

Vanessa Mathews, the Managing Director of Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, brings a wealth of expertise to her role in leading legal teams. With over 25 years of experience in family law, Vanessa is committed to providing clients with comprehensive legal and mediation services. She established her Melbourne-based practice with a focus on separation, divorce, parenting disputes, property settlements, and complex family law matters. Holding a Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne, Vanessa furthered her legal education with an LLB from Deakin University. Her unique blend of social work and law studies equips her with insights into the emotional and financial challenges faced by clients during relationship breakdowns. As an Accredited Family Law Specialist, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, and Mediator, Vanessa prides herself on her ability to offer strategic counsel and support, promoting resolution outside of Court whenever feasible. Throughout her career, Vanessa has collaborated with professionals from various fields such as accounting, psychology, and financial advisory to provide holistic support to clients. She is a proponent of client education, believing that informed clients make better decisions. Vanessa actively contributes to community initiatives aimed at enhancing understanding of family law and dispute resolution. As a Parenting Coordinator and practitioner of Collaborative Law, she continues to innovate in the field, offering online services for straightforward divorces, ensuring accessibility and expert attention without the necessity of in-person visits.

Accredited Family Law Specialist | FDRP | Mediator
Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists
Dec 2007 - Present • 18 years 11 months

Accredited Family Law Specialist | FDRP | Mediator
Byron Bay Family Law & Mediation Specialists
Dec 2007 - Present • 18 years 11 months
Accredited Family Law Specialist | FDRP | Mediator
interventionordermelbourne.com.au
Dec 2007 - Present • 18 years 11 months
divorce-online.com.au
Dec 2007 - Jul 2026 • 18 years 7 months
Collaborative Law, Family Law Dispute Resolution

Parenting Coordinator, Family Law Dispute Resolution
Parenting Coordination Australia
2021

Accredited Family Law Specialist, Law
Law Institute of Victoria
2009
Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Family Law Dispute Resolution
Relationships Australia
2009
Accredited Mediator , Family Law Dispute Resolution
National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS)
1998

LLB, Law
Deakin University
1994 - 1998

Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work
University of Melbourne
1985 - 1987

Bachelor of Commerce, Economics
University of Melbourne
1980 - 1983
Last checked: 14 Sept 2026 • Checked with Victorian Legal Services Board