While raised in Tamworth, Heather McKinnon has built her formidable reputation over three decades practicing in Coffs Harbour. Now one of the leading Family Law authorities in the country, her focus has always remained on helping people right here in this community to achieve the best possible outcomes in often difficult and traumatic times.
Heather’s style is frank and solutions-focused. Not one to put people on a process-driven treadmill, she works to understand her client’s individual circumstances and guide them through complex family transitions.
Exceptionally qualified, Heather not only has a specialist family law accreditation, she is also a Qualified Independent Children’s Lawyer and an Arbitrator under the Family Law Act Regulations.
“It is my firm belief that Family Law is all about balance, care and absolute fairness, especially where children are involved.”
Heather’s attachment to this region extends well beyond her exceptional legal skills. She has long played a role in community-building projects. Over the years she has worked tirelessly with organisations such as the National Marine Science Centre, Warina Women’s Refuge, the Mid North Coast Development Board and Friends of the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery.
Professional Qualifications
Arbitrator under Family Law Act Regulations – 2001
Accredited Family Law Specialist (Law Society of NSW) – 1993
Qualified Independent Children’s Lawyer – 1991
Admitted to High Court of Australia – 1984
Admitted as Solicitor by NSW Supreme Court – 1984
BA LLB Macquarie University – 1983
Memberships & Associations
Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
Law Society of NSW
NSW Women’s Lawyers Association
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (USA)
Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators
Board and Advisory Committee Positions
Current
Member, Professional Standards Committee, Anglican Diocese Grafton NSW
President, Friends of the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery
Member, Bishop Druitt School Council
Past
Member, NSW Regional Women Lawyers Association Committee
Member, Board of Women’s Legal Services NSW
Chairperson – Regional Committee Family Law Section (Law Council of Australia)
Director – Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators & Mediators. (AIFLAM)
Member – National Marine Science Centre Advisory Committee
Member – Warina Women’s Refuge Committee
Member – Child and Parent Support Services Committee
Member – Mid North Coast Development Board
Founding Board Member – Enterprise Training Company
Vice President – Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce
