our firm
We are a boutique local law firm based in Coffs Harbour, committed to providing a high standard of client care and personalised legal service.
We understand that every client’s circumstances are different. That is why we take a tailored approach, providing considered legal advice and practical guidance that reflects your individual needs, priorities and goals.
We offer a complimentary 15-minute clarity call, giving you the opportunity to discuss your circumstances, ask initial questions and understand how we may be able to assist.
We understand that every client’s circumstances are different. That is why we take a tailored approach, providing considered legal advice and practical guidance that reflects your individual needs, priorities and goals.
We offer a complimentary 15-minute clarity call, giving you the opportunity to discuss your circumstances, ask initial questions and understand how we may be able to assist.
Stress free approach
Smart Choice Law provides tailored legal services across family law, wills and estate law, with a focus on reducing stress and helping clients feel supported throughout the process.
Our office, located at Shop 1/45 Grafton Street, Coffs Harbour, has been thoughtfully designed to feel calm, welcoming and comfortable. We believe that visiting a solicitor’s office should not feel intimidating, overwhelming or impersonal.
From the moment you arrive, our aim is to create an environment where you feel at ease, listened to and supported. Our clients often comment on the warm and inviting atmosphere of our office, which reflects the way we approach our work — with care, professionalism and genuine consideration for each client’s individual circumstances.
Kerstin Thode Principal Solicitor
Our director and principal solicitor, Kerstin Thode, has extensive experience in family law, wills and estate planning.
Kerstin is a collaboratively trained family lawyer with a strong focus on helping separating families resolve their matters respectfully and, where possible, without going to court. Her approach is centred on reducing conflict, preserving dignity and supporting families to move forward in a constructive way.
Kerstin has practised as a solicitor in family law in the Coffs Harbour area for more than 14 years. She understands the local community, the challenges her clients face and the importance of providing practical, compassionate and tailored legal advice.
Originally from Germany, Kerstin practised as a German barrister before moving to Coffs Harbour in 2002. Before practising as a lawyer in Australia, she worked locally as a mediator while completing her Australian legal qualifications and raising her children.
Kerstin is also a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and facilitates mediations. She brings this dispute resolution experience into her legal practice, helping clients explore practical and respectful ways to resolve their matters.
In addition to her legal qualifications, Kerstin is an accredited Break-up and Divorce Coach Practitioner. She trained with internationally recognised divorce coach Sara Davison from the United Kingdom and uses these skills to support clients through the emotional as well as legal aspects of separation and divorce.
“I really enjoy helping people and working with them. This includes supporting clients through difficult and often painful life transitions. While separation and family law matters can be challenging, it is incredibly rewarding to help clients reach a resolution that allows them to move forward. Wherever possible, we aim to keep matters amicable, respectful and constructive.”
At Smart Choice Law, we approach legal matters with strategy, care and attention to detail. Our focus is on providing high-quality legal advice while helping clients move forward with clarity and confidence.
Kerstin loves the lifestyle of the Coffs Coast and believes it is a wonderful place to live, work and raise her two children.
Kerstin is a member of the Law Society of New South Wales, the Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour Regional Law Society, the Family Law Practitioners Association in Coffs Harbour and the Law Council of Australia. She has also been an active member of the Coffs Coast Business Women’s Network for many years and is currently its Vice President.
Kerstin is a collaboratively trained family lawyer with a strong focus on helping separating families resolve their matters respectfully and, where possible, without going to court. Her approach is centred on reducing conflict, preserving dignity and supporting families to move forward in a constructive way.
Kerstin has practised as a solicitor in family law in the Coffs Harbour area for more than 14 years. She understands the local community, the challenges her clients face and the importance of providing practical, compassionate and tailored legal advice.
Originally from Germany, Kerstin practised as a German barrister before moving to Coffs Harbour in 2002. Before practising as a lawyer in Australia, she worked locally as a mediator while completing her Australian legal qualifications and raising her children.
Kerstin is also a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and facilitates mediations. She brings this dispute resolution experience into her legal practice, helping clients explore practical and respectful ways to resolve their matters.
In addition to her legal qualifications, Kerstin is an accredited Break-up and Divorce Coach Practitioner. She trained with internationally recognised divorce coach Sara Davison from the United Kingdom and uses these skills to support clients through the emotional as well as legal aspects of separation and divorce.
“I really enjoy helping people and working with them. This includes supporting clients through difficult and often painful life transitions. While separation and family law matters can be challenging, it is incredibly rewarding to help clients reach a resolution that allows them to move forward. Wherever possible, we aim to keep matters amicable, respectful and constructive.”
At Smart Choice Law, we approach legal matters with strategy, care and attention to detail. Our focus is on providing high-quality legal advice while helping clients move forward with clarity and confidence.
Kerstin loves the lifestyle of the Coffs Coast and believes it is a wonderful place to live, work and raise her two children.
