Join leading family law practitioners and a former Family Court judge for a practical, skills-based seminar on drafting with clarity and confidence. Youl will gain expertise in drafting enforceable financial agreements, interim applications, persuasive affidavits, and effective costs submissions through the sharing of practical insights, proven techniques, and expert guidance to help you avoid common pitfalls and strengthen your written advocacy.

Presenters

Olivia Grobtuch, Principal, Kennedy Partners
Olivia Grobtuch is a founding partner of Kennedy Partners, one of Doyles Guide "top tier" Melbourne firms. She is a member of the Family Law Section of the Law Institute of Victoria and the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia. Olivia has been practising in family law for over 40 years. She obtained her accreditation as a family law specialist in 1990 and has been a member of various committees of the Law Institute of Victoria including sub-committees dealing with family law reform. She has presented numerous papers relating to specialist family law topics and has regularly attended family law conferences in both the national and international arenas. She has been involved in a number of important matters in the High Court of Australia, and has also worked extensively on international family law matters, and is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.

Cath Devine LLB LLM, Barrister, Foley’s List
Cath Devine has extensive experience in all areas of Family Law, with a particular interest and expertise in Child Support advice and advocacy. Cath has appeared as junior counsel and on appeal on numerous occasions. Cath has a reputation as a fearless and forceful advocate for her clients, and also on behalf of children when she appears as Counsel for the Independent Children's Lawyer. Cath is a qualified mediator and arbitrator. Cath is also currently an Adjunct Lecturer in the Masters of Laws program at the College of Law.

The Hon Peter Tree KC, Mediator, Waratah Chambers and Holmes List
Prior to his appointment as a Judge, Peter conducted a broad practice as a silk throughout Australia. In 2013 he was appointed as a Judge of the Family Court of Australia and in 2019 assigned to the Appeal Division of that court. In 2024 Peter was appointed an acting judge of the Family Court of Western Australia until the end of the year, at which time he returned to the bar, where he conducts mediations and arbitrations, as well as providing advice within areas of expertise.

Stephen Page, Director, Page Provan
Stephen Page is a director of Page Provan, Brisbane. Stephen was admitted as a solicitor in 1987 and has been a Queensland Law Society family law accredited specialist since 1996. He has spoken extensively about family law, domestic violence and fertility law at local, national and international conferences. Stephen is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (including co-chair of the Sexuality and Gender Identity Committee) and of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, and is an international representative on the ART Committee of the American Bar Association. He has received a number of awards, including the Queensland Law Society President’s Medal (2023). Stephen has written many legal articles. He is the author of two books: When Not If: Surrogacy for Australians (2022) and International Assisted Reproductive Technology (2024). Stephen is a member of several committees. He is the Secretary of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand.


Alfonso Layson, Special Counsel, Unified Lawyers
Alfonso Layson is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and Special Counsel at Unified Lawyers. With more than a decade of experience, Alfonso practises exclusively in family law and is recognised for his strong advocacy skills, strategic advice, and empathetic client approach. Alfonso works with a diverse range of clients, including professionals, executives, and business leaders, as well as individuals navigating complex and emotionally charged family law disputes. He is committed to providing clear, practical advice so clients understand their position from the outset and can make informed decisions about their future. Alfonso has built a respected family law practice with experience across all Family Law Courts, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution processes. He is a confident and effective advocate, known for handling complex and high-risk matters with care and precision. His experience includes Family Law, Adoption and Surrogacy.