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Family Law
Wills & Estates
Compensation Claims

Compensation Claims, Family Law, Wills + Estate Administration

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It was our privilege to provide legal advice or representation to you recently. As a local business, we rely on positive word of mouth and are always grateful when people take a few minutes to write a quick Google review for our business.

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- The Team at OShea Dyer

From the outset, my family lawyer, Jodi Dingwall provided frank advice, clear options and likely outcomes.  I was given legal advice I could understand and easily digest. I was able to manage costs by doing significant work myself and engaged barrister’s only when absolutely necessary.  Jodi understood the challenges of my matter and presented evidence based clear and concise material that offered reasonable orders.  Jodi kept calm under pressure and extended a great sense of humour to take the sting and intimidation out of court events. For a humanised approach to property and family disputes, Jodi Dingwall is the lawyer to go for and O’Shea Dyer is where to find her.  

August 2020

- Catherine

I’ve been practicing in family law since 2014 and I'm as passionate about representing people with family law issues as I was when I graduated from JCU in 2013.

As a family lawyer, I regularly assist and represent people with property settlement and disputes, parenting arrangements, child support and domestic abuse cases.

I regularly prepare consent orders for clients who have come to an agreement and appear in court for those who need court representation. Different circumstances require different approaches. I am ready to negotiate, mediate and prepare for and attend court for my clients.

I strive to be efficient for my clients so that costs are reasonable. I also work hard to obtain excellent outcomes for my clients.

We offer a first appointment for new family law clients for a fixed fee of $330 (inc gst). This is a good way to obtain customised advice about your specific situation.

I work as part of large team of family lawyers, supported by legal secretaries. They are often your first port of call when you ring the office.

Please call our office if you need representation or advice.  I would love to help you.  

- Courtney Aitken

Ivan and Jo Baxter have been dear friends to me for many, many years. We have shared the wonderful experiences that come with watching children grow up in the Townsville community. Not only have they been there in the good times, they have also been there for me in the unexpected bad times when my marriage fell apart and I found myself alone.  Their caring and compassionate experience in this area as well as their extensive legal knowledge helped me to find my feet and navigate the complexities of life when separation occurred.

I have also had the privilege of sitting beside a number of friends as they talked with Ivan Baxter and other family lawyers at OSheaDyer about the challenges facing them as they go through separation and divorce (some with added complexities of domestic violence). The team at OSheaDyer provided reassurance, assistance and advice which helped every single one of them move beyond the pain of separation and empowered them to enjoy a wonderful and fruitful life into the future. I highly recommend OSheaDyer as Family Lawyers for all aspects of Family Law.

- Lisa Holmes November 2020

Thankyou to Family lawyers Jodi Dingwall and Ivan Baxter. I am so grateful to you both for your professionalism and guidance over this difficult time.  

Thankyou so much for your passionate, thoughtful and brilliant work.   September 2020

- Susan H

I would like to forward some words of appreciation to OSheaDyer lawyers. In particular Jodi Dingwall and especially Emma Donald.  After going through the ringer with other law firms I ended up at OSheaDyer. Finally I had found people who cared about what was going on with my family law situation and didn't just want to take my money. Excellent service, results and hard work gave me a life with my daughter. Thankyou very much and I will be passing on your name and recommending you to anyone in need of legal help.  October 2020

- Martin Manison

I’m from Rockhampton – but don’t hold that against me!  I moved to Townsville to study law and business at James Cook Uni back in 2002 and have been here ever since. 

I have worked as a lawyer for many years, particularly in Family Law. I believe my experience and the fact that I am a parent, gives me great insight into the many issues and emotions that exist when a relationship ends. It can be a tough time. As a family lawyer, I am here to guide people through the laws that apply, take some of the stress away, and to reach outcomes that are beneficial moving forward. My clients can trust me to navigate them through to a better future.

I love working at OSheaDyer solicitors. We are an incredible team. We look after each other, value people, and strive to obtain the very best legal outcomes for all of our clients.

If you need family law representation or advice, come and see us. We offer a first appointment to new family law clients, for a low fixed fee of $330. In this appointment, you get tailored advice from an experienced family lawyer.

