Peter Szabo

Peter Szabo began his legal career in March 1976, shortly after the Family Law Act came into effect, positioning him at the forefront of family law development in Australia. With nearly five decades of experience, he possesses a deep understanding of family law issues, enabling him to identify key matters swiftly and work towards effective resolutions. Peter’s expertise spans a broad spectrum of family law litigation, ranging from pro bono parenting disputes to complex financial proceedings involving third parties. Notably, he played a significant role in the landmark High Court case Ascot Investments v Harper, which clarified the rights of third parties in family law matters. Dedicated to achieving long-term benefits for families, Peter prefers to facilitate settlements that help couples disengage amicably while maintaining constructive relationships post-settlement. This approach reflects his commitment to the ongoing welfare of families beyond legal proceedings. Peter contributed significantly to the establishment of Specialist Accreditation in family law in Australia. In 1986, he was appointed the inaugural Chairman of the Advisory Committee to the Accreditation Board for Law Specialists in Victoria, overseeing the first Specialist Accreditation program offered in the country. He has shared his extensive knowledge nationally, delivering numerous presentations to lawyers, accountants, and financial planners. His focus often intersects family law with asset protection and succession planning, especially through the use of Financial Agreements, commonly known as prenuptial agreements, providing clients with practical and comprehensive solutions.