Maria has a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts and works exclusively in the field of Family Law.

Family Law

Maria is a family lawyer who believes in holistic care and service, and is committed to delivering valuable outcomes. She appreciates that when a relationship begins to breakdown, many people feel concerned about their rights and their legal position within the family unit. As such, Maria is dedicated to minimizing these concerns by delivering her clients practical and realistic advice. If separation is necessary, she is focused on supporting her clients to separate with dignity.

Over the years, Maria has learnt how the support of likeminded professionals can add immense value to not only her work, but to the experience of her clients. This has been the impetus for her to join the Cottesloe Counselling Centre team.

Professional Background

Maria has practiced law with some of Perth’s most noted law firms for over ten years. She has also worked in the Legal departments of King Edward and Princess Margaret Hospitals and the Mental Health Legal Services department. Maria is currently offering pro bono legal advice and student mentoring to law students at Notre Dame University.

Maria has a personal interest in psychotherapy and counselling, is fluent in Greek and has her Cambridge Proficiency to teach English as a second language. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Maria completed an Art and Design degree and has conducted art therapy classes.

Maria’s Approach to Family and Relationship Breakdown

For people considering separation, Maria believes it to be vital that her clients are informed early in the process of their options, rights and responsibilities. She also values coordinated, practical, cost effective and realistic legal advice.

In addition, Maria understands that help is not restricted to legal advice, but may also extend to assistance from counsellors, psychologists, accountants, financial advisors/ superannuation and taxation specialists or vocational advisors. However, she is mindful that the advice should be tailored to each person’s circumstances.

Maria’s goal is to assist her clients to move forward with their life in a confident and positive way, having achieved an outcome which is appropriate and one with which they can comfortably live. Maria will not tell clients what they want to hear, instead, she will guide them with clear, sound legal advice and inform them of what they need to hear.

Maria’s expertise can assist you with the complexities of all aspects of Family Law relating to:

• Children’s Issues
• Family Violence
• Family Court Matters
• The division of Assets
• Alternatives to litigation

Starting Proceedings

In circumstances where there is no alternative but to proceed through the courts, Maria brings a wealth of experience. She has worked closely with some of Australia’s most noted Senior Counsel and Barristers (including Queens Counsel) on matters both in the Family Court of Western Australia and in the Full Court of the Family Court of Australia.

Professional Memberships

Law Society WA
Family Law Section Australia
Family Law Practitioners Association of Western Australia
IACP International Association of Collaborative Practitioners
AIFLAM Australian Institute of Family Law Mediators and Arbitrators

To receive advice and guidance in relation to your Family Law matter please contact enquiries@cottesloecounselling.com.au or find Maria at www.loukaslaw.com.au.