- Jodi Dingwall

Massive shout out to Jodi Dingwall who handled my matter - WITH SUCCESS!  Jodi is a professional, genuine, hard-working, open-minded solicitor who gets the job done. Highly recommend Jodi Dingwall for your family law matter.

August 2020.

- Shawnee Bell

Dear Cathy, Ivan, Bridget, and everyone else who works at this wonderful company.

My journey with you has been a good one from the very fist moment I made my first phone call to inquire about an appointment.

The lady who answered the phone was very, very nice to me, so that was a very good start. When I met with Cathy Fon and Ivan Baxter, I was taken aback by their professionalism and interest in my circumstances. Ivan and Cathy, you both made me feel at ease straight away. Our thorough first conversation gave me every confidence in you both. Yes, a financial settlement is a stressful business. But to be honest, with you by my side, I felt like you took care of the stress for me. I simply just let you do your job. I wanted a good price for your services and I certainly received that. My case did not drag on too much and it was dealt with in a timely manner and I am so glad I can now move on with my life.

Let me just say, whenever I called and got Tyla, it was a pleasure to talk to her. Her customer service skills were wonderful. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart to you all. I will be recommending your services to everyone.

July 2020.

- Shirley Turner

Thankyou to the team at OSheaDyer Lawyers in our recent pandemic experience of purchasing a new home.  There are no words for the gratitude I have for the persistence, diligence and steadiness of our solicitor Ivan Baxter and the amazing Robyn Mullins, the Legal Secretary/Conveyancer who was available whenever we needed calm reassurance and wise advice.  I have no doubt that OSheaDyer Solicitors contributed to being able to remain sane at a time when nothing else was as it should be!  October 2020

- Katrina Pacey

I’ve been a lawyer for over 30 years and have loved every minute of it. It’s a privilege to walk alongside people and help them with their legal issues.

I have many years experience in Family law, Wills and Estates, and a range of other legal matters. My passion though, is helping people with Injury Claims.

I lead a great team of lawyers, para-legals, and secretaries and work specifically in personal injuries compensation claims. Our team works hard so our clients feel protected while we are looking after them. We all love helping people and are committed to giving excellent service and getting great results. We are also committed to being affordable. We have worked really hard to be a dynamic and excellent law firm, who understand the needs of our clients.

- Ivan Baxter
Director of O'Shea & Dyer Solicitors

We came to O'SheaDyer to do our Estate Planning Documents. We saw Cathy Fon. She was excellent. She gave us clear advice about our Wills, Enduring Power of Attorneys and Super Nominations. The price was excellent. 

- Steve Barr and Ruth Bode August 2020

This is an old photo of me with my 92 year old granddad, Lee Conn who passed away in 2016. Granddad was born in Hughenden but spent the largest part of his life in Charters Towers with my Grandma, Dilla Conn. They owned and ran the Sovereign Hotel for many years. Granddad lived the last years of his life at the RSL Retirement Community at Rowes Bay, Townsville. He was a wonderful ‘gentleman’ who cared for his wife and family. He loved a chat and told great stories about his life and people he met.

As Grandad got older, when he needed legal assistance to update his will or enduring power of attorney, I would go to see him. This is something we do for all of our clients. We understand that sometimes it is difficult for people to come into our office, so we go to you.

 

- Ivan Baxter

I am a North Queenslander having lived in Townsville since I was seven years old.  I attended Ryan Catholic School, and went on to study law at James Cook University.  I'm settled here with my kids Luna and Jonah - my pigeon pair.

My experience as a lawyer has been in Family law and Domestic Violence law.  I have a passion to assist people through their Family Law issues as amicably and kindly as possible, particularly when children are involved.  I will always make sure you understand the laws and how they apply to you. I work hard to achieve affordable, excellent outcomes for my clients and to create a place where you feel in control.

OSheaDyer is a great place to work. We are a team of caring people with loads of experience. We work hard to be excellent and affordable for all of our clients.  If you need Family Law representation or advice, come and see us.

For a low fixed fee of $330, you can have a 'First Appointment' with an experienced family lawyer where you get tailored advice for your situation.

- Emma Donald

I love Townsville. I was born, raised, schooled, and graduated from uni here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I worked at OSheaDyer while completing a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Laws at James Cook Uni and  I've been a solicitor at OSheaDyer since 2021.

