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Shelley takes pride in assisting clients at what is often the most painful time in their lives – offering practical guidance, empowerment through knowledge and experienced legal advice, with empathy and support. She can be a fierce advocate when necessary but generally takes a collaborative approach to work with parties to resolve family law disputes.
Upon admission to legal practice at the beginning of 2005, Shelley commenced working in a country law firm, where she practised primarily in family law but gained experience in areas as diverse as criminal law, intellectual property, licensing, civil litigation, and wills and estates.
Since 2009 she has practised almost exclusively in family law and provides advice and representation in all areas including children’s issues, complex property settlements, rural property settlements, pre-nuptial agreements, superannuation splitting, spousal maintenance and child support. She often works with same-sex couples, transgender persons and parenting cases involving non-parent carers of children.
Shelley is a Past President and Past Vice-President of the Women Lawyers’ Association (SA) and sat on that organisation’s managing committee from 2006 to 2018. After 3 years off she re-joined the Board in 2021.
Shelley was a Member of the Council of the Law Society of South Australia (2008 to 2015) and was previously elected to its Executive from 2011 to 2012. She served for several years as a member of the Country Practitioners Committee of the Law Society (SA), the Society’s Family Law Committee and its Women Lawyers Committee (of which she was the Chair). Shelley has also mentored law students in the UniSA Business Career Mentor Program.
Outside of the legal profession, Shelley has sat on the Management Committee of the Halifax Street Children’s Centre & Pre-School and on the Public Fund Committee of the Adelaide University Theatre Guild.
At O’Connell Family Law, we take the time to understand you and your family, and we are committed to guiding you towards your best outcome every step of the way. Having practised in Family Law for over 17 years, we use our expertise to act fast and protect your interests, and where possible settle your case at the earliest opportunity with your desired outcomes in mind. We emphasise that disputes are best negotiated or mediated out of court, but if the matter escalates and litigation is necessary, we are prepared to fight for your rights. Follow the steps outlined below to get the ball rolling.
Give us a call, send an email or fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Please provide details relating to your concerns.
We will hear your story, give you general advice about your legal options, and give you an estimate on costs and time frame. Free by telephone for up to 30 minutes.
If you decide to engage us, we will act quickly to work on an outcome to resolve your dispute so you can move on with your life.
Please send an email or fill out the form at the bottom of the page, providing your contact details and a short summary of your concerns. This way, we can make a time to call you back when we have time to focus on you and your matter.
Liability Limited by a Scheme Approved under the Professional Standards Legislation.
