About Us
Guiding you and your family towards a brighter tomorrow
We know that if you’re seeking out a family solicitor, this may be one of the most difficult stages in your life. Trust that we’re here to guide you through the other side, towards a brighter tomorrow.
When you arrive at Honan Family Law, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive space by our friendly team. We’ll work with you and the other parties to think outside the box and develop fair solutions in a collaborative and respectful manner. How we work together now, can have a positive impact on how you move forward.
The role of a family law solicitor
In our experience, family matters are often people’s first contact with the law. While you’re likely already feeling stressed, navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming. We’re here to guide you through the process so you don’t have to navigate your next move on your own.
We see our role as helping you to get clear on your goals, provide you with possible avenues and outcomes, and work collaboratively with the other parties to make the process as efficient and smooth as possible.
You can expect from us:
Solution-focused for a positive outcome
Our purpose is to help you reach a positive resolution so you and your family can move forward with minimal stress and begin the healing process.
Reduce the overwhelm and legal speak
For many people, family law matters are their first contact with the legal system. This can seem hugely overwhelming. We communicate clearly every step of the way – in plain English.
Thinking outside the box for better outcomes
We’re problem solvers and take a holistic approach to your situation. We think creatively to resolve your matter or get ahead in negotiations.
Collaborative approach to resolution
Wherever possible, we aim to facilitate a collaborative or mediation approach between parties to reduce the emotional trauma on children and avoid an expensive, drawn-out litigation process.
Meet the Honan Family Law team
Accredited Family Law Specialist, Director
Amy Honan
Accredited Family Law Specialist and Director of Honan Family Law, Amy Honan is a dedicated and passionate family lawyer. Amy is an active member of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Queensland, and member of the Queensland Law Society and the Family Law Section. Amy spent over 10 years as a volunteer lawyer at Caxton Legal Centre. She has been nominated by her peers as a Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer in the Doyle’s Guide in both 2018 and 2019 and in 2021 and 2023 as Leading Parenting & Children’s Matters Lawyers.
Amy actively contributes to professional publications and education within law and other industries. Most recently, Amy’s article, ‘The How to for Step Parent Adoptions’ was published in the Queensland Law Society publication, Proctor. Amy also continues to present seminars to various service industry professionals to ensure an accurate understanding of family law principles for professionals who work with people dealing with separation.
Amy’s passion and expertise lies in working with clients to achieve successful outcomes through dispute resolution and mediation without resorting to litigation. She believes empowering clients through knowledge is the key to a good outcome.
Personally, Amy knows first-hand the unconditional love and richness that can come from a blended family. She once had the privilege of seeing her clients’ case through from the initial Family Court application to the day the Children’s Court granted the final adoption order three years later. This was a special moment for Amy.
Outside of family law, Amy is known to create an epic grazing platter and likes to enjoy good food and wine with friends. When visiting a winery, Amy is the one looking for the winery dog (yes, she has the coffee table book!).
Solicitor
Jessica Matthews
Passionate about family law, Jess has been working in law firms since the first year of her degree, gaining experience in property law and family law before her admission as a solicitor in 2018. After two years working abroad, Jess returned to Australia to focus her career in family law. Jess is passionate about advocating for those going through a difficult time in their life and who may not be able to advocate for themselves. Jess values ensuring her clients feel well informed and supported throughout their matter. What brings her most joy about her work, is helping clients move forward into the next chapter of their life – with peace of mind and dignity.
Jess appreciates that many of her clients have ongoing relationships as co-parents, so how their matter is managed throughout the legal process is very important, and one she doesn’t take lightly. Jess has a Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Science and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. One thing most people don’t know about her is that she also holds a chemistry degree – ask her your burning science questions!
Solicitor
Phoenix Blavius
Phoenix first began working in family law in 2018 and was admitted into the profession in 2023. In that time, she gained experience in both large national and boutique firms, which has given her the invaluable experience of working for and learning from various senior members of the Brisbane family law community. Phoenix holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Justice (Criminology and Policing), and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
Phoenix is dedicated to her clients, ensuring they are well informed and engaged throughout their matter. She believes good communication is key to a positive solicitor-client relationship, from start to finish. Phoenix recognises that family law clients are often dealing with immense stress, which can often be eased through providing timely and thorough responses. She says there’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing a client breathe a little easier at the conclusion of their matter. Phoenix is known for her dry sense of humour and is great at bringing laughter into the firm.
Paralegal
Ashleigh Boardman
Ashleigh comes to Honan Family Law with more than 12 years’ experience working exclusively in family law. Her experience spans parenting matters, divorce, property settlements, disputes, domestic violence, consent orders, among others. This experience enables her to provide exceptional support to our clients in helping them understand their matter and the relevant legal process.
Ashleigh appreciates the emotional stress family law matters endure and takes great pride in helping to make the process as seamless as possible. Ashleigh is always here to help no matter how big or small the task! When she’s not at work, Ashleigh enjoys road trips and relaxing at home with her family.
“As this chapter closes, I want to thank you again for your incredible support. I especially want to acknowledge how you managed and contained me when I was a blubbering mess in our initial meeting. It was honestly one of my lowest moments and I was thankful for your kindness as your advice was what I needed to regroup after that challenging day. I am very grateful for your teams help as I felt in very safe hands”
