Paterson & Dowding Family Lawyers 326 Hay Street, Perth, Western Australia 6000

"Lucy Thomas who acted as a so called Independent Children's lawyer for my son exhibited unprofessional and unorganised conduct, which is without a doubt unacceptable when dealing with sensitive legal matters involving children. As a professional, an Independent Children's lawyer should maintain a high level of organisation and attention to detail in their work, especially when advocating for the best interests of children. Time and time again Lucy Thomas failed with what should be a simple requirement. She was often forgetful and did not act within the the best interests of my child. Either the job has moved passed her or she is simply not capable of best practice in her field. No doubt I will receive some standard reply to this. But its worth noting the situation was sorted without any input from Lucy. Just disgusting and she and her firm should be ashamed of themselves."

"I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Craig & Alison and the whole team at Patterson & Dowding. They were always efficient, professional, friendly, honest and always had my best interests at the forefront of their minds. Their advice and expertise were invaluable and I am grateful for the outcome and the smooth process in reaching settlement. I would highly recommend!!"

"Highly recommend Craig Taylor, he was absolutely the most thorough and caring lawyer in a recent separation settlement. All the staff were helpful, courteous and always prompt in replying. Going through a separation is never easy but they explained it every step of the way. Craig is highly experienced and Knows exactly how to tackle every complexity."

"I found Lucy Thomas to be rude and her demeaner to be condescending. She was arrogant and dismissive. It was clear she didn't have the time, just another case legal aid had burdened her with.. Always late to court because she doesn't like to talk to people that are beneath her. She did not resolve one issue, just does what she is told. Legal aid lawyers are trash. If you pay money get one that does't take legal aid. Thanks for sitting idly by while the single expert witness that legal aid appointed lost their license for sleeping with a married client. Having to wait 11 months for an immoral person's professional opinion. Then "playing dumb" as if you didn't know. You also said you knew how the judge would decide. You resolved nothing, but live in your own reality. You shouldn't be around children, like you said this isn't contract law. I verily believe you don't even have your own children. You don't have to reply because you are a lawyer. Your opinion is a legal opinion of a state funded lawyer that protects liars and criminal activity. If you are a father experiencing alienation, lies, and abuse, this lawyer is a dud. Not much of a trend setter and seems to be more of the problem the family court is known for. You never represented my daughter, you represented the state. Thanks for showing me the difference between what you do for a living and reality. Miserable person, horrible haircut. Looked like the evidence that went against your cookie cutter model was going to give you a stroke. Small Town, small world."

"DO NOT USE!!! Exceptionally slow service. I have multiple documented complaints to Paterson Dowding about errors made on my paperwork . I was even sent other clients paperwork, etc. I spent most of the time doing the paperwork myself, even though i have no legal background. I now have my ex husband lawyer threatening court because of information they failed to disclose on what should have been a simple. I was originally told the matter would take about 3 weeks and finally parted ways with them after 6 months!"