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About Us
- Meet the Team
- Reviews
Useful Info
Contact
Online Services
- Conveyancing Quote
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Property and asset distribution

Claiming Bankruptcy to Stop a Property Settlement – What You Need to Know

If a de facto spouse tried to frustrate, or prevent, a property settlement by claiming bankruptcy, it would likely leave you feeling disappointed and annoyed. Witnessing someone deliberately using bankruptcy to undermine a fair distribution of assets can be disheartening and leave you with a sense of injustice. In this article, we’ll look at one…

So, you’ve separated from your spouse, and you have a Family Trust. It’s no secret that having a Family Trust can complicate property settlement negotiations, and you might find yourself wondering how it all works. Is it part of a property settlement agreement and can you withdraw a Family Trust distribution before an agreement is…

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Swan Hill Office

42 McCallum Street
Swan Hill VIC 3585

PO Box 503
Swan Hill VIC 3585

Also visiting by appointment - Boort

Echuca Office

195 Hare Street
Echuca VIC 3564

PO Box 503
Swan Hill VIC 3585

Open every Tuesday and Wednesday and by appointment for other times

Cohuna Office

1A Cullen St
Cohuna VIC 3568

PO Box 503
Swan Hill VIC 3585

Lachlan Burns

PA to Justine Bowman

Expertise

I am currently a part of our Family Law team and work on all matters in this field, particularly in the Independent Children’s Lawyer area.

Background

I have lived in Swan Hill since 2008. I completed my schooling at Mackillop College in 2021 and have since began studying my Bachelor of Law with Deakin University online, allowing me to remain close to family and enjoy life in the country. I was lucky to be offered a position at Joliman’s allowing me to gain valuable experience while I continue my studies.

Interesting fact

I am the middle child of three and we are all born in consecutive years (2002,2003,2004)

Sharee Macfarlane

Solicitor, Power of Attorney, Commercial Leases, LIV Accredited Specialist - Wills & Estates

Expertise

Sharee is an Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates. Primarily practising in Wills and Estates, Sharee also prepares Powers of Attorney, Farm Leases, Commercial Leases and Agreements and enjoys working alongside her client’s accountants to assist our mutual clients with their Succession Planning needs. Sharee was born and raised locally and is very passionate about providing her local community with an excellent level of service to meet their legal needs.

Background

Sharee graduated at LaTrobe University in 2013 after completing her Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English Literature. In 2014, Sharee completed her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice through Australian National University before beginning her career with Joliman Lawyers in 2015 (previously Dwyer Mahon & Robertson).

Interesting fact

Outside of work Sharee enjoys horse riding, gardening and making improvements to her little five-acre property. Sharee is a member of several local equestrian clubs and enjoys taking her horses to competitions, clinics, and local pony club rallies. In Feb 2021, she became a qualified Equestrian Preliminary Coach through the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme. Sharee is looking forward to shaking off the covid blues and getting out and about with her gorgeous horse Gia this coming year.

Anthea Toma

Senior Associate
Family, Criminal, Wills & Estates

Expertise

Admitted to practice in 2012, I started with whatever was thrown my way, with a thirst to learn as much as I could. Now after learning much along the way, I mainly practice in Family Law, Criminal Law, Intervention Orders and Wills and Estates.

I appreciate that the matters I deal with are emotionally complex and can be overwhelming. My aim is to provide a relaxed atmosphere to support my clients to be the best they can be.

When it comes to Family Law matters, I favour an out of court approach and try to support clients by making them feel heard and understood whilst maintaining a strategic approach using my extensive experience in both Property and Children’s matters.

With criminal law matters, I pride myself on really getting to know my clients to ensure that the court is given an accurate view of them. I regularly provide assistance in matters raging from driving matters to assaults in the Magistrates Court, to more serious indictable crimes in the County Court.

The other area I work in is estate planning and estate matters. I understand that it can be a daunting and difficult process dealing with the loss of a loved one, I strive to ensure that my client’s feel supported and try to keep the process as straight forward as possible.

Background

I was born and raised in Cohuna, and have lived locally most of my life. I was in year 12 when I decided I might like to become a lawyer. I loved reading and had an interest in learning about the legal system.

I was accepted into a Bachelor of Laws at the University of South Australia in 2009 and headed off to South Australia to complete my degree. I fast tracked my degree and completed it in 3 years by completing three semesters a year. I graduated in 2012, and was lucky enough to walk into a graduate role with Joliman’s straight away, I then made the move back home and have been here ever since.

