Hayley Williams is an award-winning Family Law Lawyer, recognised by her peers as a Recommended Solicitor since 2015 in the annual Doyle’s Guide to the Legal Profession.
Professional Background
Since 2007, Hayley has worked closely with families through the most difficult times and stages in their lives. Her approach has always been dynamic and directed towards the resolution of family law disputes. Being her exclusive area of practice for well over a decade, Hayley has developed her own empathetic approach towards clients, and a flare which is widely recognised as a catalyst to the resolution of family law disputes and litigated matters efficiently and cost effectively.
Hayley provides professional advice and guidance on all family law issues including:
Property Settlements
Parenting Disputes
The establishment of Binding Financial Agreements and Child Support Arrangements;
Couples in de facto relationships, including same-sex couples; and
Divorce Proceedings.
Hayley’s keen interest in complex property matters, including trust and commercial structures, particularly those involving third parties is a cornerstone of her practice. Sometimes this will see Hayley move away from family law dispute resolution and litigation, seeking equitable relief and remedies before Superior Courts including the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Hayley’s extensive experience has also seen her working on complex parenting matters, including those which involve allegations of family violence and other forms of abuse.
In addition, Hayley has:
Mentored many junior lawyers; and
Volunteered for the Law Faculty at the University of Wollongong, in order to encourage young lawyers who, have a strong interested in family law, to develop their drive and skill base.
Hayley has widely acknowledged experience appearing in Arbitrated Family Law matters, all aspects of litigation and mediations. She works always constructively with clients, including working alongside their other advisors whether accountants, health professionals including extensive engagement with psychologists. Hayley’s approach solely focuses on the resolution of Family Law matters, assisting clients to move on with their lives and enjoy time with their families and their children. Sometimes when disputes cannot be resolved, Hayley guides her clients through the litigation process.
Hayley is one of very few lawyers in the Illawarra who provide advice to clients on all aspects of the Adoption of children in NSW. She understands the complications and issues that face parents looking to adopt a child and can advise on the best way forward, which may also include the intersect of the Family Law Act in certain cases.
Hayley has experience in appearing the Local Court, District Court and Supreme Court, however she primarily advocates for her clients in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Hayley has children of her own and step-children forming part of her eclectic family, she applies real world experiences to the way she practices law, interacts with her clients and members of the profession and uses that real world knowledge in the advice she gives to clients. Hayley’s base is in the Wollongong area, having grown up in the Southern part of the Illawarra she knows the area and its challenges well.
Hayley has built her practice on word-of-mouth referrals, members of the medical profession, lawyers, accountants, psychologists and other professionals, Parents, even grandparents, continue to refer their client’s, friends and family members to Hayley. Hayley’s common sense advice assist client’s to understand and work through complex issues at a difficult time in their lives.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws – University of Wollongong
Bachelor of Arts (Politics) – University of Wollongong
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
Admission to Practice
July 2012, Admission into the Supreme Court of NSW