Relationship Property & Family

Courtney specialises in complex relationship property and family law matters, including separations, contracting out agreements (pre-nups), protection orders, spousal maintenance, and disputes relating to care of children, guardianship and estates. She is well known for the empathetic manner in which she guides her clients through often highly emotional and stressful periods in their lives.

A compelling litigator, she has extensive experience in the Family, District and High Courts and regularly appears as Lead Counsel and as Lawyer to Assist, appointed on behalf of the Family Court.

Courtney is equally adept at achieving the very best outcomes for clients through mediation or out of court settlement.

In addition to her family law practice, Courtney is experienced in criminal law; having acted on a number of serious charges, with optimum resolution. She has also appeared as Lead Counsel at various sentencing hearings and secured numerous successful applications for discharge without conviction, as well as limited licences. She has also appeared as junior counsel in jury trials.

Specialist areas of practice:

Relationship property and care of children disputes Family violence (protection orders) Contracting out agreements Contentious trusts and estates

Committee member of the Canterbury Women's Legal Association

Senior Associate

LLB