Our philosophy


At Ballinger Legal we take pride in how we approach your situation.

Divorce and relationship breakdown can be very difficult. 

You may need to quickly get up to speed with the complicated and complex field of Family Law.  It takes years of study, learning and experience to fully understand.  It is not surprising that it can seem daunting and overwhelming.     

We understand that your situation can be stressful, and you may have countless questions. 

While our Family Law expertise is at the forefront of everything we do, we can only provide our best advice when we understand you.  What is important to you and what concerns and fears you need addressed are highly relevant matters to us.  We do not dismiss them. 

We will listen to you and adapt to your needs to enable a comfortable and less stressful environment where we can work together.  We will be transparent and honest.  We will help you to maintain your integrity. 

No question is too basic, too superfluous or too much.  We are here to provide the answers, to clarify the uncertain and to help you filter though the emotional roller coaster ride to give you the best Family Law advice for your unique situation.   The more you know, the more empowered you will feel. 

We have the right network of alternative dispute resolution practitioners and barristers to assist in resolving your matter.  It is important that we know you so that our recommendations reflect your needs at this time. 

So, talk to us - your thoughts, feelings and emotions will help us to find the best Family Law solution for you.


Top-tier expertise


We are experienced family lawyers. We want to contain conflict, not see it escalate.

We will provide exceptional and realistic Family Law advice which aims to promptly move you to a legal conclusion.

In addition to our extensive Family Law expertise, we have other top-tier legal experience from “magic circle” firm Allen & Overy in London and as a partner of Minter Ellison in Adelaide. Click here to find out more about Sonya's experience.

This means we have the legal and commercial acumen to “see the big picture” and “other angles” which can be harnessed for your advantage in your Family Law situation.

As a result, we are ideally placed:

  1. to identify issues to be used for your benefit – this might be the assertion of additional legal rights, the valuation of property or the strategy to be adopted to seek a resolution; and

  2. to advise on high value and complex financial affairs (involving commercial structures like trusts, companies and partnerships) in your property division after separation or on strategies to protect assets in the event of separation.

Irrespective of whether your situation is straight-forward or extremely complicated, we want you to feel supported, to know your legal position and to feel empowered.


Resolving disputes


Our focus is to resolve your dispute – away from Court litigation.  If a matter does not resolve by negotiation between parties, we recommend other alternatives like mediation where matters typically settle.  We consider Court proceedings as a last resort or necessary only where there is no alternative.  

Court proceedings take an enormous toll - both emotionally and financially.  If a matter can be resolved, you can avoid those difficulties and instead move forward in your life more quickly and hopefully with less damage to relationships that need to be maintained.  


Client testimonials

  • Michelle

    I could not have obtained the final outcome without your help and advice. You cared about me and my well-being every step of the way. Thank you for believing in me when at times I doubted myself.

  • Ivan

    Sonya is a really high calibre lawyer and a very decent person, which doesn’t always go hand in hand. She did not always agree with the route I wanted to take but we achieved a fair settlement for both parties which avoided unnecessary antagonism and litigation.

  • David

    Thank you for all your support and assistance with my marriage breakdown. I was able to obtain the best possible outcome available to me in complex circumstances. I felt listened to and understood and was given time to think through options and choose how I could proceed, despite limited options.

  • Erin

    It has been an enormous relief to be working with solicitors whom I have complete confidence in, not only in their ability to provide sound legal advice, but also in their capacity to understand and keep a strong focus on the people and the relationships at the heart of the matter. I have felt comfortable raising concerns and sharing personal information, knowing it would be addressed professionally and respectfully.

    Throughout this process Sonya and Madalene have been immensely compassionate. They have been understanding and respectful in dealing with the issues at hand, which for me have often been sensitive, stressful and daunting. Having my concerns heard and understood has been a great reassurance to me, particularly in an arena that might otherwise have felt disempowering and overwhelming.

    At each step along the way I was fully informed of my options, and was empowered to make choices that supported the best interests of the children. Communication has always been clear, professional and timely. Sonya and Madalene have been very understanding of my circumstances, and meeting and phone call arrangements were made to accommodate life with small children.

    I would absolutely recommend Ballinger Legal. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been so supported through this process.

  • Peter

    Sonya gave sound advice and I feel it paid off in the end. Sonya was always on hand when required and responded in a very prompt time. As I was working FIFO at the time the majority of communications were done by email and phone. Sonya was very accommodating with this and also booked in face to face meetings around my roster. Thanks again for all of your hard work and support.

  • Jodie

    It took 18 months and a lot of negotiation however I am very pleased with the outcome. Most importantly I felt supported throughout the process to behave in an ethical and mature manner. Sonya was very caring and considerate. I was very impressed with the thoroughness of the service. The preparation of legal documents was of the highest standard. I always trusted that Ballinger Legal acted in my best interests.

  • Marina

    I retained Ballinger Legal for legal advice on asset protection. I received top tier service and advice and I hope to engage your services again soon.

  • Rachel

    It was a difficult situation where the outcome depended on so many things - particularly because our son is a teenager. My sudden instructions and urgent situation resulted in Ballinger Legal outdoing themselves by attending to me so quickly despite their current workload. Sonya and the team were outstanding. I did not always hear what I wanted to hear but I always received very honest advice and assistance with utmost integrity.

 MEET OUR TEAM

Through empathy, understanding and excellence we guide you towards the best solution, most efficiently, without compromise.

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If you have any questions