Andrew O'Sullivan-Newbold

Expertise

Andrew has practised exclusively in family law since 2015 and joined Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams in 2021. He guides clients through both the emotional and legal rigours of separation, helping them understand their options and what life will look like after their matter is resolved.

Andrew has acted in matters involving family violence intervention orders in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, as well as divorce, parenting disputes and property settlements in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. His parenting work includes high‑conflict cases and matters involving children at risk, while his property experience covers asset pools involving businesses and trusts, significant windfall contributions, setting aside and enforcing financial agreements and claims for spousal maintenance.

As an Accredited Family Law Specialist and collaborative lawyer, Andrew focuses on achieving clear, durable outcomes that balance legal rights with practical reality, using negotiation and collaborative processes where possible and litigation where necessary.

About Andrew

Outside office hours, Andrew enjoys football (soccer), film and television and travelling. He has been a member of Melbourne Victory Football Club since its inaugural season in 2005 and studied on exchange in Tours and Lyon, France, during his university years.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts - Monash University

• Bachelor of Laws - Monash University

• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice - Australian National University

• Accredited Specialist - Family Law – Law Institute of Victoria

Admissions

• Supreme Court of Victoria, 2015

• High Court of Australia, 2015

Memberships and Committees

• Law Institute of Victoria

• Victorian Association of Collaborative Professionals (VACP)

Recent Testimonials

"From the time I came into the office and throughout the process, the team was very professional.

Guiding me through the potential options and the approach was critical in my partner and I reaching an amicable outcome. Explaining to me how the legal and court process works in each of the options was also front of mind as I approached each item with my partner. Going through the process can be emotional at times, but the team, especially Evan, was able to be empathetic but at the same time focus on the end game. The communications, both written and verbal was always prompt and included any follow up process if I wasn’t clear.

In my case, our financial situation was quite basic, and I could see more efficiency in the processes on both sides if there was better collaboration in the industry, therefore reducing costs and timeframes. One way to do this is for both parties to agree a format of the financial analysis and it be used as a reference so that both parties can input without judgement. I believe in our case this reduced a lot of tension and accelerated the outcome when the basic format was used and both parties were able to agree on the values/items. This could then be translated into the official documents.

I’d recommend HOCW to future clients as a professional and experienced firm, with an empathetic approach and considerations to both parties in the situation. The experience on how the courts and the legal process views each situation was key to removing the emotion and ensuring the best outcome for all parties involved.

Thank you again team for your support on this matter."

Sam, Family Law Client, January 2025

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"Throughout lengthy family court proceedings, Andrew has been personable and supportive every step of the way. In moments where the complexity of required documents has felt overwhelming, Andrew always promptly answered questions and translated legal jargon into easy-to-understand language. Thank you so much for your service, Andrew O’Sullivan-Newbold."

Family Law Client - Jun 2024