Kirsty Salvestro

Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
Bachelor of Arts.
Masters in Applied Law (Family Law).
Nationally Accredited Mediator.

Who I am and what I believe

I believe that there is a better way to resolve family law disputes and a better way to help families. I feel that by moving away from litigious based solutions towards more client-led methods, we can save time, save money and perhaps even help people build a new relationship post-separation.

From a very young age, I wanted to do something that involved helping families, regardless of their circumstances or story. I grew up in a separated family myself, and through this experience I gained a deep understanding of the difficulties that families face at this challenging time in their lives.

I gained my combined Law/Art Degree in 2002 and have worked in Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra as a family lawyer. During this time, I was able to grow and broaden my knowledge and experience in Family Law matters.

I moved to Cooma in 2005 and worked as a Family Lawyer for the next 19 years.  I was a Family Law panel member for Legal Aid NSW, partner in a law firm and also completed further studies to obtain my Masters in Applied Law (Family Law).

During this time, I too experienced a separation from my husband and we navigated that journey with our two very young children. My personal experience of separation enables me to have genuine compassionate and understanding - I can appreciate what it is actually like to be in this situation.

I am now a trained Mediator and have gained my status as a Nationally Accredited Mediator and undertaken further training to work as a Collaborative Family Law Practitioner.

I am also a Director and Co-Founder of The Kind Lawyers and was named a Family Law Peacemaker of the Year at the Inaugural Peacemaker Awards in 2021 and was a finalist for “Sole Practitioner of the Year” at the Women in Law Awards.

Having worked within the Family Law system for many years, I appreciate that while it is focused on assisting families and placing the interests of the children foremost, it isn’t easy. The system is slow and congested, the courts are overwhelmed and this results in lost time, excessive costs and relationships breaking down even further, often beyond repair. I believe it doesn’t have to be this way.

I love working with people and I am interested in what makes you who you are. I really want to listen and understand your experiences and I am extremely passionate about helping you and your family. 

If you make the choice to call me you wont regret it. I can give you all the information you need to make the right decisions and create that fresh start you are after.