Vanessa Barnsley

Vanessa Barnsley
Consulting Solicitor

[email protected]

Vanessa Barnsley holds a Bachelor of Laws from Western Sydney University and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law. Vanessa is admitted as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and in the High Court of Australia.

Vanessa is experienced in and passionate about family law, having practised in family law since her admission in 2018. Vanessa is experienced in all areas of family law, including:

• parenting matters involving family violence, drug and alcohol abuse, mental ill health, sexual abuse and criminal proceedings including apprehended domestic violence orders;
• urgent recovery order applications;
• airport watchlist applications and passport/overseas issues;
• relocation of children;
• property settlements including matters with complex business structures, self-managed super funds and valuation issues;
• applications for divorce including ‘separation under the same roof’ and personal service issues;
• acting for third parties including grandparents, aunts, uncles and “psychological parents” in parenting matters;
• child support disputes and binding child support agreements;
• spousal maintenance and litigation funding orders;
• financial agreements prior to, during and post relationship.

Vanessa regularly takes part in mediations in both parenting and property matters. She also has extensive experience appearing in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia representing clients in all aspects of family law from the first mention until completion. She has represented clients in a number of jurisdictions including New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

Vanessa is passionate about helping others and ensuring that the best possible outcome is achieved for her clients. She prides herself on being approachable, organised and easy to communicate with to ensure that her clients receive the best possible support, advice and representation. Vanessa’s main objective is to provide empathetic advice on all aspects of family law, including the legislative principles and the court processes to ensure her clients make informed decisions.

In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys being outdoors, travelling to new places, trying new food and maintaining her health and fitness at the gym. She also plays competitive netball.