TOWN AND COUNTRY FAMILY LAW

Whether you live in Bendigo, Melbourne, regionally or even interstate, we’re just a phone call away.

(Or email. Or online. Whatever suits you.)

City, country, or coast.

Call for a free no-obligation phone consultation with a family lawyer.

FAMILY LAW THAT IS RESPONSIVE, FRIENDLY AND PROFESSIONAL

We are not your usual family law firm. There’s no vast city office, large staff, and expensive overheads. Instead, we keep it simple. We work remotely and utilise technology to connect with our clients wherever they live, city or country. This allows us to be more responsive to our clients’ individual needs. And importantly, we can reach more people who need help outside our cities.

We understand that life goes on even if you’re separating (and it feels like the world is ending). It’s a lot to handle at once. We get it. We will explain what is happening throughout the process and make sure you’re kept informed. Our clients like being able to text us a quick question and get an answer. Online meetings are the go. And we can schedule meetings after hours if that better suits your work/family schedule.

We’ll work with you, not force you to work around us.

DIVORCE

Have you been separated for 12 months? Is it finally time to move forward?

Talk to us about the pros and cons of filing a sole or joint application for divorce. It can be quick and easy (sometimes!). (And if you are divorced, have you done your property settlement? You’ve only got 12 months from the date of the divorce order…)

PROPERTY

Every asset. Every liability. Yes, it includes businesses, companies, farms, superannuation, family trusts and cars. The lot. A property settlement will affect your quality of life for years to come. If you can, seek advice before you separate. And do you know the time limits? The clock is ticking so seek friendly legal advice (from a family lawyer – not your mates at the pub, lovely as they are) the sooner, the better.

PARENTING

For most families, the joys of parenting don’t end with separation. Parenting just morphs into a whole new world of co-parenting, parenting plans and orders, post-separation parenting courses and family counselling, parenting apps on your phone, calendars, and often, understandably grumpy children. We can walk with you through the parenting maze.

CHILD SUPPORT

If you have the wherewithal to create a child, you are expected to have the wherewithal to financially support them. You can work out child support payments by using the government formula or by negotiating an agreement with the other parent. We can work through this with you.

WHY CHOOSE TOWN AND COUNTRY FAMILY LAW

“The best decision I made was to trust Katherine with my family law matter. Myself and my children could not have been in better hands and the life we have today is all because of her knowledge, dedication and personal approach.” – M.A., MELBOURNE

We understand that at the heart of our work are relationships.

And every family law journey is different.

Wherever your particular journey takes you, we’ll work with you as a team,

ensuring you have what you need every step of the way.

ABOUT KATHERINE BEARD

A professional, highly experienced family law solicitor since 2011, Katherine is the founder of Town and Country Family Law. Prior to moving to Bendigo, she practiced exclusively in family law in Melbourne, building a reputation for determination, dedication, and compassionate client support; the kind that goes the extra mile.

Katherine grew up in Shepparton, north-east Victoria; the eldest of six children. She achieved 99% for VCE Legal Studies and was awarded the College Prize for Excellence in Legal Studies. She later graduated with Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Law degree with Honours from the Australian National University, Canberra. With a specialisation in family violence, Katherine’s Law thesis for Honours on Separation Assault submitted in 1998 was awarded a Distinction.

Katherine then worked as Executive Officer/Copyright Law advisor for the Australian Libraries Copyright Committee/Australian Digital Alliance at the National Library of Australia, Canberra before pursuing a career in publishing for a decade. Her book chronicling the history of the Miss Australia Awards (1908 – 2000) was published in 2002 by Crawford House. She went on to work as a magazine editor and senior writer, winning the inaugural Country Style magazine national short story competition. Katherine continues to write and has been a regular contributor on regional and legal issues to Graziher magazine since 2021.

In 2010, Katherine completed her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and from 2011 to 2023, she was employed as a solicitor at Alphastream Lawyers, Melbourne. During her 12 years at the firm, Katherine headed up the family law department, trained junior lawyers and staff, and built the family law practice. In 2023, Katherine was honoured to be appointed the firm’s first Special Counsel. She concluded her time at Alphastream Lawyers in September 2023.

In 2024, Katherine launched Town and Country Family Law.

TESTIMONIALS

Katherine has a brilliant and practical approach to family law that successfully achieved the outcome I sought. She had a personal approach to guiding me through the complex and emotional field of family law, keeping me focussed on the matters that are worth fighting and those that are not (ie. a waste of time and money). Katherine has very extensive experience in family law, is extremely professional in the conduct of her matters and I highly recommend her.

The best decision I made was to trust Katherine with my family law matter. Myself and my children couldn’t have been in better hands and the life that we have today is all because of her knowledge, dedication, and personal approach, where her patience and empathy always shone through. Looking back now, and being out the other end of years of battling in the family court, every dollar that I spent following Katherine’s advice was so well spent, I couldn’t have been any more supported through the most challenging time. When the battles in court became all too much for me Katherine carried that weight, she very much protected me, and gave me the reassurance and support to get through so I could focus on supporting my children, working, and setting up a new life for us all. The barristers Katherine engaged with always had a detailed knowledge of my case from Katherine’s briefing which saved me from having to discuss detailed situations of domestic violence over and over. Katherine was always flexible in meeting or talking with me when my children couldn’t over hear conversations or I wasn’t at work, there were often phone calls or emails out of business hours, and as the world fell apart around me, she is the one person I could always count on to know what would be the best approach for a positive long-term outcome. Katherine’s personal approach, knowledge and caring nature are exactly what anyone needs to survive the family court.

Hi Katherine, Happy New Year… I just want to wish you all the best with your endeavour with your law firm. I am so glad that victims of family violence as well as women just trying to get the representation needed will have you to represent them. Thank you so much for representing me. I had so many trust issues, but you gave me the confidence to go ahead. Thank you.

Katherine was my lawyer throughout the financial settlement process between my former husband and me. Her advice was exceptional. She was level-headed and responsive when there was game playing, while holding integrity. She responded promptly to all my questions (texted or emailed) and offered reassurance during a very challenging time.
I fully recommend Katherine's services.