The Happy Family Lawyer in Albion, Queensland | Divorce & Family Lawyer

The Happy Family Lawyer

Locality: Albion, Queensland

Phone: +61 7 3862 1955

Address: 27/14 Argyle Street 4010 Albion, QLD, Australia

Website: http://thehappyfamilylawyer.com/

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05.06.2022 We are hiring at my firm, Brisbane Family Law Centre and as always I would love your help in finding our 'right fit'! We are after 2 admin superstars! All the details are in the post below on our Firm page. If this sounds like you please do apply or send to anyone you think fits the bill!

02.06.2022 My day job is all about helping great people through one of the toughest times in their lives. I don’t talk about my job too much on here these days or the amazing people I meet each day as that work is tough and I am always conscious to keep it oh so private. Life as a family lawyer- well it has it all that is for sure. But I am grateful to spend my time helping (or atleast trying to!) You can find me at Brisbane Family Law Centre my other creation if you ever need help too.

27.05.2022 Do you work with separating families? Are you curious to find out what Collaborative Practice could offer you and your clients? Join me for my free online Masterclass this Friday 16 July at 8am Brisvegas time, as I talk all things Collaborative Practice! Collaborative Practice is widely used in family law to help separating couples find solutions to legal issues without using the Courts. This process is unique as it pulls together professional teams of advisors from law, s...ocial sciences, accounting and finance and encourages couples to build solutions that recognise their values in life as well as the legal principles at play. I could talk for hours about the benefits of this process but I promise I will limit it to one hour this week! If you have wanted to know a little more about how this might work for you or your clients, then please come along. The webinar will be live at 8am Brisvegas time, and if you can't attend live, please register and a recording will come to you shortly after. You can register on the link here- https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_ATgZbfMqTjmFaqn6Oe7FQg

15.05.2022 For my family law colleagues! Join me for the next in my online Masterclass series as I talk all things Collaborative Practice tomorrow morning. Collaborative Practice is widely used in family law to help separating couples find solutions to legal issues without using the Courts. This process is unique as it pulls together professional teams of advisors from law, social sciences, accounting and finance and encourages couples to build solutions that recognise their values in ...life as well as the legal principles at play. I could talk for hours about the benefits of this process but I promise I will limit it to one hour this week! If you have wanted to know a little more about how this might work for you or your clients, then please come along. The webinar will be live at 8am Brisvegas time tomorrow and if you can't attend live, please register and a recording will come to you shortly after. You can register on the link here- https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_YjsY_e9kRdizA465caafUw

05.05.2022 Work day #1 of 2021 is almost done and it has been a blast assisted by my new wall of happiness! What is the view from your office desk? Why not share a photo below as we say ‘yay’ to the beginning of another year of #worklife!

25.01.2022 A few weeks ago one of my little articles made it to the pages of the SBS program Insight. You may have seen the show on breaking up well- couples who navigated separation and divorce kindly, calmly and ultimately amicably. A theme I took from the experience of the guests was that the process was in no way easy.... I often say to the families I work with that choosing to calmly untangle your affairs at the end of a relationship takes so much more courage than the perhaps more expected approach of an adversarial separation. To sit and talk with someone who has broken your heart about a future your didnt ask for is so very difficult. When this show was going to air the Producers at SBS contacted me as I understand one of the guests had used my book Splitsville to guide them through their separation. I was so thrilled to know that my little book had helped a family who I have never met achieve their new beginning in their own way. None of us plan for our relationships to end, but when they do we can choose how we navigate that next step and I thank SBS for taking the time to profile families that managed to navigate this period of their lives with such respect.

24.01.2022 Its my quarterly where is my life at update! And yes in case you were wondering, I share with you just how much sleep I am not really getting but many of the other little projects that we have been tinkering away on this year! And yes, that is my bedazzled lamp shade in the background and keep your eyes peeled for my Christmas Crafternoon coming to all good bedazzling lawyers/ friends of lawyers and friends of mine this Christmas time!

24.01.2022 Today is a very special day for many reasons... At about this time last year I welcomed our second daughter Baby Daisy to the world and so today is of course her 1st Birthday. Baby Daisy stayed "on-brand" with her arrival on International Happiness Day and has been a little bundle of delight ever since! As The Happy Family Lawyer I couldnt let a day like International Happiness Day pass without a celebration (aside from some birthday cake!) and I am hoping you might ...join me for this one. You may already know that I have agreed to hit the Brisbane City Hall Dance Floor for a second time as a #DancingCeo in this years Dancing Ceos event. Put simply, while I will be dancing up a storm (well trying to!) on the night, the real goal of this event is to raise funds for an association very close to my heart, the Womens Legal Service Qld. And so, aside from running a bundle of raffles, generally asking my friends and smiling at strangers Sarah and I put our thinking caps on and have created a really special product that I hope you might love too- our HAPPY CARD PACKS. The HAPPY greeting cards are a virtual hug from me to you and are also a helping hand to a woman and child by supporting the Womens Legal Service Queensland. Our greeting cards are available for pre-order in packs of 10 bold designs with envelopes. The packs will be delivered during April. So, start sparking the biggest burst of joy you could imagine and purchase our fun, bold and happy greeting cards today! HAPPY Greeting Card Packs prices: $45 each with $30 of every pack sold going towards supporting a woman and child in need You can order your pack here-https://www.happylawyerhappylife.com/greetingcards/

24.01.2022 Some exciting and BIG news for me and my little firm in Albion! We are moving!!! Down the hill and across the road so not too far but for me this has been a long time goal and signals the final stages in some pretty big changes in my business life this past 12 months! ... So from 1 July 2019 know that you will find Brisbane Family Law Centre and all things Happy Lawyer Happy Life at 27/14 Argyle Place Albion!

24.01.2022 Confetti and law are perhaps not words that often appear in a sentence together but I am starting to wonder if perhaps they should a whole lot more! Last week I had the pleasure of presenting at the annual Wellness in Law Forum in beautiful Melbourne and I took the opportunity to tackle something new for me, inspired by a few things that seem to be consuming my thoughts at the moment. So Confetti you ask? Well yes! Thanks to a bit too much Marie Kondo, a beautiful book by Ingrid Fetell Lee and my love of researching all things happiness in law, I have come to conclude that confetti holds the key to unlocking the changes that are still needed in our profession if we ever really hope to reduce the desperately high rates of psychological illhealth, burnout and unhappiness.

