

Vanessa Hernandez leads the Family Law team in Queensland, bringing over 14 years of concentrated experience in family law matters. She supports clients navigating separation, divorce, or domestic violence circumstances with a compassionate and strategic approach. Vanessa prioritises resolving disputes outside of court whenever possible, guiding parties towards amicable agreements. However, when court intervention becomes necessary, she actively manages and develops case strategies to secure favourable outcomes. Her expertise includes property settlements and parenting arrangements for married, de facto, and same-sex couples, recognising the complexities each situation presents. She is also well-versed in handling sensitive domestic and family violence issues, offering clients thoughtful and effective support. Known for her personable and empathetic manner, Vanessa provides clear and comprehensive legal advice, empowering clients to make informed decisions for their futures. She practises from the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast offices, serving a broad client base across Queensland. Vanessa is fluent in both English and Spanish, enabling her to assist Spanish-speaking families with legal challenges such as divorce, child custody, domestic violence, and property division. She ensures language is never a barrier to protecting clients’ rights or achieving positive resolutions for their families.

Committee Member
Bayside Community Legal Service (BCLS)
Sep 2021 - Oct 2024 • 3 years 1 month
Head of Family Law - Queensland
Australian Family Lawyers
Nov 2019 - Present • 7 years
Steering Committee Member
Gold Coast Family Law Pathways Network
Nov 2018 - Present • 8 years

Principal
BTLawyers
Mar 2016 - Nov 2019 • 3 years 8 months

Senior Associate
O'keefe Mahoney Bennett Solicitors
Oct 2011 - Feb 2016 • 4 years 4 months
Founder and President
VENN QLD
May 2010 - Present • 16 years 6 months
Associate
Hatzis Lawyers
May 2006 - Oct 2011 • 5 years 5 months
Paralegal
Porter Hulett Solicitors
Dec 2004 - Dec 2005 • 1 year

National Mediation Course, Alternate Dispute Resolution
Bond University
2010 - 2011

Family Dispute Resolution Course, Alternate Dispute Resolution
Bond University
2010 - 2013

Graduate Diploma of Legal Pratice, Law
The College of Law Australia
2005 - 2007

Bachelor of Business, Management
QUT (Queensland University of Technology)
2000 - 2006

Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Law
QUT (Queensland University of Technology)
2000 - 2006
Last checked: 5 Feb 2026 • Checked with Queensland Law Society