A boutique family law firm, in West Perth since 1982.
Paynes Lawyers specialises in family law, and only family law. For more than four decades we have guided Western Australian families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives, with experience, discretion and genuine care.
The experience to know the law, the empathy to know it is personal.
When family relationships break down and a legal avenue becomes the only way to resolve the issues that arise, you need a firm that not only understands family law but also has the experience and empathy to set your mind at ease.
For most of our clients, a family law matter is their first experience of dealing with lawyers, and it can feel daunting. Our role is to guide you safely and securely through every step, to explain things plainly, and to resolve your matter as constructively as possible. Often that means reaching a sensible agreement without the cost and stress of a courtroom.
A small firm, with a long memory.
Four decades on
We have practised family law in Perth since 1982. Very little is new to us.
Accredited specialists
Recognised Family Law Specialists, not generalists who dabble in the area.
Genuinely boutique
You work directly with a senior lawyer, from your first call to resolution.
Resolution first
We aim to settle matters early and out of court wherever it is possible.
The people who will look after you.
Anne Payne
Anne graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1979 with a Bachelor of Jurisprudence (Hons) and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons), and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 1980.
She has practised family law since 1982 and became an Accredited Family Law Specialist in 1994. Anne completed the University of Western Australia's Alternative Dispute Resolution for Professionals course in 2013, bringing formal mediation training to the firm.
Julia Mansfield
Julia has practised exclusively in family law since 2010. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2009 with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons), with a thesis exploring the creation of children after the death of a parent.
She previously worked as a Legal Associate at the Family Court of Western Australia, gaining a detailed understanding of court process and procedure, and has been a consultant author for a legal publication on family law in Western Australia.
James Mansfield
James graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2014 with a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Hons) and several university awards, including the Vice Chancellor's Award for the School of Law in 2012.
He began his career at a top-tier commercial firm and was seconded to Street Law Centre WA, assisting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. James joined Paynes in 2016 and spent eighteen months as Legal Associate to the Chief Judge of the Family Court of Western Australia.
Talk to us, in confidence.
The first step is a conversation. Call us or send an enquiry, and we will explain how we can help and what happens next.
Request a consultation