The 2026 listing of leading New South Wales Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyers details individuals who have been specifically highlighted for their expertise, abilities and experience in complex parenting/child custody issues and disputes. These rankings also include individuals with experience acting as an Independent Children’s Lawyer in relation to matters that may include, but are not limited to, family violence, physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children. Individuals included in our broader Family Law rankings may also possess significant skill with respect to parenting matters however have not been identified for such.
Preeminent
Elizabeth Bedford, Pearson Emerson
Alicia Elliott, Broun Abrahams BurreketÂ
Karen Hardy, Rubin Blight HardyÂ
Carly Middleton, Barkus Doolan Winning
Melanie Rubin, Rubin Blight HardyÂ
LeadingÂ
Sue Abrams, ATW Family Law
Cathie Blanchfield, Blanchfield Nicholls
Gabrielle Gathercole, ATW Family Law
Collette McFawn, Lander & Rogers
Tash Nolan, Nolan LawyersÂ
Rosemary Norgate, Pigdon Norgate
Margie O’Neill, De Saxe O’NeillÂ
Melinda Winning, Barkus Doolan Winning
Recommended
Fadiya Ali, Ali Family Lawyers
David Barry, Gordon & BarryÂ
Josie Blight, Rubin Blight HardyÂ
Belinda Burgess, Burgess Hughes Family LawÂ
Katie Burreket, Broun Abrahams Burrket
Christine Clarke, Broun Abrahams Burreket
Jacqueline Dawson, Sexton Family LawÂ
Laura Donnelly, Holmes Donnelly & CoÂ
Michelle Down, ATW Family LawÂ
Joanna Elliott, Walter & Elliott Family Lawyers
Nicole Evans, Barker Evans
Rebecca Gilbert, Pearson EmersonÂ
Eloise Horrobin, York Law
Madeleine Joel, Gordon & BarryÂ
Carly Mirza-Price, Mills Oakley
Genevieve Morgan, Barry NilssonÂ
Irene Morozov, York Law
Julie Nessworthy, Farrar Gesini Dunn
Kate O’Grady, Orbell Family LawyersÂ
Skye Owen, Lander & Rogers
Tijana Petkovic, Blanchfield Nicholls PartnersÂ
Fiona Reid, Reid Family Lawyers
Aileen Slattery, ATW Family LawÂ
Susana Staka, Broun Abrahams BurreketÂ
Michael Tiyce, Tiyce & LawyersÂ
Susan Warda, Mills Oakley