23.01.2022 This one is for my Collaborative Colleagues! We can’t catch up for our usual in person chats but we can catch up for a virtual practice group. Things might feel upside down but either way we all have to push on and so on a day when I was supposed to be hanging out with a great group of Sydney Collaborative Professionals we will instead be hanging out on the zoom airwaves! Join me for this free webinar on Collaborative Practice where we will share in discussion about what is g...oing well and some of the hurdles to be overcome with this area of practice particulalry now we are all 'online'! This will be an informal gathering for the Brisbane Practice Group for 2020 but all collaborative professionals from around Australia are very welcome! You can register on the link below! https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UgTttr6gReaATFg-lQy3GQ

23.01.2022 This past week I have been typing away in the wee hours on a blog, my first blog in months thanks to #life! Now before you read any further, I want to be clear- this article has absolutely nothing to do with my work as a divorce lawyer and some would say even less to do with my side hustle Happy Lawyer Happy Life BUT it does have everything to do with Christmas and gifts and supporting our local artists so now you have my disclaimer, I hope you might read on! This past yea...r I have made it my thing to as much as possible buy from, learn about and support artists, designers and craftspeople in Brisbane and beyond. Some might call it an addiction, I like to call it a 'personal challenge', but as a result I have filled my home with some really wonderful things and met some amazing people along the way! So just in time for Christmas I am sharing with you 16 of my favourite finds thanks to my 'addiction' sorry I mean challenge this year that I have come to love and I suspect you might too! You can find them all over on Instagram or on Facebook below too! (and yes if someone could just organise for this list to end up with Oliver I will never have to buy my own xmas presents again! ) Carley Cornelissen Art, Nanna Woo Handmade, i make. you wear it., Meg Makes, Castle and Things, Maggi McDonald Art & Design, Lovestar, Kip&Co, Pete Cromer, Catchy Attitude, Tiff Manuell, Sirmano, Poco Posy, Jericho Road Clothing

23.01.2022 When it comes to being a mum and running a business there is much that can be a real challenge but these past few weeks I have been left smiling thanks to the kindness of my colleagues and while I feel this deserves so much more than a social media post, I am starting here! Firstly Justin North and his team at Janders Dean- I had the privilege of attending the #JDHorizons event 2 weeks ago in Sydney. I questioned whether I could really go- my daughter is only 3 months and be...ing away from her is not really an option at the moment, but the chance to be at this event was something I would otherwise have jumped at. Resigning myself to the idea that travelling to Sydney with a baby and trying to enjoy a conference may not be possible right now Justin stepped in. Nothing was too difficult! Over the 2 day event I was made to feel that it was perfectly normal to have a baby at one of Australia’s leading legal events and to that I want to say a huge thank you to the Janders Dean team and the many attendees and sponsors at the event. Secondly, to my colleagues Alice Drummond, Caralee Caldwell, Suzanne Harrison, Kate Keating, Dan Bottrell and all who attended the Gold Coast Collaborative Practice Group meeting last night- thank you. Who would have thought you could present to a group with your baby in the audience!Again, no-one bat an eye and instead I was made to feel it was the most normal thing! Don’t get me wrong, life without a baby at a conference is my preference, but as we all try and find ways to run businesses and have families the capacity to do both has certainly made this past few months so much easier for me.

22.01.2022 I am excited to announce a new collaboration that has been in the works these past few weeks that will see me and my team at Brisbane Family Law Centre spending a little more time in the north of the State! A chance conversation, a long standing friendship and a team of colleagues pulling together from opposite ends of Queensland has resulted in an alliance being formed between my firm and Miller Harris Lawyers Cairns. Brisbane to Cairns? Why this Alliance? It is no secret t...Continue reading

22.01.2022 This is my lovely friend Sarah! She keeps me entertained, fed and sane in amongst designing my websites, taking my photos and of course running the behind the scenes of my membership for lawyers, The Club. She is fun, funny and always there to keep us all going- the world needs so many more Sarah's and today she (and I) would love you to join us in 'The Club' as the e-doors will close again tomorrow night! If you are running a law firm, thinking about running a firm or jus...t want to be a part of a group of lawyers who are building practices for the future then why not come and join us! All the details are in the link or throw me any questions below! https://happylawyerhappylife.com/theclub-open/

22.01.2022 School holidays! For my daughter that has meant a store out the front of our house every day this week! Today it was lemonade with her friend Ned! What will tomorrows item of trade be I wonder!

22.01.2022 During divorce, everything in life can feel upside down. Valentines is just another of those firsts you will have to hurdle as you fine your new beginning. But if life sized love hearts, romantic dinners and overpriced roses are the last thing you can manage, then here are a few suggestions that might help you get through today. And Valentines or not- Happy lots more love day that is how I like to see it anyway!

22.01.2022 Tomorrow afternoon I am holding a Xmas Crafternoon! If you would like to join me and a bunch of friends for an afternoon of tinsel Xmas making, yummy treats and great conversation then you would be very welcome. We have a few seats left and tickets are available on the link below. https://www.happylawyerhappylife.com/xmas-crafternoon/

22.01.2022 The heater is on and the slides are loaded for my online workshop this morning 'So you are going to Court!' It is not too late to join me and you can still register on the link below. Appearing in the Family Courts is not an easy thing for even the most experienced family lawyer, and I can only imagine it is an incredibly daunting experience for someone acting on their own behalf and being faced with a decision that may or may not be in their favour but that relates to often... their most prized possessions or their children. If you have found yourself before the Family Courts or are considering this option then these 10 tips will help you. You can register on the link here and if you can't attend live, don't worry- register anyway and you will receive a copy of the recording tomorrow. https://www.thehappyfamilylawyer.com/goingtocourtworkshop

22.01.2022 The happiest of Mother’s Days to all the mums everywhere but particularly to my super duper mum. The hardest part of this past few months has been not being able to see you. Have a wonderful day and hopefully we can spoil you soon!! Love you.

21.01.2022 So I just realised as I am here counting sleeps that tomorrow is October and then it dawned on me that means next week I am in Sydney teaching 2 days of Collaborative Practice training for family law professionals and somewhere in there I am trying to work out just what happened to September! So moral to my wordy story is that I have 4 seats left to fill for my program next week and I would love you to join me! What can I say about Collaborative Practice? It is not for ever...yone but it can work for many. It is a legal process just like all others, it brings together legal and financial professionals along with social scientists to offer truly holistic solutions and support and most importantly prioritises the goals and values of the family. I think sometimes there is a sense this is an easier process for separating families but I dont think any process is easy. Collaborative practice requires immense strength, courage, compassion and care and for us as professionals, requires us to carefully consider how we work in a way that no other process will need. So if you are interested in building your skills as a professional, learning about alternate pathways to our sadly overburdened Court system then I would love to have you join me. All the details are here on my website and do get in touch with any questions you might have! https://www.happylawyerhappylife.com/introductory-collabor/

21.01.2022 I am on the hunt for a book-keeping, trust accounting money type guru to join my team at Brisbane Family Law Centre! The wonderful Jackie is leaving us thanks to her side hustle taking over her already busy life and so I am in need of someone that loves all things numbers! The role is usually done over a few days- the hours are flexible but I do prefer someone who can come and be a part of our team at our office in Albion. Experience within the legal profession is preferred ...also. So if you or someone you know has a love of numbers and would like to join a fun, kind team of professionals in a positive working environment then please get in touch with me at [email protected].

