Business Details
Trusted Family Law & Wills Solicitors in Coffs Harbour
Smart Choice Law is a boutique legal practice based in Coffs Harbour, specialising in Family Law and Wills & Estate Law. With over 14 years of local expertise, our principal solicitor Kerstin Thode combines German legal precision with Australian practice to deliver tailored solutions. We prioritise amicable dispute resolution through collaborative practice and guided solutions, helping clients navigate divorce, separation, property settlements, and estate planning.Our team includes solicitors Ruby Poynter and legal assistant Liana, all committed to accessible, client-focused services. We offer fixed-fee packages for wills, power of attorney, and family law matters, alongside free 15-minute strategy consultations. As active members of the Coffs Coast Business Women's Network and supporters of community initiatives like the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, we blend professional excellence with local engagement.
Services
Family Law
Wills & Estates
Amicable Divorce
Collaborative Practice
Estate Planning
Highlights and features
- We offer collaborative practice to avoid court litigation for family law matters.
- Our principal solicitor has 14+ years of local family law expertise.
- We provide fixed-fee packages for wills and estate planning documents.
- We combine German legal precision with Australian family law specialisation.
- We offer free 15-minute strategy consultations with a qualified solicitor.
What people say
Professional and empathic
Compassionate and thorough
Kept me well on track
Passionate about client interests
Understands Australian law
Services
Family Law
We specialise in all aspects of family law including divorce applications, parenting disputes, and property settlements. Our collaborative approach prioritises amicable resolutions while protecting client interests. With local court experience, we guide clients through complex legal processes with transparency and cost-effective strategies.
Wills & Estates
Our estate planning services include will preparation, power of attorney, and enduring guardianship documents. We create legally sound, tailored solutions to ensure asset distribution aligns with client wishes while providing probate assistance and estate administration support.
Collaborative Practice
This alternative dispute resolution method enables couples to resolve family law matters without court litigation. Our trained professionals facilitate respectful negotiations to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, preserving relationships and reducing emotional stress during separation processes.
Legal Document Packages
We offer comprehensive legal document packages for wills, power of attorney, and guardianship at fixed rates. These bundled services provide cost certainty while ensuring all essential estate planning documents are prepared by qualified legal professionals.
Free Strategy Consultations
We provide complimentary 15-minute strategy sessions with solicitor Kerstin Thode. These consultations help clients understand their legal options and develop tailored action plans for family law or estate planning matters without upfront costs.
People
Kerstin Thode
Principal Solicitor
Principal solicitor with 14+ years of family law experience in Coffs Harbour. Former German barrister and registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. Specialises in collaborative divorce solutions and estate planning.
Ruby Poynter
Solicitor
Qualified solicitor with expertise in complex family law matters including domestic violence cases and property settlements. Graduated from Macquarie University with dual law and arts degrees. Focuses on client empowerment through legal education.
Liana
Legal Assistant
Experienced legal assistant with strong customer service background. Provides administrative support while maintaining a welcoming office environment. Combines technical knowledge with empathetic client interactions during stressful legal processes.
Tia
Law Graduate
Recent law graduate offering dedicated legal support with focus on family law matters. Brings fresh perspective to client services while maintaining compassionate approach to sensitive legal issues.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in Family Law (divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlements) and Wills & Estate Law (will preparation, probate applications, enduring guardianships).
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide complimentary 15-minute strategy consultations with our principal solicitor Kerstin Thode to discuss your legal needs and options.
Can you help with collaborative divorce?
Yes, we offer collaborative law services as an alternative to court proceedings, focusing on amicable resolutions for separating couples with trained professionals.
What are your will preparation fees?
Single simple wills start at $350+GST, with package deals available for combined wills, power of attorney, and guardianship documents at discounted rates.
Do you service regional areas?
We serve clients across the Mid North Coast including Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Sawtell, Woolgoolga, and surrounding regions in New South Wales.
Are you qualified to handle complex property settlements?
Our solicitors have extensive experience managing complex property matters including asset division, tax implications, and financial agreements.