Kerstin is a member of the Law Society of New South Wales, the Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour Regional Law Society, the Family Law Practitioners Association in Coffs Harbour and the Law Council of Australia. She has also been an active member of the Coffs Coast Business Women’s Network for many years and is currently its Vice President.
ruby Poynter
Solicitor
Ruby is a lawyer with a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts degree from Macquarie University, and with experience across a wide range of Family Law, Wills and Estate matters.
Ruby has experience across a range of complex family law matters involving domestic violence, property proceedings, migration issues, lottery winnings, wastage and taxation fraud.
Ruby is passionate about the affordability of legal services and ensuring that clients maintain a sense of agency in their own matters.
With an interest in dispute resolution, Ruby takes the stress out of her matters by employing a client and child-centered approach.
Growing up in Grafton, Ruby has an inherent understanding of the local community and the potential challenges facing her clients.
In her spare time, Ruby enjoys long-distance running, reading by the beach or doing cross-stitch embroidery.
Ruby has experience across a range of complex family law matters involving domestic violence, property proceedings, migration issues, lottery winnings, wastage and taxation fraud.
Ruby is passionate about the affordability of legal services and ensuring that clients maintain a sense of agency in their own matters.
With an interest in dispute resolution, Ruby takes the stress out of her matters by employing a client and child-centered approach.
Growing up in Grafton, Ruby has an inherent understanding of the local community and the potential challenges facing her clients.
In her spare time, Ruby enjoys long-distance running, reading by the beach or doing cross-stitch embroidery.
tia
Solicitor
Tia is a dedicated solicitor with a strong passion for family law and supporting clients through what can often be one of the most difficult periods in their lives.
With a compassionate and practical approach, Tia assists the team in delivering efficient, thoughtful and client-focused legal services. She understands the importance of clear communication, careful preparation and empathy when working with families navigating separation, parenting matters and property settlement issues.
Tia is committed to helping clients feel supported and informed throughout their matter, while contributing to the professional and caring service that Smart Choice Law is known for.
With a compassionate and practical approach, Tia assists the team in delivering efficient, thoughtful and client-focused legal services. She understands the importance of clear communication, careful preparation and empathy when working with families navigating separation, parenting matters and property settlement issues.
Tia is committed to helping clients feel supported and informed throughout their matter, while contributing to the professional and caring service that Smart Choice Law is known for.
Liana
Legal Assistant
Liana is our Legal Assistantand also has a lot of experience in customer service. She is always smiling and helps cheering our clients up, when they walk into our office.
Prior to joining our team, she worked in various roles in customer service, marketing and other industries, which give her a wide knowledge and undertanding of systems and technology.
Liana also loves the lifestyle at the Coffs Coast for herself and her family. She enjoys gardening and the great beaches Coffs Harbour has to offer.
Prior to joining our team, she worked in various roles in customer service, marketing and other industries, which give her a wide knowledge and undertanding of systems and technology.
Liana also loves the lifestyle at the Coffs Coast for herself and her family. She enjoys gardening and the great beaches Coffs Harbour has to offer.
TRACY
Legal Assistant
Tracy has been working predominantly in the legal field for the past 30 years.
With a wealth of knowledge and a warm and welcoming nature Tracy enjoys supporting our clients throughout their journey.
local firm - local knowledge
.jpg)
Coffs Harbour A beautiful place
Smart choice law is a local coffs harbour law firm. WE SERVICE CLIENTS FROM COFFS HARBOUR AND SURROUNDING AREAS, LIKE SAWTELL, BELLINGEN, DORRIGO, URUNGA, WOOLGOOLGA, MOONEE BEACH, SAPPHIRE BEACH, EMERALD BEACH, AND ALSO GRAFTON AND MACKSVILLE, as well as other parts of New South Wales.
Every case is different. By having the local legal knowledge we can best advise our clients for their individual situation and needs.
Smart Choice Law is proud to support the local community
Community Support
International women's day Breakfast
Smart Choice Law has proudly sponsored the annual International Women’s Day breakfast since 2020.
IWD is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women. It is also a day to review how far women have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. IWD provides an opportunity for women to unite, and foster meaningful change.
We are proud to be part of that change.
Coffs Coast Business Women's Network
Smart Choice Law is proud to be part of the Coffs Coast Business Women Network.
Our principal solicitor Kerstin Thode is excited to have been a member of the BWN Committee for many years, including being president in 2021 and currently Vice President of BWN is the Coffs Coast Business Women Network (BWN).
BWN focuses on helping women in business reaching their full potential. BWN aims to nurture the professional and personal development of women through an informative, supportive and fun networking environment.
Kerstin Thode is enjoying to be part of the professional women network in the Coffs Harbour area.
Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter Wills week 2024
Smart Choice Law supports the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Wills Week.
We are proud to participate again in the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Wills Week. We have been a supporter for several years now since 2021.
If you need a Will, you can get it done with us during Wills Week with all proceeds going to this good cause.
.jpg)
smart choice law
Smart Choice Law brings a fresh new approach to Family Law to the Coffs Coast. Our firm was featured in the Coffs Coast Advocate. Please check out these articles if you want to find out more about us: