6-8 William Street, Nambour, Sunshine Coast

Meet Mikaelah: Supporting You Through Life’s Most Important Moments

At Butler McDermott Lawyers, we know family law matters are both deeply personal and high-stakes. To give you an insight into our team, we spoke with Mikaelah, our family law solicitor, about her background, experience, and approach to supporting clients.

From Local Classroom to the Courtroom

Mikaelah completed her law studies at both the University of the Sunshine Coast and Central Queensland University. Since then, she has dedicated her career to family law – an area she feels chose her as much as she chose it.

A Career That Chose Her

For Mikaelah, family law is both challenging and rewarding. It allows her to make a real difference in people’s lives during some of their most difficult and significant moments. She finds great purpose in helping clients move forward, whether by resolving parenting arrangements, reaching fair property settlements, or supporting them through complex emotional circumstances.

Witnessing Change First-Hand

In her practice so far, Mikaelah has already seen important shifts in the family law landscape. Courts are now placing even greater emphasis on the best interests of children when deciding parenting matters. In addition, recent changes have strengthened protections for victims of family and domestic violence – developments she finds encouraging as they reflect a stronger commitment to providing better protection for vulnerable members of the community.

Walking Beside Clients Through Life’s Turning Points

What Mikaelah enjoys most about her work is the personal nature of family law. She sees her role as more than just providing legal representation; it’s about walking alongside clients during pivotal times in their lives and assisting them to navigate difficult times with clarity and confidence

A Whole Firm Behind Every Client

Mikaelah also values the breadth of knowledge available at Butler McDermott Lawyers. As a generalist firm, the team can address the wide range of legal issues that often overlap with family law, from trusts and wills to property, companies, and even criminal matters. This collaborative environment means clients receive comprehensive and streamlined support without needing to look elsewhere.

Continuing to Grow and Give Back

Committed to deepening her knowledge, Mikaelah is currently completing a Masters of Family and Domestic Violence at Central Queensland University, further strengthening her ability to advocate for her clients.

Do You Have a Family Law Matter?

Family law matters can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to face them alone. Mikaelah and our team at Butler McDermott Lawyers are here to provide clear advice and strong support, tailored to your circumstances.

If you need guidance on separation, parenting arrangements, or property matters, contact Mikaelah today on 07 5648 2818 to arrange a confidential consultation.

Why Choose Butler McDermott Lawyers for Family Law?

With more than 100 years of service on the Sunshine Coast, Butler McDermott has built a reputation for trusted, practical legal support across generations. Our experience in family law is backed by a wider team of solicitors who understand the interconnected issues that often arise – from property and estates to business and criminal matters. That means you get holistic advice without the stress of dealing with multiple firms.

Most importantly, we prioritise your wellbeing. Family law is about people, not paperwork. Our solicitors combine strong legal skills with empathy and understanding, ensuring you feel supported and confident at every stage. Whether you are facing separation, negotiating parenting arrangements, or resolving complex property matters, our solicitors combine strong legal knowledge with empathy and understanding, helping you feel informed and supported at every stage.

If you require expert advice or representation in Family Law, Mikaelah and the team at Butler McDermott Lawyers are here to help. Contact us today on 07 5241 4110.

More news from Butler McDermott Lawyers

Peter Boyce

Consultant

Peter has been practising as a Nambour Solicitor since 1977 and joined Butler McDermott Lawyers the same year.

With over 40 years practicing as a Sunshine Coast lawyer, Peter has extensive knowledge of various facets of law.

He has practised in all areas of litigation and has special interests in:

  • Criminal law
  • Civil and Commercial litigation
  • Retirement Village matters
  • Sports law
  • Resumption of land and compensation claims

 

Peter has specialised knowledge of and experience with resumption matters as a result of the Traveston Dam project, road corridors, Main Roads and water pipeline. He is renowned for his professional approach and is an experienced and determined advocate.

Brent King

Solicitor/Director

Brent works as a litigation lawyer, providing litigation legal advice in relation to both civil and criminal law matters, including:
  • Defamation Claims
  • Contract and Debt Disputes
  • Building and Construction Disputes
  • Planning Matters
  • Criminal Law and Traffic Legal Matters
Having grown up on the Sunshine Coast and joining Butler McDermott after the completion of his studies, Brent appreciates the needs of our clients, and brings a particularly commercial approach to litigation. Brent is a member of the Queensland Law Society and the Sunshine Coast Law Association, and has litigated a wide variety of matters in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts.

Al Upton

Solicitor/Director

After arriving at Butler McDermott Lawyers in 2016, Al quickly progressed to running our Wills and Estates section and has successfully litigated disputes in the Supreme and District Courts of Queensland in the early stages of his career.

In the years that followed Al has now moved to assist our clients with commercial and property matters having achieved positive outcomes in that area as well as general litigation. Al’s experience has him uniquely placed to provide quality advice in the areas of property, commercial, wills and estates and general litigation.

Al is involved in giving back to the community, sitting on the board for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and Sundale Community Foundation. He otherwise became a director of Butler McDermott Lawyers in November 2021.