Annette Lakey. Principal.
When you’re going through a separation, divorce, dividing assets or a parenting dispute, the last thing you want is a lawyer who is going to draw the process out.
Unlike most family lawyers, Annette is also an accredited mediator. Where possible we work to find a resolution outside of the courts. It is only when this isn’t achievable or realistic, that we will advise you to go to court.
Family law matters by their very nature are traumatic and painful. We see our role as helping you navigate the many legal considerations, and ultimately reach the best possible outcome, as quickly as possible.
Over the last 20+ years, we’ve helped thousands of families to reach resolution and move forward with their lives.
We listen and we care. We see it as our role to help you reach the best possible outcome, quickly and cost-effectively, so that you can move forward with your life.
I’ve dedicated over 20 years to helping people resolve all types of family law issues. I’m a qualified family lawyer, mediator and experienced litigator, supported by a team of experienced family law professionals.
Our focus is on finding resolution. Where possible we look to achieve this outside of the courts. But when that is the only option, our focus remains the same.
A reasonable fee structure, combined with a focus on resolution, can mean that our advice and representation is far more cost-effective than most other family lawyers.
I was born and bred in country Victoria and will always be a country girl at heart. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a lawyer and help people. So, after finishing school I moved to the ‘big smoke’ and completed a combined Arts Law degree at Monash University, graduating with Honours in Law.
I spent a few years practicing in regional Victoria, before I moved back to the city to further develop my skills and experience in family law. I was fortunate enough to be mentored by some of the leaders in the field.
I then went on to practice in family law in mid-tier firms in both Brisbane and Melbourne. It was during this time, where I saw many, many families dragged through the courts unnecessarily, that I began to look for more amicable ways to help my clients find resolution. I studied Mediation at Bond University and in 2012 became an Accredited Mediator.
This has allowed me to help many of my clients resolve their issues quickly and amicably, and far more cost-effectively. It allows them to reach agreement and make the decisions, rather than leave it in the hands of the courts. And, it usually means a better outcome for all involved.
In 2015 I established Lakey Law, a full service Family Law and Mediation practice that works to find the best possible outcome for all involved. I also volunteer my time at the Fitzroy Legal Service Family Law Clinic.
Having practiced family law exclusively for over a decade, Jin has extensive experience in all facets of family law, including complex property and parenting matters, spousal maintenance, financial agreements, child maintenance, family violence and appearing before the courts.
As a strong advocate for her clients, Jin provides tailored, clear advice while working to avoid unnecessary conflict and achieve resolution as quickly and amicably as possible.
As a Collaborative Law Practitioner and Relationships Australia panel lawyer, Bonnie helps clients achieve fair, practical and sustainable outcomes in a calm and constructive manner.
Having studied psychology and neuroscience and worked as a corporate lawyer before specialising in family law and practising as a sole practitioner for over a decade, Bonnie's wealth of experience and expertise is complemented by her calm, considered and client-focused approach.
Joanne’s interest and passion for family law emerged while volunteering at Community Legal Centre’s when she was at University. After graduating, she began working in a Family Law Firm and has practised family law exclusively for the last 12+ years.
Taking the time to understand her client’s situation, needs and objectives, Joanne finds helping them navigate what is usually one of the most difficult times in their lives rewarding and works tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for them.
Ramya’s interest in family law emerged while volunteering at the Women’s Legal Centre in Canberra while she was at university. As a result, since beginning her legal career in 2020, Ramya has focused predominantly on family law, alongside child protection and wills and estates.
Her compassionate and empathetic nature, focus on achieving positive outcomes through negotiation and dispute resolution, and litigation skills enable her to support, guide and advise clients through each stage of their separation.
Since commencing her legal career in 2021, Chiara has gained experience across family law, criminal law and intervention orders, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the challenges families face during separation.
Known for her warm and approachable manner, she provides compassionate support, clear advice and practical solutions as she helps clients navigate complex property and parenting situations and achieve the best possible outcomes.
After practising as an accountant for two decades, Lisa made the inspiring choice to pursue her passions and return to university to study law, before being admitted to legal practice and joining Lakey Family Law in 2025.
She brings maturity, insight, life experience and a calm, practical approach focused on helping clients navigate property and parenting issues with clarity, confidence and understanding.
Currently completing a Bachelor of Social Science, Amy’s Psychology degree, HR experience and passion for women’s rights fueled her interest in family law and led her to join our team and pursue a career as a paralegal.
Warm, friendly and approachable, Amy supports our clients and our lawyers throughout the process of resolving their matters.
Highly organised and with exceptional attention to detail, Claire supports our clients and lawyers throughout the process of resolving their matters.
A true people person, warm, caring and compassionate, Claire thrives on helping others and worked in customer service roles across the globe for over a decade before joining Lakey Family Law.
Highly organised, efficient, outcome-focused and with a keen eye for detail, Annelise works closely with our lawyers and clients to assist with progressing and resolving their matters.
Currently completing a double degree in Law and Commerce, Annelise has a strong interest in family law and enjoys being part of a team that prioritises both strong legal outcomes and compassion.
In her final year of a Bachelor of Laws degree, Sara’s passion for and interest in family law are fuelled by her desire to have a meaningful impact on people’s lives during what is usually a very significant and challenging time.
Warm, friendly, reliable, organised and consistently positive, Sara works closely with our lawyers and clients to assist with progressing and resolving their matters.
As Practice Manager, Lynne ensures that your experience working with us is positive and that our accounts and operations run smoothly.
With over two decades of experience in office management and trust accounting, Lynne brings a wealth of experience to our firm and enjoys supporting our team in achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
Highly organised, with impeccable attention to detail and a warm, friendly nature, Kay supports Annette in achieving positive outcomes for our clients.
With three decades of experience working in legal firms, Kay’s expertise is immense, spanning everything from operations and administration to liaising with clients, the courts and other practitioners and parties.
Predominantly working behind the scenes, Alexandra keeps everything running smoothly, allowing our lawyers and paralegals to focus on clients.
Highly organised, with impeccable attention to detail and over two decades experience working in family law firms, she works across all facets of the firms operations and accounts.
Tania is usually the friendly voice on the other end of the line when you call, and the smiling face that welcomes you when you visit Lakey Family Law.
With extensive experience across administrative, legal and client‑service roles in both New Zealand and Australia, she is highly organised, efficient and proactive and plays a key role in keeping the practice running smoothly.
The advice, support, negotiation and representation you need to get through your separation and divorce as quickly and as amicably as possible.
Reach agreement and document parenting arrangements through advice, negotiation, mediation or court representation if need be.
From Pre-Nuptial Agreements to Post Separation Agreements – we can help you negotiate and prepare a Financial Agreement at any stage of a relationship.
Finalise a fair property settlement and financial arrangement, quickly and efficiently with advice, mediation, negotiation and representation.
Avoid ugly family, parenting and property disputes by tackling issues through mediation and negotiation over and above litigation.
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