KHQ Family & Relationship Lawyers

04/08/2026

Jodylee Bartal, was recently featured in The Sydney Morning Herald, sharing her insights on the often-overlooked costs of family law litigation.

In the article, Jodylee discusses the range of expenses that can arise throughout court proceedings, from family reports and expert evidence to court fees and business valuations. She also explains why, where appropriate, resolving matters through negotiation or mediation can help reduce both the financial and emotional costs of a dispute.

Read the article here:

Parents navigating separation and divorce may face tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected costs if they head to court.

27/07/2026

An early start in Sydney this morning as I attend The Hatchery’s Ending Coercive Control Family & Domestic Violence Conference.

I’m incredibly proud that KHQ Family & Relationship Lawyers is sponsoring this important conference for the third consecutive year. Our ongoing support reflects KHQ’s unwavering commitment to addressing family and domestic violence, supporting meaningful reform, and contributing to conversations that drive real and lasting change.

For me, this work is deeply personal. Having spent many years acting for clients affected by family violence and coercive control, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact these behaviours have on individuals, children and families. It is a privilege to be part of a firm that not only recognises the importance of this issue but continues to invest in education, advocacy and initiatives that make a difference.

As the legal landscape continues to evolve, it is more important than ever that practitioners, policymakers and frontline professionals come together to share knowledge, challenge thinking and improve outcomes for victim-survivors.

Thank you to The Hatchery for bringing together such an outstanding group of speakers and delegates. I’m looking forward to a day of learning, collaboration and continuing the conversation about how we can all play a role in ending coercive control and family violence.

27/07/2026

Coercive control isn't defined by a single incident. It's a pattern of behaviour that strips away a person's independence, safety and sense of self over time.

From financial abuse and isolation to intimidation, surveillance and threats, the warning signs can be difficult to recognise. But the impact is profound.

Swipe to learn:

• What coercive control is
• How it impacts Australians
• Why this is still happening

As proud sponsors of the 2026 Ending Coercive Control Conference, we're committed to supporting conversations that drive meaningful change.

24/07/2026

We're proud to be sponsoring the 2026 Ending Coercive Control Conference in Sydney on 28-29 July.

As awareness of coercive control continues to grow, the conversation is increasingly focused on how the law, frontline services and communities can better identify, respond to and prevent this form of abuse. Following Australia's first criminal conviction for coercive control, the importance of continued education and collaboration has never been clearer.

Our Family & Relationship Law team is looking forward to joining practitioners, policymakers, advocates and researchers for two days of important discussion and shared learning.

Learn more about the conference: https://the-hatchery.co/event/coercive-control-conference-nsw/

15/07/2026

We're excited to welcome Ellen Anderson back to our Family & Relationship Law team.

Ellen has rejoined the team as a Senior Associate after spending time in Canada with her young family. Her practice spans the full spectrum of family law, and she is known for her practical, down-to-earth approach to guiding clients through complex and often emotional matters.

Read more about Ellen's experience: https://khq.com.au/our-people/ellen-anderson-lawyer/

We're so pleased to have Ellen with us again, and we look forward to everything she'll bring to the firm and our clients.

25/06/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻'𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲.

In Episode 7 of our 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘓𝘢𝘸 𝘙𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘢𝘱 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, Jodylee Bartal explains how assets are assessed and allocated following separation, and why the law recognises both financial and homemaker contributions when determining a fair outcome.

23/06/2026

Coercive control is now firmly at the centre of Australian family law, with recent legislative reforms and court decisions reshaping how family violence is assessed in parenting and property matters.

The law now recognises coercive and controlling conduct, including financial abuse, as family violence, with significant implications for separating families and the way evidence is presented before the courts.

In our latest insight, Monica Blizzard examines the recent reforms, the landmark Pickford & Pickford decision, and what these developments mean for individuals navigating separation.

Read the full article on our website: https://khq.com.au/blog/coercive-control-and-family-violence/

18/06/2026

Can you rely on AI in family law? Recent court decisions suggest the risks of getting it wrong are significant.

As artificial intelligence becomes more common in legal practice, Australian courts are sending a clear message: AI is a useful tool, but it is no substitute for professional judgment. For separating families, it also raises important privacy and confidentiality considerations.

In our latest insight, Monica Blizzard explores how AI is reshaping Australian family law, the lessons from recent cases, and what practitioners and separating families should keep in mind.

Read the full article on our website: https://khq.com.au/blog/ai-and-australian-family-law/

Artificial intelligence (AI) is entering Australian courtrooms: not always with permission, and not always with good results.

01/06/2026

KHQ's Monica Blizzard was recently featured in the Law Institute of Victoria journal, discussing coercive control, the risks it presents, and the important role lawyers play when clients seek to leave controlling relationships.

Coercive control rarely presents as a single, obvious act of abuse. Instead, it emerges through a pattern of behaviours that accumulate over time, making it critical to recognise family violence beyond physical abuse and connect victim survivors with the support they need.

Read the full article: https://www.liv.asn.au/web/law_institute_journal_and_news/web/lij/year/2026/06june/lawyers-on-the-frontline-of-coercive-control.aspx?_zs=VBKdl&_zl=F9Fn3

27/05/2026

We’re delighted to announce that our Family & Relationship Law team has been recognised in the 2027 edition of The Best Law Firms in Australia, in both the family law and family law mediation categories.

Published by the team behind The Best Lawyers, these rankings are based on client feedback, peer reviews, industry research, and firm submissions. This recognition reflects the team’s expertise, dedication, and commitment to supporting clients through complex and often deeply personal matters with care and professionalism.

Congratulations to the team on this well-deserved recognition!