21.01.2022 This past year Freya Gardon and Sarah Follent have been working away in the background with me at Brisbane Family Law Centre on a concept that we hoped to have launched 6 months ago but a few challenges came our way! But this weekend thanks to many collaborative friends in Sydney yesterday I think I have found my way around the hurdle and now can finish what we started many moons ago. Since setting up my firm 10 years ago now I have been known for doing divorce differerntly... but this new product will ensure that families looking to resolve the legal issues arising from their separation and divorce can do so calmly, kindly and at a fixed price no matter where they are in the country, leveraging the best of technology but with the sense of kindness that can only come with human interactions. I may have been teaching you all yesterday about the stuff that I love about the work we get to do, but in fact you were all teaching me at the same time and for that I say the biggest ‘thank you’!

20.01.2022 The face of excitement as we head off to Melbourne for the Gorman Fashion show!!! (Ok so Daisy may have no idea what that means yet but my face is full of excitement trust me!)

20.01.2022 A year ago I filmed a video just like this one (save I was a little rounder thanks to Baby Daisy!) where I set out my intentions for 2018... well put simply not everything went to plan (and you will have to watch to learn more about that!) BUT we are still here, still smiling and many wonderful lessons have been learned! I am still trying to work out just where 2018 disappeared to but this past few days of holidays I have been enjoying reflecting on the year that has been while pulling out my planners for the year ahead. What does 2019 have in store- well who really knows but here are a few ideas I am hoping you will see come to life over the coming months.

19.01.2022 If you have been thinking about joining me tomorrow afternoon for our 'Xmas Crafternoon' then now is your chance as there are a handful of seats left. Join me and a bunch of friends for an afternoon of tinsel Xmas making, yummy treats and great conversation- kids, friends and even those non-lawyers in your life are very welcome! All the details are on the link below.... https://www.happylawyerhappylife.com/xmas-crafternoon/

19.01.2022 Today my work life changed forever! This is Hannah Trotter, my amazing side kick who is currently working from NZ! And this is what happens when you realise you can use filters in your video meetings..... she did struggle to take me seriously! Law just got so much more colourful!!!

19.01.2022 sneak peak Thank you to all of you who sent me your tips on surviving heartbreak. Our boxes are now complete and coming to you soon!

18.01.2022 If you have been thinking about joining me tomorrow afternoon for our Xmas Crafternoon then now is your chance as there are a handful of seats left. Join me and a bunch of friends for an afternoon of tinsel Xmas making, yummy treats and great conversation- kids, friends and even those non-lawyers in your life are very welcome! All the details are on the link below.... https://www.happylawyerhappylife.com/xmas-crafternoon/

18.01.2022 Announcing my new Collaborative Practice Bootcamp! I know what you must be thinking, "What’s a ‘Collaborative Practice Bootcamp Clarissa’?" Well it isn't exercise camp (as much as we do enjoy a few high kicks around the office here at Brisbane Family Law Centre to get the day started aka Sarah Follent below!) but it is a dedicated 6 week online coaching program to help you take all of those collaborative skills and get this work rolling in the door!... If you are you looking to launch, re-launch or re-jig your collaborative practice, or if you are you a collaborative professional or lawyer looking for assistance in implementing a marketing and business strategy for your practice, then this 6-week online bootcamp is designed for you! Over the past six years, I’ve had the pleasure of training over 400 collaborative professionals around Australia and overseas. Many of us bounce out of the two day introductory training with so much enthusiasm for this new process, only to discover a few weeks later that finding collaborative clients with whom we can test our new skills can be a real challenge. When it comes to starting or growing your collaborative practice, you will need a business and marketing plan and this is where I can help! In this 6 week online program I will show you how you can build your collaborative practice through a simple 6 step plan. I will demystify the world of marketing and leave you with a sense that with a few small steps each day, you really can grow your collaborative practice far broader than it is right now. The 6-week online bootcamp is launching on Monday 2 September 2019 & if you book before 31 July and use the code 'bootcamp' at the checkout you will save yourself a red hot $300 on all the packages available here! https://www.happylawyerhappylife.com/collaborative-practic/ So who is up for some 'virtual Collaborative Practice bootcamping'?

17.01.2022 In less than 100 sleeps I will be joining with my legal colleagues, Genevieve Dee and Kelli Martin as we hit the Dancing CEOs dance floor (again!) forming a #supertroope for the night but more importantly to support the amazing work of the Women's Legal Service Queensland. Why again? Well why not. I had the chance to be a part of this great event a few years ago and any excuse to drag myself off to some dance classes but really it is all about the cause. The Women’s Legal Se...rvice are responsible for supporting so many families around our state, who are experiencing family breakdown and domestic violence. This is a service that is needed by so many and that I am proud to support. And Dancing is the least we can do to help others who find themselves in need of help at one of life’s most vulnerable times. I hope you might get behind us all and support my Dancing Campaign for this amazing cause. Over the coming weeks I will be sharing some great events, raffles and a few other surprises that I hope you might support as I do my best help our team reach our fundraising goals! You can learn more about the event, how you can help or just enjoy a few more behind the scenes videos on my website here- https://www.happylawyerhappylife.com/dancingceos/

17.01.2022 This is my ‘post race’ face thanks to us having achieved our goal of running the whole way in the 5km Bridge to Brisbane this morning. London raced off ahead at the 3km mark and informs me that next year she won’t be entering the ‘jogging’ category but will be with those ‘fast runners’ thanks Mum! I was just grateful to reach the end given I have done zero running all year save for my weekly attempt at netball! ... Such a beautiful day up here for the event and the energy around Brisbane during the race is such fun too. Who else was running away their Sunday morning today?

17.01.2022 On Saturday's we.... Drink coffee, clean the house, build lego towers, take a few coaching calls, run through the sprinkler, hang out with friends and then... If only she would sleep at night just as much as in the day!!!... How about you?

16.01.2022 You know what’s better than one raffle? TWO RAFFLES! This week we have opened two of our Dancing CEOs raffles at once and let me tell you, I’m excited!... Go in the draw to win: NUMBER ONE: Clarissa’s Favourite Brisbane Designer’s Gift Pack (valued at $286) Including: $150 Bonnie Hislop store gift card. $50 Meg Makes online store gift card. A "Spring Days in Queensland" duffle bag by my dear friend Dyan Burgess. Enter here: https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=y4mxm NUMBER TWO: A Love Star Loves Gold Foil Heart Vase (valued at $220) A wonderful, ethically handcrafted piece by Lovestar that will go beautifully on your desk, in your home or literally anywhere that needs a bit of happiness! Enter here: https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=sa2vr&utm Purchase 1 ticket for $10, 3 for $20 or 10 for $50 and remember, your donations are going straight to Women's Legal Service Queensland! Happy Raffling!