Whilst I was working at Joliman’s learning the ropes under Justine (principal of the firm). I completed my Diploma of Legal practice with the College of Law in Melbourne. I was admitted to practice in 2012, and was lucky enough to have Justine move my admission.

Outside of work I am a mother of two, one toddler and one four ager. I sit on the local Hospital Board and play netball with my local club, the Cohuna Kangas.

Interesting fact

I am a self-confessed Harry Potter nerd, I have read the entire series at least a dozen times.

Molly

Apprentice Top Dog and human trainer

Expertise

I am an expert at being cute and mischievous. Wanna hear something impressive... I can sniff out chicken

I look after stationery and other items my humans leave out using them as teething implements. I don’t understand what my human friend’s fuss about when they return as see my handy work. I have noticed that the humans tend to throw all my toys and teething implements in this big round bucket looking thing.

Background

I am a Jack Russell and younger half-sister to Missy Moo. My patches are similar as Missy Moos only on the opposite side.

I can bark loud when I want to (woof) and love to snuggle under the doona when cold.

I joined world at large, ready or not, in January 2022 and the Joliman team shortly thereafter in March 2022.

I love to roll around in smelly things and use every opportunity open to me to get out the front gate and check out the Rabbit burrows. Don’t try calling me when I am on that mission… I won’t listen.

Interesting fact

I am loving, but disobedient, a tornado of destruction. I love to explore and take off if I can get away with it. I love visiting the girls in the health food shop in Swan Hill and the Fish and Chip shop in Echuca.

I am Missy’s shadow and take every opportunity to play fight with her; I try to show her who’s boss, but I fail poorly ☹

Want to hear something impressive… I have a nose for chicken … did someone say KFC?

I am not a lawyer, admin assistant, mediator, or security guard.

I am just so cute and good-looking even if I do say so myself, woof woof.

Christina Trinci

Receptionist

Expertise

I am the one who answers the phone, so say “Hi” next time you call.

I manage the front office area, ensuring our clients are well looked after.

Background

I joined the Joliman team in 2022. Prior to this, I worked in retail.

I was looking for a change that would challenge me and I can honestly say that each day I am learning something new, which I love!

Interesting fact

I come from a large, loud and loving Italian family.

In my spare time, you will find me spending time with my loud family and friends and tucking into my favourite food - Italian! I love travelling and getting out and about on weekends.

Belinda O’Halloran

Conveyancer

Expertise

All areas of property law including the sale and purchase of your forever home or investment property, retail and farm leases, water shares, and general property transfers.

Background

I began by working in the Travel and Tourism Industry and then discovered conveyancing. In between having children and joining the Joliman Team I worked at a local accounting firm. I am currently completing an Advanced Diploma in Conveyancing.

Interesting fact

I grew up on my Grandparents Family Farm where my parents still live today, I lived in Melbourne and Western Australia for a brief time. I love to travel and look forward to travelling with my Family now that our children are older. Right now, life is all about supporting our children with their various sporting adventures and visiting family and friends.

Missy Moo or as I am affectionately called… Moo Moo

Top Dog and Chief of Staff

Expertise

I am an expert in human body language, a proficient beggar and am part of the welcoming committee at Joliman Lawyers.

Background

I am a Jack Russell and joined the Joliman team in December 2020 where I commenced an apprenticeship under the watchful eye of my predecessor Tilly, whom I miss terribly. Now that she has gone, I do my best to further Tilly’s legacy and have made it my own having expanded the legacy to include a welcome cuddle and kiss (when I am allowed to).

I love to visit my work colleagues and make sure they are all ok, especially Charli who gives me treats…. Yum!

Interesting fact

I am loving, sometimes obedient, love to play, chase balls and play fight with the apprentice and half-sister Molly.

In summer, I love to jump in the deep end of the pool when someone throws my ball in. In winter you can find me under the doona.

During my downtime, I love to intensely watch TV and I even try to talk to it. I would like to jump into the TV and play with the animals I see.

I am not a lawyer nor a security guard, I am just real cute!

Hayley Whitfield

PA to Sharee Macfarlane

Expertise

I completed a Certificate III in Individual Support adding to the knowledge learned I worked three years in the aged care sector gaining valuable life skills such as compassion and empathy.