I started out as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed uni student and am now an Associate working in the Compensation Claims Department of OSheaDyer. When someone calls with an enquiry, they are likely put through to me for a chat. I work in a busy and highly competent team, progressing personal injury claims for Motor Vehicle Accidents, Work Claims, PIPA (Public Liability) Claims and Superannuation TPD Claims. I enjoy this work very much. It is extremely satisfying to help someone through to finalisation of there claim. It doesn't fix things but it can certainly help people move forward to a comfortable future.

- Sam Stewart

My daughter and I love the relaxed lifestyle and friendly people of Townsville and spending time in beautiful parks and beaches around the city.

I first went to see Ivan Baxter for some help when my marriage ended and he has been wonderful. He is down to earth, compassionate, cuts to the chase and doesn’t put up with rubbish. He helped me to help myself and was never looking to ‘make money’. He is tough when he needs to be but always looks after people’s best interests – even before they know what those interests are. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer.

- Suzie Llewellyn

I needed a lawyer and am so grateful that my Dad suggested I should call a local law firm rather than a large one.

He told me to find someone with experience who really knew what they were doing, and I did! When I called O’Shea and Dyer Solicitors I got to speak with  Ivan Baxter and right from the very first meeting I felt totally comfortable and confident I was in the right hands.

Ivan has been clear and patient with his explanations of the way things work and what to expect.  He is understanding and compassionate and I know he has my best interests at heart. And his fees are very, very reasonable!

- Caroline Stewart

I’ve lived in Townsville for most of my life. I love how easy it to access the many beautiful places in North Queensland. The beaches we have in this part of the world are particularly stunning. Over the years, I have volunteered and given time to a charity called Reef Check. Reef Check provides ways for the community to better understand, appreciate and protect the great barrier reef. I was their company secretary and pro bono legal adviser for many years.

I have been practicing as a lawyer since 2008 and am excited to work with the O’SheaDyer team as a Senior Associate in their Wills and Estates department. I have many years experience in property law, commercial law, trusts, elder law and family law. This experience positions me to assist my clients to make a sound estate plan. Wills and Estates law affects everyone’s lives at some stage. Everyone needs a Will and Enduring Power of Attorney but don’t often realise until it is too late or until someone they know has passed or lost capacity. Don’t be one of those people!! Come and see me!

Senior Associate at O’Shea & Dyer Solicitors

- Krystal Potrzeba

Ivan navigated me through a very difficult time and obtained a result that has enabled me to continue life with minimal difficulty.  He was compassionate, understanding, personal and knew what he was doing.

- Ross Murray

Ivan acted for me in my family law property settlement. It was always so easy to feel comfortable with Ivan and I was able to discuss anything with him (good or bad). The emotional side of any separation and the financial issues that go with it are daunting, stressful and confusing. Ivan always made sure I understood every step of the process.

Everyone at the office is very friendly and truly thoughtful. I am so proud to know Ivan and his team and am extremely grateful to my friend for recommending Ivan to me. Of course, everyone has a downside and Ivan’s is… he makes horrible coffee!

I always recommend Ivan to family and friends. Thanks heaps to Ivan!

- Louise Bull

I’ve lived in Townsville most of my life and have enjoyed it very much. I joined O’SheaDyer Solicitors in 2018 and have loved being part of a team that is committed to giving excellent service and results for people – at an affordable price. OSD is very client focused. I am a people person, so this has been very satisfying for me.

I work as a lawyer who assists people who have been affected by an injury. I’m part of a team  who help people navigate through this complicated area of law, towards a compensation payment and a better future.  I also assist with Superannuation TPD claims. 

If you think you may have a Compensation claim, come and see us at O’SheaDyer. Your first appointment is free, and I’d love to help you.

- Tyla Leo

Jo and I have spent a lot of time developing a law firm where people feel our genuine desire to help. Everyone on team at O’Shea & Dyer is committed to our clients feeling understood and well treated. We always want our clients to know that they come under our protection; we are walking with them; and have their legal issues covered. We always want to give the most excellent care, service and results.

We are so proud of our team. We work hard to work well together to get great results and get things over the line for people.

