Paterson & Dowding Family Lawyers

Paterson & Dowding Family Lawyers is one of Western Australia’s most established and respected family law practices, serving the community since 1967. Founded in part by The Honourable Peter Dowding SC, a former Premier of Western Australia, the firm has developed a strong reputation for providing expert advice and representation in complex family law matters. With over five decades of experience, Paterson & Dowding has consistently been recognised in industry guides such as DOYLES as a leading practice for family and divorce law. The firm’s expertise covers a broad spectrum of issues including family breakdown, property settlements, parenting arrangements, spousal maintenance, and matrimonial law. They aim to achieve timely and effective outcomes that prioritise the welfare of children and the broader family unit, while emphasising solutions that avoid unnecessary court proceedings where possible. The legal team is led by Lucy Thomas and Craig Taylor, both seasoned practitioners with more than ten years at the firm. They are highly regarded in the Western Australian legal community, with listings in The Doyles Guide acknowledging their skills in parenting, custody, and property settlement matters. The firm’s approach is holistic, incorporating mediation, collaborative law, and family dispute resolution to support families through the complexities of separation and related issues. Paterson & Dowding’s client-focused philosophy is reflected in their transparent pricing and commitment to clear communication throughout the legal process. Their services encompass financial and parenting matters, urgent family law applications, property and business interests, child support, family violence orders, and international family law concerns, including Hague Convention cases. With a history of notable former partners who have held prominent judicial and governmental roles, Paterson & Dowding Family Lawyers offers depth of knowledge and practical experience, making them a trusted choice for clients seeking comprehensive family law advice in Perth and surrounding areas.