Family Lawyer – Peter Sochacki

I have practised law in NSW and Queensland since 1976 (over 45 years). I was accredited as a family law specialist in the mid-1990s. I am a former principal of the firm now known as “O’Reilly & Sochacki lawyers” of Murwillumbah, in far northern NSW.

I practice principally in family law however, as an experienced country practitioner, I have a broad range of experiences.

Apart from family law, I have substantial experience in:

  • Property;
  • Wills & Estates;
  • The law and practice around powers of attorney, guardianship appointments, as well as advance health directives;

I’m a trained collaborative lawyer (2011). Collaborative law is an effective way of negotiating a fair settlement in any dispute but, it is especially amenable for use in family law disputes, be they children’s or property matters.

I work principally in the Gold Coast, Tweed and Byron Coast area, where I live in northern NSW, but also Sydney, Brisbane and far North Queensland.

Professional Qualifications/ Professional Memberships/ Areas of Legal Expertise

Professional Qualifications

  1. In continuous private practice, as a solicitor in NSW, since 1976.
  2. In continuous private practice, as a solicitor, in Queensland, since 1988.
  3. Member number of the Gold Coast collaborative law group.

Education

  1. B.A., Macquarie University, 1971.
  2. B.A. [Hons.], Macquarie University, 1973.
  3. Bachelor of laws, UNSW, 1976.
  4. Specialist accreditation, family law, NSW, mid-90s.
  5. Collaborative law practitioner (2011).

Professional Memberships

  1. Law society of NSW, 1976 to the present.
  2. Law society of Queensland, 1988 to 2008.
  3. Family law section, Law Council Australia, from about 1988.
  4. St. James ethics Centre Sydney.
  5. Member of Queensland Association of collaborative practicioners.

Areas of Legal Expertise

  1. Family law from 1976, continuously. Accredited specialist in family law.
  2. Wills & Estates; PAs & Guardianships and trust estate management.
  3. Property law, especially in NSW but also in Queensland.
  4. Past experience in professional indemnity law, relating to the legal profession.
  5. Traffic & criminal law.
  6. Mediation.  In its application to civil matters, as well as family law.