Peaceful Pathways To Resolve Family Disputes

WORDS: Jason Oxenbridge PHOTOGRAPHY Nick Sterkenburg

A people-first approach to family law is reshaping outcomes, with Richardson Murray Family Law prioritising empathy, mediation and meaningful resolution over courtroom conflict

When people think of law, they often picture courtrooms, drawn-out battles, and high-stakes litigation. But for family law specialists Richardson Murray Family Law, that image doesn’t reflect the outcome most clients actually need—or want.

For founding partners Anton Richardson and Stephanie Murray and their team, the focus is on resolution, not escalation.

“We’re very upfront about expectations,” Stephanie says. “There’s a mental and emotional burden that comes with conflict. So we ask— is it worth fighting in court when a resolution could be reached through mediation?”

Their approach is grounded in empathy and clarity. Clients are given a clear roadmap—what to expect, the likely path forward, and the real cost involved. And that cost isn’t just financial.

“I want to use the skillset that I have to advocate for people, especially those who can’t advocate for themselves,” Stephanie says. “At the start of every mediation we talk about the cost and that’s also about the mental cost and the emotional toll and burden that is often associated with family conflicts.”

Wherever possible, they encourage outcomes that avoid court intervention, reducing stress and helping families move forward sooner. At the heart of family law matters are people—often children—whose wellbeing must come first. “The impact on families is huge,” Stephanie explains. “Children’s voices need to be heard. These are highly sensitive and complex situations, and the last thing we should do is inflame them. We bring a different approach.”

Founding Partners Stephanie Murray and Anton Richardson focus on resolution, not escalation.

That people-first mindset extends beyond clients and into the firm’s internal culture. With 19 staff and 30 per cent growth over the past two years—including new offices in Byron Bay and the Fraser Coast—Richardson Murray Family Law has been intentional about building a supportive, values-driven workplace. “Culture means everything to our firm,” Stephanie says. “We work in a high-stress environment, so it’s critical that our team shares the same values and supports one another.”

This includes a strong focus on mentoring junior lawyers, something Stephanie is particularly passionate about, after her own early experiences in the industry.

“I was thrown in the deep end,” she recalls. “That’s why I’m committed to creating a safe environment where young lawyers can develop not just professionally, but personally.”

The firm also prioritises employee wellbeing, offering programs focused on mental health, exercise, and nutrition—an initiative shaped by Stephanie’s own journey. “Early in my career I struggled with my mental health,” she says. “Building routines and focusing on exercise helped me show up as a better version of myself each day.” That balance has also taken on new meaning since becoming a mum last year. “Becoming a parent has stabilised my entire being…. it puts everything into perspective,” she says.

A Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law, Stephanie has more than a decade of experience across all aspects of family law, including parenting disputes, financial matters, domestic violence, and complex international cases.

While experienced in court proceedings, Stephanie is skilled in resolving matters through alternative dispute resolution—often achieving outcomes more efficiently and with less emotional strain on families.

Beyond her legal work, she’s committed to community. She serves as President of the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence and contributes to several initiatives aimed at raising awareness and support for those affected by domestic violence. Founded by the irrepressible Di Macleod, the centre has provided trauma-informed counselling, advocacy, crisis support and community education for more than 35 years. “I first became involved by doing pro bono work for the service. They needed support in management, funding and legal advice. I had an opportunity to support with my background and it’s something I’m immensely passionate about,” she says. “Demand is through the roof for these services, sometimes it takes months to get someone the support they need. That’s not good enough. Increased funding is essential if these services are to properly respond.”

She has also been involved in developing training programs for police to better respond to victims of domestic violence, focusing on empathy, understanding, and creating a safe space for individuals to come forward. “It starts with saying ‘we believe you, and we’re here to help’.”

Despite her demanding career, Stephanie also finds time to explore her passion for food and hosts the podcast That’s How She Does It, where she speaks with people from all walks of life about balancing career, family, and personal wellbeing. At its core, Richardson Murray Lawyers is redefining what success in family law looks like—not a win in court, but a resolution that allows people to move forward with their lives.

And a parting reminder from Stephanie, that even in the most difficult circumstances—there is light at the end of the tunnel – a message being received by a record number of clients as demand for family law advice soars across the country.

Widely known for its calm and measured approach, Richardson Murray Family Law is supporting clients navigate emotionally charged situations with clarity and confidence.

Click here: www.richardson-murray.law for more