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Australian Family Lawyers
Vanessa Hernandez cover
Vanessa Hernandez

Vanessa Hernandez

Head of Family Law-Brisbane Australian Family Lawyers

Melbourne, VIC
Contact us

About Vanessa

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.

Practice areas

Family Law

Resume

Experience

Committee Member

Committee Member

Bayside Community Legal Service (BCLS)

Sep 2021 - Oct 2024 • 3 years 1 month

Head of Family Law - Queensland

Head of Family Law - Queensland

Australian Family Lawyers

Nov 2019 - Present • 7 years

Steering Committee Member

Steering Committee Member

Gold Coast Family Law Pathways Network

Nov 2018 - Present • 8 years

Principal

Principal

BTLawyers

Mar 2016 - Nov 2019 • 3 years 8 months

Senior Associate

Senior Associate

O'keefe Mahoney Bennett Solicitors

Oct 2011 - Feb 2016 • 4 years 4 months

Founder and President

Founder and President

VENN QLD

May 2010 - Present • 16 years 6 months

Associate

Associate

Hatzis Lawyers

May 2006 - Oct 2011 • 5 years 5 months

Paralegal

Paralegal

Porter Hulett Solicitors

Dec 2004 - Dec 2005 • 1 year

Education

National Mediation Course, Alternate Dispute Resolution

National Mediation Course, Alternate Dispute Resolution

Bond University

2010 - 2011

Family Dispute Resolution Course, Alternate Dispute Resolution

Family Dispute Resolution Course, Alternate Dispute Resolution

Bond University

2010 - 2013

Graduate Diploma of Legal Pratice, Law

Graduate Diploma of Legal Pratice, Law

The College of Law Australia

2005 - 2007

Bachelor of Business, Management

Bachelor of Business, Management

QUT (Queensland University of Technology)

2000 - 2006

Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Law

Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Law

QUT (Queensland University of Technology)

2000 - 2006

Contact information

Melbourne, VIC

Level 2, 326 William Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000Website

Practice certificate

Name
Vanessa Beatriz Hernandez Rivera
Date of admission
2007
Specialisations
Family Law Family - Domestic Violence Succession Law
Certification type
Unrestricted Employee

Last checked: 5 Feb 2026 • Checked with Queensland Law Society

Practice areas

Criminal & Traffic
  • Domestic Violence
Family Law
  • De facto Relationships
  • Divorce and Separation
  • Parenting and Child Support
  • Property and Financial Settlement