Your first step
Three pathways to resolution
We team with you as your trusted partner “end to end”.
Your individual circumstances will determine the way forward.
There are three pathways to a resolution: amicable, a mediated settlement, and more urgent or complex pathways.
Amicable
You and your partner have decided to separate. You are communicating well. You have a reasonably clear understanding of your financial settlement and (if relevant) the care of your children.
We ensure your desired settlement is within the required legal parameters and is professionally documented in a binding form to enable you to move forward independently with certainty. Avoid the risk of unexpected second “bites” down the track.
A mediated settlement
You have separated. There is some level of co-operation. You may have some idea of how your settlement should be shared.
We help you to anticipate, identify and understand the practical boundaries, and explore with you that which is likely “to work.” We guide you towards a sensible, commercial, child-focussed resolution. We defuse the hotspots and invoke a strategy.
Finally, we document your resolution, affording you security and freedom to move forward: financially-independent and parenting effectively.
Urgent. Unexpected. Complex.
Your situation is unravelling rapidly. You can’t agree on anything.
Your partner is aggressive or threatening or dissipating assets.
Your children are being moved away from you.
Helen Suke outlines the three pathways to resolution.
Our strength
Complex financial matters are our forte
Our expertise also covers
financial agreements (pre-nuptial and cohabitation)
corporate and trust structures, loan accounts and beneficiary entitlements
tax effective settlement opportunities
international businesses, foreign jurisdictions, residents and offshore investments
instructing single experts, adversarial forensic accountants and valuers
legal structures relating to the management of intergenerational wealth
defined benefit and self-managed superannuation assets
the interface between estate law and relationship law
child centred parenting resolutions
complex parenting scenarios, including relocation
Our approach
You arrive with your unique story
We hold your story in our trusted team environment
We partner with you throughout the process
When to contact
Be proactive | Connect early
Team
Maddison McCarthy
Managing Senior Associate
Maddison began working in Family Law whilst completing her Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne having previously obtained a Bachelor of Arts. Maddison joined our team as a Law Graduate and is now Managing Senior Associate of our firm.
Maddison has expertise in both complex property and parenting matters as well as Intervention Order matters.
Outside of work hours, Maddison has worked on significant legal research projects, including an ongoing access to justice project with Fitzroy Legal Service, and excels at undertaking legal research into complex and nuanced family law issues.
Maddison has also volunteered with Senior Rights Victoria, helping vulnerable individuals to navigate confronting legal issues they are faced with. Maddison is particularly well placed to understand capacity issues which can arise in relation to family law matters and work with the most vulnerable family law clients to help them feel at ease and understand their options and importantly dispute resolution processes.
Curtis Mizzi
Lawyer
Curtis practises across all areas of Family Law, with experience in complex parenting and financial disputes. He regularly represents clients in challenging parenting matters and advises on financial issues including Financial Agreements, business interests, third-party claims, and superannuation splitting. His work in matters involving family-owned businesses and inter-related financial structures enables him to combine strong legal analysis with practical commercial insight.
Having commenced his career in a regional setting, Curtis understands the importance of accessibility, trust, and clear communication in building strong client relationships. His regional background has shaped his personable and grounded approach to practice, allowing him to cultivate meaningful relationships with clients and guide them through what are often deeply personal and challenging circumstances.
Known for his calm and measured manner, Curtis works closely with clients to ensure they feel informed, supported and confident throughout the process, delivering tailored solutions aligned with their objectives.
Outside of the office, Curtis is an avid Formula 1 enthusiast and is looking forward to seeing Oscar Piastri secure his seemingly inevitable first (of many) World Championship title.
Kathryn Ashe
Lawyer
Kathryn is SAA’s resident hockey player.
Kathryn joined our SAA team as a law graduate as part of our fabulous Paralegal Team. Kathryn graduated from Deakin University in April, 2022 with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce, completing her PLT at Leo Cussen in July 2022 and being admitted to practice in September, 2023.
