THE HAPPY FAMILY LAWYER

THE innovative use of technology and a suite of new services has driven strong growth for Brisbane Family Law Centre.

The specialist law firm has come a long way since it was established in 2008, boosting revenue, employees, clients and brand reach.

Clarissa Rayward has been at the forefront of BFLC's dynamism, after falling into family law after graduating university.

"Over time I became really passionate about family law and people's relationships," Rayward says.

"Family is really important to me and divorce is obviously becoming really common, so what drives me is ensuring people who find themselves in that place are able to do it in the least destructive way possible."

BFLC is a firm believer in divorce with dignity and specialises in assisting separating families to stay out of Family Court.

Technology has played a key part in growth, with the firm launching an online education program and Rayward's blog, The Happy Family Lawyer, attracting more than 15,000 hits.

"It's so I can service a broader market space, but also because legal service are getting very expensive," Rayward says.

"A lot of people find themselves in the family law system that simply can't afford to get information and the advice they need.

"I've found that using a webinar platform has been a really easy way of giving people information and hopefully helping them."

It's estimated that a child experiences family breakdown every 30 seconds in Australia, administering the formal addition of a complimentary counselling services for clients.

Brisbane Family Mediation Centre operates under the BFLC brand, to help separating families handle the emotional side as well as navigate the legal process.

"If you take it slowly and sensibly you can get through it and come out the other side. Ideally, you're still a family just a different looking family," she says.

It has been a successful year for Rayward herself, after being selected as President of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Queensland in October and writing her book, Splitsville: How to Separate, Stay out of Court and Stay Friends.