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SAMBANIS FAMILY LAW

Your Brisbane Family Law Firm

DILIGENCE | EMPATHY | INTEGRITY | PASSION | SUCCESS

Marie Sambanis - Principal Family Lawyer

Marie Sambanis | Principal

Marie Sambanis is the Founder and Principal of Sambanis Family Law. Practising exclusively in family law, Marie has extensive experience advising clients across all aspects of family law, with a particular skillset in complex property settlements, financial disputes and challenging parenting matters arising from the breakdown of a marriage or de facto relationship.

Prior to establishing Sambanis Family Law in 2012, Marie practised in commercial and property law, providing her with a unique understanding of issues arising in complex family law matters. This experience enables her to confidently navigate matters involving family businesses, companies, trusts, substantial asset structures, international assets and cross-border family law disputes.

Marie has significant experience conducting matters in both Division 1 and Division 2 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, including complex interim applications and final hearings. While she is highly regarded for her negotiation and dispute resolution skills, she is also a determined and strategic advocate when litigation becomes necessary. Her holistic approach and technical expertise have earned her the respect of clients, colleagues and members of the profession alike.

Marie is passionate about promoting access to justice and regularly volunteers her time with Women’s Legal Service Queensland, reflecting her longstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community and advancing equitable outcomes.

  • Juris Doctor, UQ
  • Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, QUT
  • Bachelor of Arts in Justice Administration, Griffith University
  • Solicitor admitted in the Supreme Court of Queensland
  • Solicitor admitted in the High Court of Australia
  • Queensland Law Society
  • Family Law Practitioners’ Association of Queensland
  • Hellenic Australian Lawyers
  • Valley Chamber of Commerce
  • Women’s Legal Services

Genuinely Committed to our Community

Legal Aid Queensland

Sambanis Family Law is a Queensland legal preferred supplier for Legal Aid Queensland, helping ensure people who need quality family law advice can access it — regardless of their circumstances.

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Women's Legal Service Queensland

A long-standing volunteer with Women’s Legal Service Queensland, supporting equitable outcomes for women and families.

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Emma Olds - Solicitor at Sambanis Family law

Emma Olds | Solicitor

Emma brings a bright, thoughtful and energetic approach to the practice of law. She understands the importance of ensuring clients feel heard, supported and understood throughout their legal matter, and is known for her calm and considered demeanour when navigating complex issues. Her ability to listen carefully, communicate effectively and approach matters with empathy allows her to build strong relationships with clients during what is often a difficult period in their lives.

With a genuine passion for the law and a commitment to continuous professional development, Emma remains abreast of legislative developments and emerging areas of practice. She approaches every matter with diligence, professionalism and care, working closely with clients and the broader legal team to develop practical and strategic solutions. Her fresh perspective, strong work ethic and attention to detail make her a valuable member of the Sambanis Family Law team.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys rock climbing, reading and writing. Her adventurous spirit, curiosity and love of learning reflect the same thoughtful and determined approach she brings to her legal practice and the clients she assists.

  • Parenting and children’s matters
  • Complex parenting disputes and risk-related issues
  • Family violence considerations in parenting and property matters
  • Property settlements
  • Negotiation and dispute resolution
  • Family law litigation
  • Divorce applications
  • Bachelor of Laws (Honours), UQ
  • Bachelor of Business Management (International Business), UQ
  • Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP), Leo Cussen
  • Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland
  • Queensland Law Society
  • Family Law Practitioners’ Association of Queensland

Nayyer Qureshi | CA

Nayyer is a qualified and dedicated Chartered Accountant and taxation expert with many years’ experience across Australia, UAE and the UK in a multitude of leadership and advisory roles. Nayyer is passionate about being at the forefront of change processes and controls whilst driving compliance with state and federal laws. He is proficient in taxation, reporting and predictive analysis.

When not at work, Nayyer enjoys spending his time with family and friends and is an active participant in his local community, including assisting new migrants to find their feet and understand services available to them.

  • Tax management
  • Tax compliance
  • International taxation
  • Financial Planning
  • Data analysis
  • Chartered Accountant (CA) | Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
  • Bachelor of Science (Hons) Applied Accounting, Accounting and Business Management | Oxford Brooked University- UK
  • Chartered Accountancy – Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
  • Registered Tax Practitioner – Tax Practitioners Board
  • Certified Practising Accountant – CPA Australia
Deb Mogridge - Law Clerk at Sambanis Family Law

Deb Mogridge | Law Clerk

With more than 15 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry, Deb brings a wealth of professional expertise, exceptional organisational skills and a strong client-focused approach to Sambanis Family Law. Her meticulous attention to detail, reliability and genuine care for others make her an invaluable member of the firm.

Working closely alongside Marie Sambanis, Deb plays an integral role in supporting both clients and the legal team. Her warmth, professionalism and unwavering willingness to help ensure the firm continues to deliver the high standard of service for which it is known. Deb is also a Commissioner for Declarations, further reflecting her commitment to professional service and client assistance.

Outside of work, Deb has a keen interest in fashion loves visiting North Stradbroke Island whenever she has the opportunity to relax and recharge with friends, family and her beloved dog.

  • Client liaison and support
  • Office management and administration
  • Estate administration support
  • Wills and estate planning administration
  • Court and legal document preparation
  • Practice management and client care
  • Commissioner for Declarations 
Elijah (Eli) Smith - Paralegal at Sambanis Family Law

Elijah Smith | Paralegal

Elijah is a dedicated member of the Sambanis Family Law team and is in the final stages of completing a Dual Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Finance at QUT. 

Elijah assists across all aspects of family law matters, with a particular interest in complex property settlements, financial disputes and litigation. Drawing on his legal and financial studies, he takes a methodical and analytical approach to family law matters, with a strong focus on disclosure management, forensic investigation, evidentiary analysis and the practical resolution of disputes. He is the firm’s go-to resource for researching emerging and complex areas of the law. 

Elijah has valuable experience assisting with complex property proceedings involving companies, trusts, superannuation interests and international assets, as well as the preparation of hearing material for mediations, interim applications and final hearings. Clients appreciate his attention to detail, responsiveness and commitment to ensuring matters are progressed efficiently and thoroughly.

Outside of the office, Elijah enjoys fishing, mixed martial arts and spending time outdoors on the weekends.

  • Complex property and financial settlement
  • Disclosure management and forensic investigation
  • Companies, trusts and business structures
  • Superannuation and financial resources
  • Family law litigation
  • Evidence and hearing preparation
  • Negotiation and dispute resolution
  • International and cross-border property matters
  • Bachelor of Laws (Honours), QUT (expected 2026)
  • Bachelor of Finance, QUT (expected 2026)
  • QUT Law Society 

Our happy clients

what clients have to say about our team

Chan K

Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

“Sambanis Family Law was comforting through all the turmoil and worry! I can say now that they care and helped me regather through the times of hardship.”

Candice H

Professionalism, Quality
 

“I recall seeing tears in their eyes as they walked my journey with me. They care. They are there doing the tough stuff with you to try and sort through the mess that can become your reality when separations don’t go amicably.”

Unga T

Professionalism, Responsiveness
 

“The most trustworthy, reliable & professional law firm I’ve engaged with. You are treated with respect, dignity & care, crucial to dealing with sensitive family matters.”

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