Kathryn has previous experience within the specialty family law space both at a boutique family law firm and a city-based firm. Kathryn also gained valuable experience in the family violence space, having volunteered to assist the duty lawyers at both Moorabbin and Frankston Magistrate Courts in mid 2022.
Kathryn loves “her Pies” (of the AFL Magpie variety), maintaining excellent fitness and being immersed in the world of competitive hockey. Kathryn’s “can do” attitude is enjoyed by all who come into contact with her, making her an important member of Team SAA.
Linda Ho
Paralegal
Linda holds an Associate Degree in Legal Practice (Paralegal) and is well tuned into all aspects of family and relationship law as well as general legal practice. Linda greatly enjoys assisting our clients and supporting our team.
Linda is passionate about her Western Bulldogs. Early morning hikes and runs also flow through her days, dragging her partner along with her and then retiring to the couch to watch the footy.
Therese Roberts
Paralegal
When you contact SAA you will often be greeted by Therese. Therese holds an Associate Degree in Legal Practice (Paralegal). She has had experience in small, mid and top tier law firms. Therese brings her well-honed legal administration skills to SAA, supporting our clients and our SAA team of lawyers. Therese is also a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (Victoria).
Therese is a Swans supporter arising from her family’s historic connections to South Melbourne Therese loves spending time adventuring with her family and going out for dinner with friends.
Chloe Lynch
Paralegal
My passion for law began in secondary school, sparking my enthusiasm and interest in the legal systems and practices in both state and federal jurisdictions.
I completed an Associate Degree in Legal Practice (Paralegal) at RMIT, gaining a wide understanding of legal practice as well as immersing myself in family and relationships law within Team SAA working around my studies. Chloe is enrolled to study law at Swinburne.
I am curious about alternate dispute resolution solutions and understanding how to promote access to sound legal solutions for families.
Outside of my learning pursuits, I love spending time with my Dachshund Frankie, taking her on adventures and long walks along the creek.
I also love traveling and gaining understanding different societies and ways of life.
Karen Kennedy
Finance Manager
Karen’s extensive experience bolsters our SAA Team with her finance management skills spanning more than two decades.
Karen injects humour and unfailing “can do” energy into our team and instils proficiency and focussed processes to keep SAA humming.
Tim Suke
Wellness Wizard
Tim provides the sparkle.
Popping champagne and gathering cupcakes to celebrate team milestones.
Tim operated a boutique photography business for almost three-decades, working discretely with high-profile clients and families. Tim has a sensitive insight into people.
“Looking through the [camera] lens narrows our focus on what is important”
In the media
The Suke & Associates team enjoy sharing their specialised knowledge via radio, podcasts, print and social media.
Denis Walter OAM is a Melbourne media stalwart and recording artist who never misses an opportunity to spruik is beloved Geelong Cats.
Helen talks with Denis and 3AW listeners (taking your calls) on Nights with Denis Walter and gently reminds Denis (off ‘air’) that her mighty Hawks have won more AFL premierships than Geelong in less years of competition.
The Herald Sun’s Weekend publication on 8 June 2019 featured our Practice Principal, Helen, talking about amicable uncoupling in an article titled “Happily Divorced.”
Clarence Workplaces for Lawyers hosted a triple-threat CPD event wherein Helen outlined asset protection and financial agreements. Read more.
The Tax Institute hosted “The do’s and don’ts of family law and tax” in January 2020, featuring Helen Suke. Read more.
Talking with Australasian Lawyer about the challenge of retaining women in the legal profession and not making it home for dinner. Read more.
The College of Law explore the implications of maternity leave within the legal profession. Read more.
Australian Lawyer appraises the progress being made towards leveraging the female and male talent of lawyers in Australia. Read more.
Contact
PHONE: +61 03 9960 3800
FAX: +61 3 8256 0101
ADDRESS
Level 20 | 600 Bourke Street
Melbourne 3000 VIC Australia
© Suke & Associates Pty Ltd 2026. Website by SCS.