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Elise Fordham

Principal Lawyer

Bachelor of Financial Administration, a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
Office. Parramatta, Sydney
ph. (02) 9283 5877
e. efordham@wattsmccray.com.au
Click To Visit My LinkedIn Profile

Elise is a Principal Lawyer at Watts McCray, and is admitted to the High Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of Queensland, and holds a Bachelor of Financial Administration, a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.

Elise takes pride in assisting clients to reach commercial, practical and cost-effective outcomes. Elise believes it is important to handle every matter with strategic and practical attitude that resolves matters as efficiently as possible, or places her clients in good stead should litigation become necessary.

Throughout her career, Elise has successfully represented clients in all areas of family law, including children’s matters, de facto relationships, same sex relationships, adoption, surrogacy, property matters, spousal maintenance, international child abduction and contravention applications, from the Local & Magistrates Court, to the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court, up to the District Court and Appellate level. She also has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution, in domestic violence matters, is a Legal Aid accredited Duty Lawyer and has completed the National Legal Aid Independent Children’s Lawyer Training Program.

With a balance of understanding, compassion, and practical, commercially-minded advice, all combined with a level-headed approach, and a high degree of support, Elise works with her clients to make sure they feel protected and confident. Elise relishes the challenge of assisting clients reach a cost-effective resolution to their family law matters, and does so in a timely manner.

Elise’s qualifications and her financial expertise set her apart from other family lawyers, and enable her to have a greater insight into complex financial matters. Elise also has international law experience, having dealt with a number of Hague Convention matters, and she has also acted for a number of clients who have resided internationally.

Elise is regarded by her colleagues as a strong, yet amiable advocate. Her clients feel in safe hands and regularly refer family, friends and colleagues to her.

Elise grew up in north-western NSW, and after practicing interstate for a number of years returned to living in Sydney in 2018.

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