Kath Fielden is an experienced family and relationships lawyer with a proven track record in securing great outcomes for clients.
Skills, Knowledge Experience
Kath is highly skilled at using family dispute resolution, mediation, alternative dispute resolution and collaborative law processes, to negotiate solutions for clients that promote positive co-parenting relationships and limit their costs.
As a Solicitor-Advocate and Independent Children’s Lawyer, Kath has significant experience running complex family law trials in the Federal Circuit Court, Family Court of Australia, Family Court of Western Australia, Family Court of Appeals and the High Court of Australia. Prior to establishing Fielden and Associates, Kath worked as a member of the family law teams at Legal Aid, Hunter Community Legal Centre and in private practice.
Kath also has relevant experience working in the government and community sectors including roles with Newcastle City Council and the Department of Communities and Justice, where she developed and implemented the Brighter Futures early intervention program. As a result, Kath has a well-established network, which she engages to assist clients to meet their non-legal needs.
On a personal level, Kath applies insights gained as a mother, daughter, step-daughter and step-mother to negotiate workable solutions for blended families. Kath also has a good understanding of issues facing LGBQTI people and their families, having spent part of her childhood growing up in a lesbian household. Throughout her career, Kath has demonstrated a commitment to working collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and in securing culturally appropriate outcomes for Aboriginal clients and their families in the family law system.
Throughout her career, Kath has shown a sustained commitment to social justice, including pro bono work for disadvantaged clients and voluntary board member roles with Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, the Octapod Arts Association and Shine for Kids.