15.01.2022 Have you or someone you know found yourself before the Family Courts? Join me live Tuesday 17 July at 11am for the next webinar in my divorce workshop series- So you think you are going to Court! In this month's webinar I will share 10 helpful tips on appearing in the Family Law Courts- whether you are representing yourself or have a lawyer helping you. ... It is no secret that I advocate heavily for avoiding the Court process during separation and divorce however for some families, there is no other option. And so, when you are heading into the Court process I encourage you to be well informed. There are steps you can take and preparation you can do that can make the process more streamlined, less costly and hopefully will assist you in finding a resolution a little earlier too. Appearing in the Family Courts is not an easy thing for even the most experienced family lawyer, and I can only imagine it is an incredibly daunting experience for someone acting on their own behalf. If you have found yourself before the Family Courts or are considering this option then these 10 tips will help you through. You can register to attend the webinar live on the link below but if you can't attend live, register anyway and you will receive a recording of the live event.

14.01.2022 The Happiest of Mother’s Days to all the wonderful Mums out there. And to my mum- you are one amazing woman!

14.01.2022 The happiest of Mothers Days to all the mums everywhere but particularly to my super duper mum. The hardest part of this past few months has been not being able to see you. Have a wonderful day and hopefully we can spoil you soon!! Love you.

14.01.2022 Tonight is your last chance to grab your tickets for my Dancing CEOs Raffle No. 1- an amazing $200 gift card from Jericho Road Clothing one of my most favourite fashion labels that just happens to be right here in Brisvegas! All proceeds go to support the work of Womens Legal Service Queensland. You can grab your tickets here-... https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=6d5cx Tickets Prices: 1 for $10 3 for $20 or 10 for $50

13.01.2022 This past week I lost my dearest friend, Melissa Nielsen. Losing anyone is heartbreaking and losing someone so vibrant and young is impossible to understand at times. As many of you know, I take comfort in writing. Melissa knew that well and in her last fews weeks had many suggestions for books I should write. I will work on those for you Meliss over the coming years but this past week instead of books, I found comfort in a writing few words that sum up some of the thing...s I have come to learn about Melissa over the years. I have heard from many legal colleagues this past week and greatly appreciate your kind thoughts. I knew my friend was pretty incredible but even I was not aware of the depth of her work in her local community and the impact she has had on so many in her life. And that I think sums up Melissa perfectly. For her it was never about accolades and always about joy. Her love of others is like no one else I have ever known and her ability to make us all feel so valued really demonstrates her spirit and purpose. For those of you who have been touched by Melissa, a further memorial is being organised by her wonderful colleagues at Miller Harris Lawyers in Cairns for July. Further details will no doubt come. In the meantime, I will be making sure a few Melissa-isms feaure in my life daily- kindness, cake, gorman and wine (well perhaps not the wine!) as we all carry with us one beautiful spirit for eternity.

13.01.2022 Sydney! I am back this week for the ALPMA conference and a 1 day Collaborative Training skills course at the amazing Hazelhurst Arts Centre at Gymea this Saturday! If you are practising in Family Law, collaborative or not, this one day workshop will tackle many of the skills we use daily from the importance of the first client interview to marketing to neuroscience to design and even using colour to effect mood... Yes I know it sounds a tad random but trust me it will all ma...ke sense on the day! I would love to have you join me and I have to say the venue is the most beautiful location for training ever so you should come to enjoy lunch if nothing else! All the details are in the link below and use the code ‘collabsydney’ to access a $100 discount too. https://happylawyerhappylife.com/advanced-collaborative-pr/

13.01.2022 Tomorrow afternoon I am holding a 'Xmas Crafternoon'! If you would like to join me and a bunch of friends for an afternoon of tinsel Xmas making, yummy treats and great conversation then you would be very welcome. We have a few seats left and tickets are available on the link below. https://www.happylawyerhappylife.com/xmas-crafternoon/

12.01.2022 In less than 100 sleeps I will be joining with my legal colleagues, Genevieve Dee and Kelli Martin as we hit the Dancing CEOs dance floor (again!) all to support the amazing work of the Women's Legal Service Queensland! Why again? Well why not. I had the chance to be apart of this great event a few years ago and any excuse to drag myself off to some dance classes but really it is all about the cause. The Women's Legal Service are responsible for supporting so many families ...around our state, who are experiencing family breakdown and domestic violence. This is a service that is needed by so many and that I am proud to support. So today my dancing colleagues and I grabbed all the kids we call 'ours' and danced our hearts out in readiness for a few months on fundraising madness. (That footage is to come... #chaoswiththekids) BUT it is the least we can do to help others who find themselves in need of help at one of life's most vulnerable moments. Dancing Ceo's Allstars! Fundraising here we come! (And yes the earrings are the best & you will find them in the Women's Legal Service Shop here- https://wlsq.org.au/shop/!) #strongerthanyouknow

12.01.2022 Our Dancing CEOs campaign is well underway! Dance Number Sore muscles Lots of kind donations (Thank you!)... AND NOW... 10 weeks of fun Raffles just for you! This week and for the next 10 weeks I will be hitting your social feeds with weekly online raffles all thanks to some of my amazing business friends! First up we have my favourite Brisbane fashionistas, sisters Kate and Chloe from Brisbane label Jericho Road Clothing who have kindly donated an amazing $200 gift card for this week's prize! What can I say- it was like they dreamed up a fashion label just for me! Bright colors, crazy prints and fun styles I can’t go past their collections (particularly those banana pants from a few months ago- they are my favourite by far!!) You can grab your tickets here- https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=6d5cx Tickets Prices: 1 for $10 3 for $20 or 10 for $50 And the winner will be drawn on Monday 18 March! All Proceeds will of course go to support the incredible work of Women's Legal Service Queensland. Stay tuned for 9 more amazing prizes over the coming weeks and Good Luck!! (And the biggest Thank You to Chloe and Kate for your amazing donation!)

12.01.2022 Dancing CEOs Raffle time!!! Go in the draw to win two Castle and Things banana cot sheet sets My dancing colleagues Genevieve, Kelli and I have been holding on to the top of the fundraising leader board BUT our dancing friends are catching up and so I am about to Raffle, Raffle and Raffle my way into your social feeds for the next few weeks!... This weeks Raffle Prize is one of my favourites thanks to Castle and Things and the amazing Sydney artist Rachel Castle who has kindly donated 2 sets of her gorgeous banana cot sheet sets. You can grab your tickets here- https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=kgfba Tickets Prices: 1 for $10 3 for $20 or 10 for $50 This prize is valued at $276, is amazing and is the perfect gift for those new parents in your life! So get raffling! All ticket sales go to further the much needed work of Womens Legal Service Queensland (and will hopefully keep us inching ahead of our dancing competition!)

12.01.2022 A dear friend of mine Sarah Jefford - Family & Surrogacy Lawyer shared this beautiful article today. A year ago Sarah gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Darcey under a surrogacy arrangement. I remember it well as I was only a few weeks from having my second daughter Daisy and I thought alot about just how courageous and kind Sarah is/ was to do this. For anyone considering surrogacy or being a surrogate I can't recommend Sarah highly enough- she is a true specialist in this area both in a professional sense but also thanks to her own very real experience. This is a beautiful reflection on the many layers of joy and challenge that come with giving the ultimate gift of life to a loving family.

12.01.2022 That’s a wrap on the official working year. I have much to say about the challenges 2018 work life has thrown my way but today I am just grateful to be home wrapping presents, packing suitcases and pondering the Xmas reading list as we head home to northern NSW tomorrow. To all of you who have supported, cheered, smiled and cried along with me this year please know I have so appreciated it. The trick in ending up with the title ‘The Happy Family Lawyer’ is that when things ...are not so ‘happy’ it can be extra hard to explain that to yourself let alone others. All of those messages, laughs and stories I have heard this year as Daisy and I travelled the country #raywardsontour along with the many of you that kept sending work into me and my firm have kept me going. This past few weeks I have had to make some hard business decisions. 2019 will see a new take on my firm- a smaller, leaner and more focused brand perhaps reflective of Clarissa now and not necessarily Clarissa that started all those years ago. This decision has been a really hard one for me. It has meant losing people I really care for, changing my model but ultimately will mean I can continue to run a firm that is a leader in offering holistic solutions to families experiencing divorce and separation. Now to take a breath, enjoy Xmas and then to get out the new plans for 2019. I wish you a wonderful festive season full of too much food, even more love and lots of laughs too. Clarissa

11.01.2022 There are some pretty amazing women in my life and today is the perfect day to celebrate them all! I got to spend the day teaching my favourite course in Collaborative Law, woke to a surprise feature in the sage and clare International Women’s Day Blog before also making it to the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland Inc. Inspo List for 2019. A great end to a big week! A very Happy International Women’s Day to all the wonderful women and men in my life!

11.01.2022 When the first test run of your fundraising gift card set appears and are more amazing than we could have ever imagined you do a celebratory stationary dance!! (You can work our just what that means!) Thank you to everyone who has already ordered! And yes- You can still grab your pack on the link below. $30 from each pack sold goes to support the work of Womens Legal Service Queensland! ... https://www.happylawyerhappylife.com/greetingcards/

10.01.2022 Who else has been wrapping books all weekend? It has been a full family affair at The Rayward house from kids to grandparents because #contact! But we made it. And this year we are not wrapping books at midnight the night before school!! #winning!

09.01.2022 Who is joining me tomorrow for my Free 7 Day 'Fresh Start Challenge'? We are half way through the year and whatever is happening in your life it is a great time to re-think, reboot and make some change to take us all the way through to Christmas and beyond. Starting tomorrow morning at 8am I will hit your inbox each day with a simple challenge to help you refocus, replan and reconnect with your happiness even when life feels a little upside down. ... This challenge is designed for anyone really who feels they need to 'regig' a few things, but particulalry for anyone who is experiencing separation or divorce or as I like to put it- heartbreak! You can register and find out more here- https://www.thehappyfamilylawyer.com/fresh-start/ So, tell me, are you willing to give it a go? Why not grab some friends and join in together? I would love to have you and let's help each other make a Fresh Start! Clarissa

09.01.2022 Can you help me find my new executive assistant? With my very long-standing side kick Debbie Ryan retiring (yes I am coming to terms with this finally!) and my star other side kick Hannah Trotter heading off to study overseas I am on the hunt for a new Debbie/Hannah! If you or someone you know might be this person I would love to hear from you!

09.01.2022 Alright friends! I need your help to finish a project we have been working on this year! This little box of magic is something I like to call a Break Up Box! The Box you send when words just dont cut it! One of the hardest things next to your own divorce is watching your best friend or loved one deal with all that flows from the breakdown of their relationship. This is where our Break Up Box comes in! We like to think of it as a virtual hug when life is just not g...oing to plan! I have pulled together some of my favourite treats thanks to our local artisans but there is one thing missing and this is where you come in! I am after a bunch of tips from those who have been there- things you know now that you wish you knew at the beginng- that are designed to help someone starting the process of untangling a relationship on the way through. So if you have a tip/ quote or idea that you learned along the way that might help someone else, I would love you to share it with me below or email it through if that is eaiser at [email protected]. Relationship breakdowns are rarely something to be celebrated but I am hoping this little box of magic treats will hopefully bring a smile and sigh of relief during the most challenging of times.

09.01.2022 And my work day continues. But I don’t look anything like this right now save for the expression... PJ’s Coffee Law work pile in hand ... Face of excitement... not so much! But I love being a lawyer... really I do!

09.01.2022 Sneak peek time! For over 2 years now I have been working with 2 amazing women to pull my book apart and turn it into an online course. This has been a massive task but one that I am deeply proud of. So you can take a sneak peak here as we get ready to officially hit launch!!... Splitsville the Course is based on the content of my book and all I have come to learn after almost 20 years now in lawland. The course is designed for anyone experiencing separation or divorce that is looking to find their way through the legal issues involved in a calm and considered way- ideally avoiding the Court process and maintaining positive relationships for the future. It is an online, self paced program so you can do it from anywhere in your own time. There are 18 video lessons, a personalised workbook, a bundle of resources and the ability to tap into coaching as you need it from me along the way too. And so now I am off to say a small Yippee as another little project comes to life. https://course.thehappyfamilylawyer.com/

08.01.2022 Who else is having a blast being back at work? Me. I really am! We have rearranged the office, collected all our Xmas shopping (note amazing new bath mat below that I was tempted to hang on my office wall just to see the looks on the BFLC team faces!) And today it is team planning afternoon to put the finishing touches on the new brand Amicably. ... Happy Friday wherever you are.

08.01.2022 During divorce, everything in life can feel upside down. Valentines is just another of those ‘firsts’ you will have to hurdle as you fine your new beginning. But if life sized love hearts, romantic dinners and overpriced roses are the last thing you can manage, then here are a few suggestions that might help you get through today. And Valentines or not- Happy ‘lots more love day’ that is how I like to see it anyway!

08.01.2022 Last night I found myself in Sydney, accepting an award from the Minds Count Foundation for Individual Leadership in Legal Mental Wellbeing. This is an award that I am deeply proud to win and last night I delivered this speech to acknowledge just why this one means a lot to me. It was a very express trip but one I made with my lovely Mum which made the moment all that much more special. The rates of mental illhealth in law continue to be far higher than in the broader popu...lation and it is through the work of foundations such as Minds Count that we are seeing tangible change. I was thrilled to hear last night of the work of Herbert Smith Freehills in embedding a culture of support, understanding and openness through their firm wide mental health initiative. If firms the size of HSF can embed mental wellness as a priority in their culture, we all can. And so, I am sharing today my words from last night- in part because I could barely speak them thanks to a few tears but also in memory of my dear (but at times deeply frustrating) little brother who inspires me each day to live my life to the very fullest always.

