smart legal advice
We consider the different legal options and your specific circumstances so that we can provide you with tailored legal advice
our firm
We are a boutique local Coffs Harbour law firm that believes in great customer service. We aim to tailor our services to your specific needs and try to keep our costs as low as possible so that we can provide you with professional legal services at a very competitive rate. We offer after hours consultations and are very flexible and discrete in the way we communicate with you so that your daily life will not be interrupted by your legal matter.
Stressfree approach
While offering legal services in all areas of family law, wills and estate law, Smart Choice Law aims to help our clients to take the stress out of it.The warm welcoming feel in our office, which is located at Shop 1/ 45 Grafton St, Coffs Harbour, helps clients to relax. We believe that a solicitor's office does not need to look boring or intimidating.We tried to make our office's atmosphere friendly, cozy and welcoming - just like at home. So far we have had great feedback from our clients about our cosy premises.
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:The Coffs Coast Advocate:https://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/fresh-new-approach-to-family-law-woes/3511975/
Kerstin Thode
Principal Solicitor
Our principal solicitor Kerstin Thode has many years of experience in the areas of Family Law and Wills, Estate planning and administration.
Kerstin grew up in Germany and practised as a German lawyer before moving to Coffs Harbour in 2002.
Kerstin has worked for many years as a solicitor in the Coffs Harbour area and understands the local challenges of her clients.
Before practising as a lawyer in Australia Kerstin worked as a Mediator for several years. Kerstin is a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and facilitates mediations.
"I really enjoy helping people and working with them. This includes helping my clients through sometimes painful experiences and understanding their loss. Even though it can sometimes be challenging for everyone, it is always rewarding when my clients are pleased with their end results."
At Smart Choice Law we aim to resolve legal disputes as quickly and cost efficiently as possible so that our clients do not end up with enormous legal costs.
Kerstin loves the lifestyle at the Coffs Coast and believes that this is a great place to live and raise her two children.
Kerstin grew up in Germany and practised as a German lawyer before moving to Coffs Harbour in 2002.
Kerstin has worked for many years as a solicitor in the Coffs Harbour area and understands the local challenges of her clients.
Before practising as a lawyer in Australia Kerstin worked as a Mediator for several years. Kerstin is a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and facilitates mediations.
"I really enjoy helping people and working with them. This includes helping my clients through sometimes painful experiences and understanding their loss. Even though it can sometimes be challenging for everyone, it is always rewarding when my clients are pleased with their end results."
At Smart Choice Law we aim to resolve legal disputes as quickly and cost efficiently as possible so that our clients do not end up with enormous legal costs.
Kerstin loves the lifestyle at the Coffs Coast and believes that this is a great place to live and raise her two children.
Felicity Forsyth
Paralegal
Felicity is a lawyer with a Bachelor of Laws Degree through the University of New England. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in Family Law and Wills and Estates.
Prior to joining our team, she was employed by the Department of Justice and Attorney General as Acting Registrar, Deputy Registrar and Office Manager. She gained a lot of insight and background knowledge about the courts systems in her role. As a personal accomplishment she obtained the Gold, Silver and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Felicity loves the lifestyle the Coffs Coast offers her and her family and when she is not at work in the office she enjoys gardening, reading, fishing and spending time with her beautiful dogs.
Iona Clarkson
Legal Assistant
Iona is our main Legal Assistant and currently studies a Bachelors of Law Degree. She provides excellent customer service to our client and helps our clients with all their enquiries.
Since joining our firm Iona has provided both our solicitors and our clients with great assistance. Prior to working with us she gained years of experience in customer service and administration.
Aside from enlisting in the Royal Australian Navy for a year at the age of 18, Iona has called the Coffs Coast home since moving here with her family at the age of six. Iona is now living in Sawtell with her son and spending her free time enjoying a good coffee and making the most of the beautiful seaside that the Coffs Coast has to offer.
Iona is an active member of the local community and is also involved with the Business Women Network.
Client Reviews
This is what our clients say about us:
★★★★★
"Kerstin was both professional and empathic, listening with an attentive ear, discussing my concerns patiently with me, and allaying many a fear. Kerstin explained processes, options and terminology clearly. Kerstin’s decades of experience, her kind approach, and dedication allowed me to trust in my personal journey through the court system. She understood exceptionally well the process of Family court proceedings and kept me well on track throughout an extended legal case. I have no hesitation in recommending Kerstin and would certainly return to her expertise if needed in the future."
R.P., Client
★★★★★
"Smart Choice Law were great. Kerstin was really personable and made everything as easy as possible. Kerstin thoroughly understands all aspects of family law and was able to help all parties involved move gracefully through a tricky process.."
F.B., Client
★★★★★
"I had the impression that lawyers were cutthroat and heartless but Kerstin at Smart Choice was compassionate, thorough and unflinchingly principled. She understands Australian law and was able to explain the details clearly and follow all issues through until resolved. Thank you."
V.S., Client
We believe in
integrity
We work with the highest level of integrity.
passion
We are passionate about a good and practical outcome for our clients.
fairness
We believe that the outcome should always be fair for our clients.