Kathleen Dare

Kathleen Dare is a Special Counsel at Merthyr Law, leading their Family Law team with more than three decades of experience since her admission in 1990. She has represented clients in complex matters involving parenting arrangements, property settlements, spousal maintenance, and domestic violence issues. Kathleen combines her legal expertise with collaboration alongside financial planners and accountants to deliver efficient and cost-effective resolutions for property disputes. Qualified as a Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Provider, Kathleen aims to resolve conflicts through negotiation and mediation whenever possible, reducing the stress and expense of litigation. However, when negotiations reach an impasse, she is prepared to advocate vigorously in court to secure a just outcome for her clients. Kathleen’s broad experience extends beyond family law, having served on the Guardianship and Administration Tribunal and Mental Health Review Tribunal, which has sharpened her insight into matters involving mental illness, disability, and capacity—areas often intersecting with family law. She has also contributed to the legal community through her involvement with community legal centres and as a lecturer at QUT’s School of Justice Studies, as well as teaching at the College of Law. Committed to staying current with developments in family law, Kathleen enjoys a rich personal life that includes reading, playing piano, gardening, and spending quality time with her family while maintaining an active lifestyle. Known among colleagues as The Negotiator, she brings both dedication and a thoughtful approach to every client matter she undertakes.