08.01.2022 In around 30 sleeps I will be tossing on my dancing shoes and hitting the stage at City Hall for Dancing CEOs 2019! Now the dancing is one part of the fun but really this event is all about raising much needed funds for Womens Legal Service Queensland. So for this I need your help!! Sarah Follent my creative side kick and I put our creative heads together and next thing you know our HAPPY Giftcard sets came to life!... These sets of 10 greeting cards are the perfect way to send a happy little thank you, wish a pal an extra happy birthday, or remind a loved one of how happy they make you! Could it be any happier? YOU BETCHA! These greeting cards are doing so much more than bringing happiness to you and those you send them to, all profits are going straight to Womens Legal Service to support their wonderful cause. $30 from each pack sold will go to further the work of Womens Legal Service. So who needs a pop of neon kindness in your life? You can order your pack here- https://www.happylawyerhappylife.com/greetingcards/

08.01.2022 It's my quarterly 'where is my life at' update! And yes in case you were wondering, I share with you just how much sleep I am not really getting but many of the other little projects that we have been tinkering away on this year! And yes, that is my bedazzled lamp shade in the background and keep your eyes peeled for my Christmas 'Crafternoon' coming to all good bedazzling lawyers/ friends of lawyers and friends of mine this Christmas time!

07.01.2022 Announcing my new Collaborative Practice Bootcamp! I know what you must be thinking, "Whats a Collaborative Practice Bootcamp Clarissa?" Well it isnt exercise camp (as much as we do enjoy a few high kicks around the office here at Brisbane Family Law Centre to get the day started aka Sarah Follent below!) but it is a dedicated 6 week online coaching program to help you take all of those collaborative skills and get this work rolling in the door!... If you are you looking to launch, re-launch or re-jig your collaborative practice, or if you are you a collaborative professional or lawyer looking for assistance in implementing a marketing and business strategy for your practice, then this 6-week online bootcamp is designed for you! Over the past six years, Ive had the pleasure of training over 400 collaborative professionals around Australia and overseas. Many of us bounce out of the two day introductory training with so much enthusiasm for this new process, only to discover a few weeks later that finding collaborative clients with whom we can test our new skills can be a real challenge. When it comes to starting or growing your collaborative practice, you will need a business and marketing plan and this is where I can help! In this 6 week online program I will show you how you can build your collaborative practice through a simple 6 step plan. I will demystify the world of marketing and leave you with a sense that with a few small steps each day, you really can grow your collaborative practice far broader than it is right now. The 6-week online bootcamp is launching on Monday 2 September 2019 & if you book before 31 July and use the code bootcamp at the checkout you will save yourself a red hot $300 on all the packages available here! https://www.happylawyerhappylife.com/collaborative-practic/ So who is up for some virtual Collaborative Practice bootcamping?

07.01.2022 Today we celebrated Miss Daisy's first year (and London's almost 7th year as she decided to join the party too- literally!) Yesterday I was driving south to my parents home for a good 2 hours, so I had some thinking time once the small humans snored in the back seat! I was reflecting on all of the things that have happened in the last year- big, small, fun, funny and challenging! I feel each day like life is rushing by. I don't seem to have a moment of down time anymore and ...that in itself is overwhelming. But when you stand back and look at the year gone by all that rushing falls away and it is the 'big rocks' that grab your attention. Miss Daisy it has been such a delight getting to know you this past 12 months. You are such a chilled out little ray of sunshine. I am still looking forward to a full nights sleep but putting all of that harder stuff aside, it has been a year of fun filled adventures and I am looking forward to sharing so many more with you.

07.01.2022 Dancing CEOs raffle time!! Our #supertroops dance number is really on the home stretch now!! With less than 4 weeks until I hit the stage head to toe sequins with my colleagues Genevieve Deee and Kelli Martin. This weeks raffle is an extraordinary one from my amazing friend and naturopath Katherine Maslen of Brisbane Natural Health.... Go in the draw to win a Health Reboot Membership (valued at $1,782!) Health is something I harp on about all the time in both my work with clients and colleagues. And this prize is perfect if you are looking to make some changes in your life around health. The winner will be drawn on Monday morning. Grab your tickets here- https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=3n9cf

06.01.2022 Tonight is your last chance to grab your tickets for my Dancing CEO's Raffle No. 1- an amazing $200 gift card from Jericho Road Clothing one of my most favourite fashion labels that just happens to be right here in Brisvegas! All proceeds go to support the work of Women's Legal Service Queensland. You can grab your tickets here-... https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=6d5cx Tickets Prices: 1 for $10 3 for $20 or 10 for $50

06.01.2022 What would a "Happy Lawyer" Xmas holiday be without a "Happy Lawyer" Boxing Day Sale! I know you are still lying by the pool and being a lawyer is the furthest thing from your mind but just in case you have nothing better to do than plan a bit of your professional development for 2020, I am offering a 50% discount on my upcoming courses and workshops for the next 24 hours! The discount applies to: Happy Lawyer Happy Life "The Online Course" Collaborative Practice Trainin...g Workshops Social Media Basics for Lawyers Fixed and Value Pricing Workshop AND my one day workshop gift card just in case you cannot make any more decisions for 2019 right now... All the details and dates are on the link below and all you need to do is enter the code boxingday at the checkout! Easy peasy! Now return to Xmas lazing/ swimming/ sleeping/ eating**.... (**anything but lawyering!) https://www.happylawyerhappylife.com/boxingday/

06.01.2022 In my lawyer life I am surrounded by many wonderful people that make my world work and one of those amazing women is Sarah Follent. Yesterday Sarah shared with me this beautiful piece she has written on why a designer and a lawyer are the perfect combination for so many reasons but anyone that knows a little about Sarah would know she brings so much more to my life than colour and design. Sarah Follent I can't imagine a law firm without our daily colourful creations any more!... But on a serious note, whether you call it legal design or just common sense, I really can't stress enough how helpful a ‘Sarah' is when it comes to lawland!

06.01.2022 You know whats better than one raffle? TWO RAFFLES! This week we have opened two of our Dancing CEOs raffles at once and let me tell you, Im excited!... Go in the draw to win: NUMBER ONE: Clarissas Favourite Brisbane Designers Gift Pack (valued at $286) Including: $150 Bonnie Hislop store gift card. $50 Meg Makes online store gift card. A "Spring Days in Queensland" duffle bag by my dear friend Dyan Burgess. Enter here: https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=y4mxm NUMBER TWO: A Love Star Loves Gold Foil Heart Vase (valued at $220) A wonderful, ethically handcrafted piece by Lovestar that will go beautifully on your desk, in your home or literally anywhere that needs a bit of happiness! Enter here: https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=sa2vr&utm Purchase 1 ticket for $10, 3 for $20 or 10 for $50 and remember, your donations are going straight to Womens Legal Service Queensland! Happy Raffling!