I work closely with one of our wills and estates experts assisting in Will drafting, Power of Attorneys, administering Deceased Estates and property transfers.

Background

A local of the Swan Hill region, I was born and raised in the area.
I attended the local Swan Hill College, graduating in 2017.

I began studying at Murray Ace at the beginning of 2018 to complete my Individual Support Certificate.

I love to help people and sought a change in careers, joining the Joliman team in August 2021.

Interesting fact

When I’m not in the office you will most likely find me enjoying renovating my home with my partner and in my down time enjoying a lovely platter with a glass of wine in hand.

Louise Hatcher

PA to Justine Bowman

Expertise

I have been trained in all matters relating to Family Law including Independent Children’s Lawyer work.

Background

I was born & raised Swan Hill.

I am currently studying my Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University. I commenced studies in Melbourne but decided that the hustle & bustle of the city wasn’t for me and returned home where I have continued studies online. I was extremely fortunate to be offered a position at Joliman’s working alongside our Director, Justine, gaining extensive on-the-job experience while I continue my studies.

I am passionate about Family Law, but I am also intrigued by Human Rights Law and Environmental Law.

Interesting fact

I love thrift shopping and can turn any bargain into a gorgeous outfit. I pride myself on being an independent woman and am pleased to boast that I can now mow my own lawn. You’ll always find me sipping on a coffee, no matter the time of day; I’m always the first to suggest a coffee-run in the office. When I’m out of the office, my time is devoted to my independent mini-me daughter.

Maree Coffey

Office Admin

Expertise

Managing Trust Account, payroll and deeds

Background

I have over 20 years experience working in a law firm and 30 years experience working in office administration.

Interesting fact

Reading, walking and spending time with family and friends.

Hayley Whitfield

Conveyancer

Expertise

All areas of property law including the sale and purchase of your forever home or investment property, retail and farm leases, water shares, property transfers.

Background

My working career started in retail prior to having children and then I worked briefly in childcare before joining the Joliman Lawyers team in 2018. I worked firstly as a law clerk and then moved into conveyancing where I am currently finishing my Advanced Diploma in Conveyancing.

Interesting fact

In my free time I love to spend time with the family, during winter you can find us playing football and netball for the Tooleybuc Manangatang Saints, and summer sees us travelling around the state, racing Speedway.

Jill Gunn (Jilly, Beanie)

PA to Anthea Toma

Expertise

Background in Administration, about to start studying Law.

Background

Started assisting management teams straight from Uni, I love helping out, and found myself a Managers Assistant at a winery in the Yarra Valley not long after, where my love for wine developed. I then moved into the dental world before meeting my now husband, having twins and moving up to the country where I landed a job at Joliman's, started conveyancing, (was atrocious) and luckily someone saw something else in me and I’ve been assisting Anthea (one of our solicitors) ever since!

Love my job, love it!

Interesting fact

I will never be Mum of the Year (not through lack of trying to better my mum game). I love champagne, my girls, my fur babies, travelling (not necessarily in that order). “Nothing is Impossible, the word itself say’s I’m Possible”. Strong Women don’t have attitudes, we have standards.

Charli Walsh

Office Manager, Senior Law Clerk

Expertise

Complex Land Transfers involving Family Trusts and Superannuation Funds Wills, Estates and Family Law

Background

I have been in the legal industry since 2012, commencing on reception, I then moved into conveyancing. I now assist our solicitors in Wills and Estates and Family Law. I love supporting the team and our solicitors to achieve the highest standard of service to our community.

Interesting fact

In my spare time I am involved within our local equine community and sit on the Pioneer Quarter Horse Club Committee; and run my own business outside of work, doing behavioral training for trauma affected dogs.

I am also passionate about mental health and am a certified Mental Health First Aid Officer in the Legal Industry. With two kids, a small farm, horse showing and other commitments I am probably the busiest person you will ever meet!

Sophie Fisiak

Solicitor, Family, Wills & Estates, Litigation, Probate

Expertise

I have extensive experience in the areas of Family Law, Wills and Estate disputes and Probate.

Experienced in all aspects of Family Law, I can assist clients with property matters, parenting matters (including relocation and recovery orders), divorce, financial agreements, alternative dispute resolution and/or mediation.

Background

In year 12, when contemplating my future pathway, my Psychology teacher encouraged me to become a psychologist because of my listening skills, empathy and interest in this subject.

I chose a career that combines both psychology and law. I was drawn to Family Law and Estate disputes and pursued a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts at Deakin University.

