, FLENA, and Pacifica Congress Conferences. Zoë has also contributed as an editor to the CCH Master Family Law Guide and Family Law Practice and Procedure, authored case notes for the Law Society Journal, and guest lectured at UNSW. Additionally, Zoë has written and created an award-winning film on family law mediation, which has been recommended by current and former judges as a valuable resource for both practitioners and parties.
Areas of Practice:
- Complex parenting matters, with emphasis on children’s best interests
- Advocacy in family law litigation
- Drafting detailed, persuasive affidavits
- Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) and Binding Child Support Agreements
- Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
Zoë’s contributions to family law extend beyond legal practice to include thought leadership and education, making her an exceptional member of the Urban Family Lawyers team. Her commitment to excellence and innovation ensures her clients receive not only expert legal advice but also empathetic, forward-thinking solutions to their family law challenges.