05.01.2022 Fellow Family Lawyers or anyone working with separating families- My final Collaborative Practice workshops for 2018 are coming up and I would love you to join me. Just in case you haven’t enjoyed a course with me before, I can promise much learning of course but also a lot of fun, colour and dancing because what is a legal conference without some post Lunch dancing... ... The Collaborative Law process is at the cutting edge of dispute resolution practice today, with an emphasis on problem solving, negotiation and co-operation to settle conflict. The non-confrontational nature of Collaborative Practice enables Lawyers working with other professionals and their clients to respectfully resolve disputes and, ultimately, stay out of Court. Join me and my experienced collaborative colleagues Anne-Marie Rice, John Thynne and Lynda McKie CFP for both Introductory and Advanced courses here in Brisbane- 2 day Introductory Training- 24 & 25 October 1 day Advanced Training- 23 November All the details are here- https://happylawyerhappylife.com/training/ Or do just get in touch with any questions you might have! Hope to see you there!

05.01.2022 The Happiest of Mothers Days to all the wonderful Mums out there. And to my mum- you are one amazing woman!

05.01.2022 My online course for anyone trying to navigate separation is now available. This has been a project and a half and one I am really hoping can make a difference for many. Everyones circumstances are unique and because of that, I designed this course to be structured in a way that means you are able to view and learn at your own speed. You may need all of the information now so you can feel confident to move forward, or you may wish to take it in as you are ready. Access to t...he course will give you- 18 online lessons, carefully designed to guide you through your separation including arrangements for your finances and children Access to course workbook Complimentary hard copy or e-book copy of my book Splitsville: How to Separate, Stay out of Court, and Stay Friends An Initial Coaching session with a Family Lawyer Following your coaching session, a personalised Settlement Strategy to navigate your separation If you or someone you know if navigating separation, then jump on and have a look to see if this might be something to help on the way through.

04.01.2022 Each week I am inspired by my clients who all find their own ways to work their way through divorce and separation and thanks to them, this week I am sharing 10 tips that you might find helpful too.

04.01.2022 For my family law colleagues- Next week I am heading down to my other home in northern NSW for 3 days of Collaborative Practice Training and while we are there we have decided to host a last minute Collaborative Practice Catch up for anyone who happens to be in the area and able to come! We are training at the Byron Services Club and will be meeting there for an informal drink and a snack and chat from 5.30pm on Thursday 11 July. ... If you are interested in learning about collaborative practice or are looking to meet other practitioners in the space then we would love to have you! To RSVP just pop your name below or email me at [email protected]. There is no cost so no excuse not to come! Now Byron Bay- you had better not rain this year!! .

04.01.2022 A few week's ago one of my little articles made it to the pages of the SBS program Insight. You may have seen the show on breaking up well- couples who navigated separation and divorce kindly, calmly and ultimately amicably. A theme I took from the experience of the guests was that the process was in no way easy.... I often say to the families I work with that choosing to calmly untangle your affairs at the end of a relationship takes so much more courage than the perhaps more expected approach of an adversarial separation. To sit and talk with someone who has broken your heart about a future your didn't ask for is so very difficult. When this show was going to air the Producers at SBS contacted me as I understand one of the guests had used my book Splitsville to guide them through their separation. I was so thrilled to know that my little book had helped a family who I have never met achieve their new beginning in their own way. None of us plan for our relationships to end, but when they do we can choose how we navigate that next step and I thank SBS for taking the time to profile families that managed to navigate this period of their lives with such respect.

04.01.2022 This is my post race face thanks to us having achieved our goal of running the whole way in the 5km Bridge to Brisbane this morning. London raced off ahead at the 3km mark and informs me that next year she wont be entering the jogging category but will be with those fast runners thanks Mum! I was just grateful to reach the end given I have done zero running all year save for my weekly attempt at netball! ... Such a beautiful day up here for the event and the energy around Brisbane during the race is such fun too. Who else was running away their Sunday morning today?

04.01.2022 Happy Lawyer Tip for this week! When you can feel yourself becoming overwhelmed and struggling to see the good in things what do you do to flip that mindset before it takes over? This week I am sharing what I do and it has a lot to do with gratitude but I would love to know your tips too.

04.01.2022 Today I sitting with a heavy heart as, like so many of you, I am overwhelmed by the enormity of what is happening around our country with these fires. As I look outside to another beautiful summers day it is so hard to fathom the extent of the challenge being faced by my family, friends and colleagues. Tomorrow like many of you I return to work and I am due to start my annual 7 day Happiness Challenge.... I have held off this past few days saying anything more about this challenge on social media as it has felt so trite to be talking happiness when there is so much sadness around. All morning I have been troubled by a decision on whether to run this annual event or to let it be. I still dont have the right answer but with the help of my kind husband who has had to put up with my long confusing chats this morning, I have decided that by pausing, cancelling or proceeding- nothing I do in that sense will change the many difficult things that happen in the world every day. So my challenge will proceed tomorrow and I am hoping as we go, these small reminders of happiness might help me to make sense of things again. If you want to come and join me as we tackle happiness, even in these moments of overwhelm and sadness, then you can join me here- https://www.happylawyerhappylife.com/happinesschallenge/

04.01.2022 If you have followed my work over the past few years you will know that I have become an accidental wellness advocate for lawyers. My own experience in ‘rejigging’ my life in the law has ironically led me to a new ‘side career’ in working with other lawyers to help them find their own sense of ‘happiness’ too. While I still spend my days helping my wonderful clients through the many legal issues arising from relationship breakdown, I tend to spend my 'spare time' working on ...making our profession a slightly easier place to work. My late night writing this past week has been on this piece that you will hopefully find helpful- lawyer or not- on 3 things I do to improve my happiness (no matter the time of year!) And just in case you want an extra bit of happiness to kickstart 2019, why not come and join my free 7 day Happiness Challenge starting Monday! All the details are here- https://happylawyerhappylife.com/happinesschallenge/

04.01.2022 This one is for my Collaborative Colleagues! We cant catch up for our usual in person chats but we can catch up for a virtual practice group. Things might feel upside down but either way we all have to push on and so on a day when I was supposed to be hanging out with a great group of Sydney Collaborative Professionals we will instead be hanging out on the zoom airwaves! Join me for this free webinar on Collaborative Practice where we will share in discussion about what is g...oing well and some of the hurdles to be overcome with this area of practice particulalry now we are all online! This will be an informal gathering for the Brisbane Practice Group for 2020 but all collaborative professionals from around Australia are very welcome! You can register on the link below! https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UgTttr6gReaATFg-lQy3GQ

04.01.2022 In just a few weeks I will be waking up super early to join my friend and colleague and all around expert on 'The Juggle' Jo Alilovic for this great morning conversation on finding your success in your career and living a fulfilling life (even with the many challenges that come up) along the way! Tickets are available on the link below and I would love to you have you join me for this really important conversation. Jo is the co-host of the very successful Australian Podcast, ...'The Juggle' and after many episodes now she has much to say about the things that work (and don't work) when it comes to managing the competing parts of our day. And she is just fun so I can promise an entertaining morning too! Tuesday 19 February- Brisbane City- See you there!!

