I graduated from Melbourne University in 1989, working in various occupations to support my studies. After gaining experience in the commercial world I started my own firm in Heidelberg in 1994. I was drawn to the law, because I enjoy helping people.
Our firm will fight hard and fair for your rights. We are mindful throughout of keeping our services cost effective as well as success focussed.
A legal problem can provide an opportunity to re-define our values. It also provides us with the opportunity to think about what kind of future we want for ourselves.
We all want life to run smoothly but it doesn't always work out that way. Despite our best efforts sometimes it seems like we are drawn into difficulties whether we like it or not. Most of us prefer to avoid conflict but what do we do when conflict seems unavoidable?
We listen to all your legal problems and their impact on your life. We have a multi-disciplinary approach. Where necessary we consult with family members or other professionals that may be assisting you. We offer a supportive counselling service affiliated with our firm.
We desire is to achieve the best possible outcome.
Where effective, we encourage our clients to resolve matters with the opposing party through discussions and negotiations. We do this for a mutually beneficial result and to minimise costs. We believe that our clients should make their own decisions about their future.
When necessary we do not hesitate to bring your matter to Court. We conscientiously and diligently represent you.
In children and family disputes we assist:
- disputing parents to maintain a positive presence in the lives of their children, unless circumstances demand otherwise.
- my clients to allow the opposing parent reasonable time with their child. This is fundamentally beneficial for the whole family.
- my clients to consider the long term effect of their dispute on their children.
Children also need to be protected and we act quickly to bring these matters to Court.
We build long-term relationships with our clients and their families, who continue to consult us for their legal needs.
Marcel Woda
Marcel obtained his Bachelor of Laws from Victorian University in 2014. He then studied and gained his Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice the following year and was admitted as Australian Lawyer on 19 April 2016.
Until commencing employment with Bevan-Rhys James in 2017, Marcel has been assisting clients as part of Family Law Assistance Program (FLAP) at Monash Oakleigh Legal Service.
Marcel is concerned with the environment having majored in Environmental Studies for his Bachelor of Arts Degree and shares his love of cars and music with Bevan.
Carol Matthews
Law Clerk – Family Law, Estates and Elder Law, Litigation/Court work, Conveyancing
Carol worked in a small eastern suburban firm after leaving secondary school. After a couple of years, she enrolled at La Trobe University. While pursuing her studies, she worked regularly part-time and casually in law firms. After gaining an Honours Degree in Sociology and a Masters Degree in Education, she was employed at Crawford Productions in various roles until their studios closed. For the past ten years Carol has been employed as a law clerk mainly in Family Law and since 2011 with Bevan-Rhys James.