ENQUIRE NOW
Leona Bennett, Managing Partner, Head of Family Law, Accredited Specialist, Family Law and Collaborative Solicitor at Southern Waters Legal
Use the button below to view Madeline Laurence's calendar and book an appointment instantly.
BOOK CRONULLA
BOOK VIDEO CALL

Madeline Laurence

Solicitor
Family Law
Madeline is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for her clients, with a particular focus on achieving commercial outcomes through alternative dispute resolution, and if necessary, through litigation. 

Madeline has practised exclusively in family law since her admission to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2022. She has distinguished herself as a personable and empathetic solicitor with a nuanced understanding of the complex intersection between legal frameworks and family relationships.

She practises a broad range of family law matters, including:

  • Parenting disputes, including matters involving family violence;

  • Property and financial settlements, including those with legal and commercial complexity; and

  • Child support and spouse maintenance.

Madeline holds a Bachelor of Laws and Arts from the University of Wollongong, and is actively involved in the profession through membership with:

  • Women Lawyers Association of NSW;

  • NSW Young Lawyers; and

  • Law Society of NSW

In her spare time, Madeline enjoys spending time with friends and family (especially her newborn niece), taking her Staffordshire terrier, Dougie, for walks along Kurnell beach, or attending a reformer pilates class (or two).

TESTIMONIALS

"Simon, Leona and all their staff dealt with my Estate Planning and Family Law matter in such a professional manner, I cannot thank them enough. The care and patience shown to me during the time of my matters was truly amazing! Again thank you all so much."

Glen
Estate Planning & Family Law Client

"Thank you for your very friendly and professional help in getting all of our affairs sorted in such a short time. We are very glad we came to Southern Waters Legal, ad we’re really appreciative of the professional manner and advice with which we received."

Wayne & Margaret
Estate Planning Client

"I have been a client of Southern Waters Legal for a number of years now. It is at specific times in our lives that we really value integrity and honesty in those we deal with. Simon, Leona and the team have helped me organise our affairs at a very tough time in my life, they have provided wise counsel, legal support and hand-holding as I went through the sale of my family home and moving to new premises. I have received possibly the best financial advice that is reaping rewards for me now. Thank you to a wonderful team of professionals. Thank you"

Anne
Property Client

"I used Leona and her team’s services during an extremely difficult and stressful period of my life. They were able to guide me through the steps required from beginning to end of divorce and financial settlement and set up a plan to follow that helped to take out a lot of the anxiety around not having control over the situation. I had 100% faith at all times in Leona and her team that my best interests were always taken into consideration and I was only contacted when needed to avoid being charged unnecessarily. These guys are the dream team and highly recommend them."

Stephanie
Family Law Client

"Family law can be very daunting but Leona Bennett removed all the confusion of the ‘legal jargon’ and step by step walked me through the family court process. Leona made it simple and I always had a full understanding of what was happening and made clear decisions for the final outcome. Leona and her team were there for me, working their wisdom to always provide greater clarity and support."

Cheryl
Family Law Client

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you for your exceptional guidance and support throughout my property settlement and divorce.

Your expertise, strategic thinking, and calm command of the process were deeply reassuring, especially during the most difficult moments. What stood out even more was your unwavering commitment to acting ethically and with integrity, even when the other side did not extend the same courtesy. That strength of character meant a great deal to me and helped me stay anchored in a process that was often emotionally and morally challenging.

Thank you for being both a skilled advocate and a steady presence. I’m deeply grateful to have had you in my corner.

Madeline
Property Law Client

I would like to say a truly heartfelt thank you for everything you did yesterday. You went above and beyond, not just in terms of the legal work, which was so thorough and professional but in the way you showed such care, calm and kindness throughout.

"This has been an incredibly emotional and complex chapter of my life, and to have someone like you guiding the final stages made all the difference. You were steady, thoughtful, and incredibly responsive.  I felt genuinely supported and looked after!

Thank you for helping me bring this to a close with grace and dignity. I’m so grateful our paths crossed."

Maddie
Family Law Client

About Simon Bennett

Madeline has practised exclusively in family law since her admission to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2022. She has distinguished herself as a personable and empathetic solicitor with a nuanced understanding of the complex intersection between legal frameworks and family relationships.

She practises a broad range of family law matters, including:

  • Parenting disputes, including matters involving family violence;

  • Property and financial settlements, including those with legal and commercial complexity; and

  • Child support and spouse maintenance.

Madeline holds a Bachelor of Laws and Arts from the University of Wollongong, and is actively involved in the profession through membership with:

  • Women Lawyers Association of NSW;

  • NSW Young Lawyers; and

  • Law Society of NSW

In her spare time, Madeline enjoys spending time with friends and family (especially her newborn niece), taking her Staffordshire terrier, Dougie, for walks along Kurnell beach, or attending a reformer pilates class (or two).