Craig Taylor

Craig Taylor is a co-director at Paterson & Dowding, bringing over 25 years of experience to his practice, which concentrates on complex property matters within family law. Recognised by Doyles as one of Western Australia’s leading family and divorce lawyers, Craig is particularly skilled in handling intricate spousal maintenance and property settlement cases. Craig’s expertise extends to dealing with complex situations involving family trusts, family businesses, farming enterprises, and the financial dynamics associated with these structures. His work often addresses issues such as spousal maintenance, non-disclosure, and pursuing legal action when necessary to secure financial certainty for his clients. He adopts a pragmatic approach, prioritising mediation or arbitration to resolve disputes efficiently and avoid the costs associated with court proceedings. Nevertheless, he is prepared to advocate in the Family Court when alternative dispute resolution is not feasible. Before joining Paterson & Dowding in 2006, Craig managed his own law firm and was a founding partner in a firm specialising in personal injury, family law, and insurance for over a decade. Since then, he has concentrated on property and financial disputes arising from family law matters. Practising in Perth since the early 1990s, Craig accepts instructions across a broad spectrum of property-related issues, from modest estates to highly complex financial disputes. These include matters involving family trusts, unit trusts, trading companies, businesses, partnerships, and the division of both self-managed and institutional superannuation funds. Understanding that family law property settlements often involve complicated taxation, valuation, and accounting considerations, Craig collaborates closely with clients’ accountants and other advisers. He also assists in appointing experts when necessary, ensuring assets are accurately identified and valued to achieve fair property divisions with tax efficiency. With a measured and objective approach, Craig supports clients in making informed financial decisions during what can be one of the most emotionally challenging periods of their lives. He is an experienced negotiator who identifies effective tactics and strategies to facilitate early settlements, while recognising the strategic role that litigation can play in negotiations. Outside of his legal practice, Craig enjoys surfing and sailing radio control yachts. He makes it a point to travel annually to surf breaks around the world, combining his passion for travel and the outdoors.