I became a Lawyer (4 September 2000) because I wanted to help people overcome adversity. My work provides me with the opportunity to do just that.

I understand the sensitive emotions involved in these areas of law and prefer to resolve matters strategically without court intervention where possible. However, on the rare occasion when there is a fight to be had, pass me the boxing gloves!

The most rewarding part about my work is that I help to empower those I assist to make informed decisions, which enable them to move forward during trying times. The best part is knowing that I have made a positive difference in peoples’ lives.

I feel very privileged to be part of the Joliman team, which is a down-to-earth, regional law firm with solid expertise and a huge care factor. After working in the Melbourne CBD for many moons, I ventured into a suburban practice briefly, before joining the talented team at Joliman Lawyers in 2020.

Interesting fact

I’m a wife and mum to three young children (who will make brilliant lawyers one day as they love to argue and are so good at it). Furthermore, they have taught me the meaning of the bumper sticker “mum’s taxi”.

I am very thankful to have discovered pilates, and also try to get to the gym (try being the operative word) regularly. I enjoy hanging out with my fun-loving family and friends, and love trying out different restaurants and cooking new recipes.

Kindness is my favourite word (that’s what I live my life by).
My favourite sound is my children’s giggles and a champagne cork popping (sometimes not in that order)
My favourite combination is a Pepper Jack Shiraz and a double brie cheese
My favourite place is the beach.

Trevor Jolly

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Mediator, General Manager, Parenting Co-ordinator

Expertise

I have a passion for all things Family Law and am a Nationally Accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. I am also a Parenting Coordinator and Conflict Coach.

My experiences in life have given me insight and understanding which enables me to be empathetic and compassionate.

Background

My wife Justine and I commenced Joliman Lawyers in 2002.

I am qualified as a CINERGY Conflict Coach, Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Neuro-Semantics Master Practitioner and a Child Inclusive Practitioner.

I am a member of AIFLAM, Resolutions Institute and am a Justice of the Peace & Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.

In my previous life I was a Chef.

Interesting fact

I enjoy cooking, eating relaxing and love mowing my lawn on my ride-on mower and little tractor. I love my fur babies . . . my two Jack Russel’s who are never far behind me, at least someone follows my lead.

Justine Bowman

Director
Family, Wills and Probate

Expertise

I was admitted to practice in 2000; my first position was working in Wills & Estates and mortgages.

I set up Joliman Lawyers in 2002 and found my niche in Family Law, Wills & Estates and doing the odd purchase/sale of business.

Whilst I have experience in all the practice areas covered by our firm, I predominantly practice in Family Law.

I am also on the Independent Children’s Lawyer panel in Victoria and New South Wales.

Background

I grew up in Cohuna and have lived locally most of my life on a dairy farm.

I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to study abroad as an exchange student where I completed my Senior Year of High School in Charlestown, Indiana in the US. From this trip grew my love for travel. Luckily social media has allowed me to keep in touch with my host family and school friends.

At high school I found that I loved the Psychology classes, so I went on to study Psychology at Uni, only to realise that statistics were not for me, and so I deferred. During this time of reflection, I tried something totally different - nannying and milking cows which I also realized were not for me. In 1995 I was excited to be accepted into Bond University on the Gold Coast in Qld, and commenced studying in 1996. I decided to fast track my law degree by completing three semesters per year, and graduated in 1999.

I went on to complete my post-graduate through Leo Cussens, and worked in Melbourne for a couple of years before relocating back home with my partner (now husband) Trevor.

Interesting fact

I love our fur babies, enjoy travelling and going to the odd movie (Gold Glass wherever possible) and eating my husband’s food. It’s a bonus having a chef to cook for me, although the downside is I have to clean up.

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Property and asset distribution

Claiming Bankruptcy to Stop a Property Settlement – What You Need to Know

Can Family Trusts Affect Your Property Settlement Agreement?

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Get in touch

Swan Hill Office

Echuca Office

Cohuna Office

Lachlan Burns

Sharee Macfarlane

Anthea Toma

Molly

Christina Trinci

Belinda O’Halloran

Missy Moo or as I am affectionately called… Moo Moo

Hayley Whitfield

Louise Hatcher

Maree Coffey

Hayley Whitfield

Jill Gunn (Jilly, Beanie)

Charli Walsh

Sophie Fisiak

Trevor Jolly

Justine Bowman