Explore the tricky intersection of family law, finance and tax. Gain practical insights on managing non-compliant SMSFs, valuing fund assets, handling third-party loans and Division 7A issues, and drafting tax-effective property orders. Plus, learn how to deal with insolvency issues that arise during property settlements to ensure outcomes are fair, compliant and commercially sound.

Presenters

Daniela Naidenov, Associate Director, Kerrs Law
Daniela is an Associate Director at Kerrs, specializing in personal insolvency and family law with over 19 years of experience in insolvency and litigation disputes. She brings a wealth of knowledge from her successful tenure operating her own law firm to her current role. Daniela's expertise lies in the nuanced intersection between bankruptcy and family law, as well as property matters such as partition orders for trustees Australia-wide. She is highly regarded among bankruptcy trustees for her pragmatic yet decisive approach. With a focus on representing trustees in bankruptcy, liquidators, trustees for sale, court-appointed receivers, secured creditors, and bankrupts, Daniela is known for her ability to efficiently and cost-effectively bring closure to legal matters. She holds a New South Wales solicitor's admission and is a professional member of Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association (ARITA) and a member of the International Association of Restructuring, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Professionals (INSOL). Additionally, Daniela is certified as a mental health first aider by Mental Health First Aid Australia and is skilled in mediation. Outside of her legal practice, Daniela is deeply committed to mental health advocacy, serving as a speaker and ambassador for Beyondblue. This commitment translates into her legal work, where she adopts a tailored approach to address not only the technical legal aspects but also the mental health concerns of involved parties. Her multifaceted expertise and dedication to both her clients and broader community make her a highly respected professional in her field.

Greg Vale, Legal Practitioner – Director Principal, Vale Legal
Greg Vale is an accredited specialist in Business and Personal Tax as accredited by the Specialist Accreditation Board of the Law Society of New South Wales. Greg provides advice to clients, particularly professional firms and their clients, in respect of: business restructuring, federal taxes (including income tax, capital gains tax and goods and , services tax), state taxes (including stamp duties, pay roll tax and land tax), tax disputes including Project Wickenby matters, superannuation, asset protection planning, estate planning; and Corporations Act matters.

Caroline Harley, Principal, Opes Legal & Consulting
Caroline Harley is a senior estate planning lawyer with extensive expertise in self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) and trusts. She began her legal career in family law, often encountering SMSFs. Recognised as an SMSF Specialist Advisor® and a trusts and estate specialist by STEP (the international Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), Caroline brings valuable insight to the complex intersection of SMSFs and family law. She has worked with one of Australia’s largest professional trustee companies, multi-family offices, and alongside financial planners and accountants advising on SMSF compliance, breach reporting, and developing rectification plans - addressing issues before they escalate, particularly involving SMSF property transactions. Caroline is passionate about guiding legal practitioners through the often-confusing world of SMSFs, helping them identify the right documents to request, the questions to ask, and how to spot compliance risks early. Her session will empower family lawyers to manage SMSF issues confidently, reduce surprises and secure better outcomes for clients. Caroline will share practical insights on “When Super Funds Go Rogue,” focusing on disclosure, compliance pitfalls, and strategies to manage SMSFs effectively in family law matters.

Nick Love, Partner, Grant Thornton Australia
Nick is a Chartered Accountant with over 14 years' professional experience providing advisory, tax, and accounting advice to business owners and leaders, family groups, and high net wealth individuals. Nick has a keen interest in the manufacturing industry, and also works across other industries including professional services, real estate & construction, technology, and family office advisory. His experience includes advising on complex taxation matters including structuring and planning, family office advisory and virtual CFO – including financial modelling, management reporting, and strategic planning. Nick’s real passion lies in working with private business owners and assisting them in achieving their personal and professional goals.

John Longworth, Barrister, Frederick Jordan Chambers
John Longworth is a senior member of the Sydney Family Law fraternity who was one of the first lawyers accredited by the Law Society as a specialist. Both as a solicitor-advocate and barrister, John has worked in many state and federal courts, including at first instance and appellate level. In addition, John is a qualified Arbitrator, has completed training as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and has worked on a range of committees and organisations involved in the development of family law policy and strategy. John's extensive legal experience and community involvement has enabled him to develop a broad-based and authoritative view of the Family Law system in the Australian community. John is also featured in Doyles Guide as one of the Recommended Family Law Junior Counsel in New South Wales.