04.01.2022 Its that time of year again- those few days of holidays post Xmas and pre NY Eve when it is easy to forget just what day it is! This week I have been reflecting on the moments that made 2019 special to me, the successes and the learnings and in my annual wrap up for this year, I am sharing a few of those things with you too! I did a video just like this a year ago after having to make a few big changes in my work life so it is with a smile that I have sat and watched last ye...ars update and this years summary today, knowing now that those hard decisions all made sense in the end. So 2020- I have no idea what you have in store for us all but I am looking forward to finding out and bringing my new love of #mariekondo with me! What are your learnings for 2019?

03.01.2022 Last week I hit the podcast airwaves as a guest this time, not a host, on a really fun show hosted by Yumi Stynes Ladies we need to Talk and produced by the team over at ABC Australia. This is a great episode all about Breaking up Well. There are some real gems in here from Zoe Foster Blake and psychologist Rachel Voysey but my favourite tip has to be thanks to Yumi herself who suggests the key to breaking up well is all in namastaying the sh_t out of your sharkra! Yep there is a book title right there! All jokes aside, this episode is a great resource for anyone navigating heart break and looking to do it well. The link to listen is below. https://www.abc.net.au//ladi/how-to-break-up-well/12325532

03.01.2022 It's that time of year again- those few days of holidays post Xmas and pre NY Eve when it is easy to forget just what day it is! This week I have been reflecting on the moments that made 2019 special to me, the successes and the learnings and in my annual wrap up for this year, I am sharing a few of those things with you too! I did a video just like this a year ago after having to make a few big changes in my work life so it is with a smile that I have sat and watched last ye...ar's update and this year's summary today, knowing now that those hard decisions all made sense in the end. So 2020- I have no idea what you have in store for us all but I am looking forward to finding out and bringing my new love of #mariekondo with me! What are your learnings for 2019?

03.01.2022 And it is live! The BFLC Break Up Box! The Box you send when words just don’t cut it! This little box of magic has been a big project in here for many months and finally she is up, ready and heading out the door! What is a Break Up Box you ask? Well I have come to describe it as the ‘warm hug’ you or someone you love needs when heartbreak has hit. Relationship breakdowns are rarely something to be celebrated but our Break Up Box will hopefully bring a smile and sigh of relie...f during the most challenging of times. So why this selection of strangely colourful gifts? Yes, we know it all seems a little strange but we hunted around Australia and NZ to support local and small artisans. All products are locally made but together create an experience that we like to call ‘a little bit of magic’! Now available on our fresh new website here! https://www.bflc.com.au/break-up-box/

03.01.2022 Daisy is soon to achieve more frequent flyer points than Richard Branson! We have landed in Sydney for a week of work and of course the Australian Women Lawyers Conference this weekend (fun!) But tomorrow I am taking a day trip to beautiful Wollongong to speak at the UOW Law Students' Society Women in Law Luncheon where I thought I might share my tips on how to be a ‘Proper lawyer’.... (and yes that is tongue in cheek!)

02.01.2022 When it comes to divorce, family finances are usually stretched. The resources that were supporting one household will now need to support two and basic maths tells us that this will mean some changes will need to be made. This is where that pesky word ‘Budget’ starts to come in! The word ‘budget’ sits in the same box as the word ‘diet’ for me- both are things I should do a little more often than I do! ... In partnership with NAB, this week on the Blog I am sharing my 3 tips for building a budget after Divorce. https://www.thehappyfamilylawyer.com/budgetduringdivorce #LifeMoments #ad #sponsored

02.01.2022 Today we celebrated Miss Daisys first year (and Londons almost 7th year as she decided to join the party too- literally!) Yesterday I was driving south to my parents home for a good 2 hours, so I had some thinking time once the small humans snored in the back seat! I was reflecting on all of the things that have happened in the last year- big, small, fun, funny and challenging! I feel each day like life is rushing by. I dont seem to have a moment of down time anymore and ...that in itself is overwhelming. But when you stand back and look at the year gone by all that rushing falls away and it is the big rocks that grab your attention. Miss Daisy it has been such a delight getting to know you this past 12 months. You are such a chilled out little ray of sunshine. I am still looking forward to a full nights sleep but putting all of that harder stuff aside, it has been a year of fun filled adventures and I am looking forward to sharing so many more with you.

02.01.2022 Today is International Happiness Day. And it is also the day that this beautiful little soul made her way into the world. It seems such a short time ago and yet so much has happened and this past few weeks is the best illustration of how quickly the world can change- for good and not so good. While life feels very upside down right now and being happy is something far from many of our minds, today is such an important reminder that in these moments we thrive on hope. Thi...s week as I have watched friends face terrible decisions- closing businesses, laying off team members and so many people rightly fearful of the impact of this situation on their health- I have also been struck by the incredible kindness around me. Colleagues kindly talking with each other, chats in the coffee shop with strangers and a common understanding that we are all in this together. So on this International Happiness Day I encourage you to hunt for happiness- it wont come in the celebration and loud laughter form at the moment, but it will appear where you least expect it- a kind comment from a stranger, a small message of support from a friend or a smile in the street from someone you have never met. Right now we need each other more than ever and today I encourage you to turn off the news, take a deep breath and calmly head out into the world looking after each other at every turn. And to you Miss Daisy- the happiest of Birthdays. Your smile and humour is infectious and gives us hope each day.

01.01.2022 I am on the hunt for a new team member to join me at Brisbane Family Law Centre and I am hoping you might help me find the magic person! I am after a 'Director of First Impressions'! A kind, vibrant and caring person who will be the first 'face and voice' of my firm. Working with people during separation and divorce takes something special- warmth, kindess and empathy and a calm smile even when things seems upside down.... Working with me requires creativity, autonomy and humour as I run a fast paced office where my team are given the space to grow. This is a full time role based in our offices in Albion Brisbane. Prior experience is always helpful but a positive 'can do' attitude and a willingness to look after our clients is the most important thing. If you or someone you know is interested please send a short email/ video or voice memo to my Office Manager wizz Debbie at [email protected]. And now my current 'Director of First Impressions' the wonderful Hannah Trotter shares below just why you might like to come and work with us! (and don't despair we are not losing Hannah she is just moving from the 'front office' as they say to the 'back office' as our Client Services Manager!)

01.01.2022 Dancing CEOs Raffle time!!! Go in the draw to win two 'Castle and Things' banana cot sheet sets My dancing colleagues Genevieve, Kelli and I have been holding on to the top of the fundraising leader board BUT our dancing friends are catching up and so I am about to 'Raffle, Raffle and Raffle' my way into your social feeds for the next few weeks!... This week's Raffle Prize is one of my favourites thanks to Castle and Things and the amazing Sydney artist Rachel Castle who has kindly donated 2 sets of her gorgeous banana cot sheet sets. You can grab your tickets here- https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=kgfba Tickets Prices: 1 for $10 3 for $20 or 10 for $50 This prize is valued at $276, is amazing and is the perfect gift for those new parents in your life! So get 'raffling'! All ticket sales go to further the much needed work of Women's Legal Service Queensland (and will hopefully keep us inching ahead of our dancing competition!)