The Happy Family Lawyer

The Happy Family Lawyer Changing the way families experience divorce and separation through support, information and education

Clarissa Rayward is a divorce lawyer, wife and mum who is passionate about relationships, people and family. She is using her industry knowledge and skill to change the way Australian families experience divorce and separation. In 2013 Clarissa started writing her thoughts on how to have a ‘happy divorce’ on a simple blog called ‘The Happy Family Lawyer’. What began as her weekly ramblings has fas

t become a popular resource centre for families navigating the legal aspects of their divorce and separation who are seeking an amicable and dignified divorce- the kind of divorce they can look back on with some pride.

And that’s my little Friday Ted Talk 😝🫶🏻
05/06/2026

And that’s my little Friday Ted Talk 😝🫶🏻

04/06/2026

“Dear Clarissa… I’m seven months post-separation and I feel like my mindset is very much win, lose, battle and fight. Helllpppp.”

It’s such an honest question.

One of the things I’ve learnt about mindset is that we often think change requires some huge breakthrough moment.

In reality, it’s usually much smaller than that.
It’s a different thought, it could be a different response or even a different action.

I recently came across a story from about using a simple countdown to get herself out of bed during a difficult period in her life.

What struck me wasn't the countdown itself.
It was the reminder that change often begins with one tiny action.

Of course it doesn’t solve everything. But it does interrupt the pattern. And from there, something shifts 🙏🏼🫶🏻

Have a question you’d like answered in Dear Clarissa? Comment below or send us a DM!

28/05/2026

There’s something strangely nostalgic about signing a copy of your own book. Because every time I see Happy Lawyer Happy Life, I don’t really see a book.

I see late nights at my kitchen table. I see a lawyer trying to make sense of a profession she loved but was struggling to fit inside. I see someone asking a question that felt a little risky at the time… Is there another way to do this?

When I wrote this, I wasn’t trying to create a movement, a Club, a podcast, or a business around helping lawyers build happier careers.

I was simply trying to start a conversation.

And all these years later, I still think the question matters… Can we build careers in law that are successful and sustainable?

Can we love this work without losing ourselves inside it?

Turns out thousands of lawyers have been asking the same question.

If you'd like a copy of Happy Lawyer Happy Life, comment BOOK below and I’ll send you the link 🫶🏻

27/05/2026

After 25 years of working with people through separation, I’ve noticed something. The legal work is often the visible part - paperwork, meetings, negotiations… decisions.

But underneath all of that, something much quieter is happening. People are grieving versions of themselves.

The person who thought they’d still be married. The version of life they imagined. The certainty they once had. The confidence that somehow got lost in the middle of surviving.

And in those moments, I see people rush.
Rush because they’re frightened and exhausted and because someone else is pushing urgency onto them.

But some of the most important decisions you’ll ever make deserve space 🙏🏼

The decisions made during separation shape so much more than an outcome on paper. They shape the relationship you have with yourself afterwards.

If you’re standing in this season right now, my question for you is… Who is helping you protect the version of you that still has to exist once this is all over? 🫶🏻🌈

Because good separation advice isn’t just about the law.
It’s about helping you make decisions you can still live with, emotionally, financially and practically, long after this chapter ends.

And if you need help navigating that, I'm here.

24/05/2026

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of rising nice and early to discuss all things De Facto and separation on

If you missed it, take a look! 👀

And if you need help navigating separation, please reach out to our team

22/05/2026

Some days as a lawyer, just look different. How well does Chatty G know me?! 😝

What have I missed, lawyer friends?

19/05/2026

Slightly surreal moment over the weekend… I found myself on The Today Show chatting all things de facto relationships.

Three minutes and 46 seconds sounds like plenty of time… until you realise you're trying to unpack defacto relationships 😅

But it did leave me thinking about something I see often in practice.

Many couples spend hours talking about holidays, where they’ll live, future plans and the exciting bits of building a life together - for good reason, I get that. But we’re often far less comfortable talking about the bigger “what ifs”.

What happens if one of us owns a home already?
What will finances look like?
What if we have children?
What if things don’t go to plan?

I know those conversations can feel uncomfortable. But I think they’re some of the most generous conversations we can have.

And perhaps understanding each other deeply — in the exciting seasons and the hard ones — is actually part of building something stronger. 🫶🏻

Thanks to , it was a blast! 🌈

14/05/2026

“Dear Clarissa… nothing related to divorce for once 😅 But where is your decor from? Especially the pink artwork with the yellow frame?”

Oh, I love this question.

The artwork is by the wonderfully creative Rachel Burke… also known as … and if you’re not already following her, do yourself a favour!

I’ve always believed spaces matter. Especially in family law.

When people are walking through some of the hardest seasons of their lives, I want BFLC to feel warm, human, hopeful, colourful … and a little unexpected.

Have a question you want answered in Dear Clarissa? Comment below or DM me, we might feature it in an upcoming episode!

12/05/2026

Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught that building a successful law firm meant pushing harder, working longer, and figuring it all out on our own.

I don’t really believe that anymore.

Happy Lawyer Happy Life was built to create a different kind of conversation around law, leadership, business and wellbeing… one grounded in honesty, practical thinking, support and sustainable success.

Inside the Club we talk about the real things:
• Running firms.
• Leading teams.
• Money.
• Burnout.
• Pricing.
• Mindset.
• Boundaries.
• Growth.
• And how to build a career in law that actually fits your life.

It’s thoughtful, practical and filled with genuinely good humans doing this work alongside you.

If you’ve been craving more connection, better ideas and a little less loneliness in business, you’re very welcome here 🫶🏻

Comment LAW below and we’ll send you the details.

08/05/2026

What does your yellow room look like?

Moving forward isn’t just a legal process. It’s a human one. 💛

Address

27/14 Argyle Street
Albion, QLD
4010

Opening Hours

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Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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+61738621955

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