We are proud of our business and love being able to help. And because we are committed to being good stewards, we are proud that we can often give a hand to people in the community when they need it.

- Ivan Baxter and Jo Roebuck

Ivan was a great help to me and my family.  I appreciated that he is local and was always available to talk face to face. He made me feel comfortable and understood. He’s a good communicator. Ivan’s also really experienced so I knew I was in good hands.
- Simon Roebuck

Simon is a Townsville boy and I’m from the UK. Simon is a nurse and I’m an Anaesthetist. We met years ago at the Townsville hospital and discovered we both loved travel and scuba diving. The rest is history. We are now married and have two cute boys, Jack and William. We don’t travel or scuba dive so much these days!

We go to O’Shea & Dyer  because we think Ivan and his team are friendly, and make things easy. They have always looked after us well. Over the years, they have handled many legal issues for us. Most recently, the purchase and sale of a house and our wills and Enduring Power of Attorneys.

- Berny Roebuck

I have used Ivan Baxter as my lawyer for several different law matters over the past 10 years. Ivan is always approachable and non-judgmental and his advice is always sound and trustworthy. Ivan and his team have supported me through some difficult times. I know I couldn’t be in better hands with him as my lawyer.

I love recommending Ivan Baxter and OSD to friends and have done so many times over the years. They are great with family law matters (child related issues, property settlements, etc) wills and enduring power of attorneys and lots of other things too.  

- Katie Zamykal

Mark is a Townville boy and owns ‘Advantage Signs’ in Aitkenvale. I’m originally from New Zealand and have lived here for over 10 years.We recently sold our house in Mt Louisa and purchased a ‘renovators dream’ in another suburb of Townsville. Mark called O’Shea & Dyer to do the conveyances and the team looked after everything for us.

Everything went smoothly and efficiently and the experience was made easy and stress free for us. We are finished renovating and are enjoying our new home, friendly neighbourhood and its proximity to school, sports grounds, and shops.

- Jane and Mark Chester

I’m Alex; daughter of best Townsville Lawyer EVER - Ivan Baxter; and girl in pink. I’ve just finished a Bachelor of Fine Art at the Qld College of Art in Brisbane. Despite living in the Big Smoke I waft up North via cyberspace to write the blogs and attend to marketing for my favourite law firm, O'SheaDyer Solicitors, which was decided not only in blood. I think it would be fair to say that if I ever needed a lawyer, Ivan Baxter would be my man – even if the family discount wasn’t included. If I were to offer my share on O’SheaDyer I would start with how the incredible people working for this firm have touched a little girl’s life; from the womb to the tomb no doubt. I know that these people will care for you like they did me, with kindness and laughter and a trip to the lolly jar if you’re lucky. We’re not talking Home brand either. 

- Alex Baxter
Blog Writer

I love North Queensland. I've lived here all my life and even after travelling the world - I came back.

I studied at James Cook Uni and Queensland University of Technology and have worked at OSheaDyer for over ten years as both a lawyer and paralegal in Family law.

I was admitted as a solicitor in 2022 and currently work in Family Law to assist and represent clients with parenting and property, domestic abuse and child support matters. I negotiate, mediate and litigate on behalf of my clients. I am also working to help clients with their personal injury Compensation Claims. I work hard to progress motor vehicle, public liability, work cover and Super TPD claims for clients.

- Bridget Barrie

I engaged O’Shea & Dyer as my lawyers when I had an unfortunate incident with a delivery man. I’m usually such a calm personality but for some reason, this guy had me barking and my hair standing on end. He got real cranky at me and started waving his arms around. In the confusion, somehow my front tooth grazed the guys shin…I don’t even know how it happened.

Long story short, O’Shea & Dyer successfully defended me in court and saved me from being declared a dangerous dog. They saved my bacon really (that would be funnier, if I was a pig…) Everyone at O’Shea & Dyer was incredibly supportive in what was one of the toughest times of my life. I will be recommending the team at O’Shea & Dyer to all of my friends and family. I can’t thank them enough.

- Murphy (Murphy's name has been changed in order to protect his true identity)

We came to see Ivan Baxter some years ago. Ivan listened to our story and helped us with our situation and we are now moving on with our life.

We were careful in choosing a lawyer. There were lots of things that were important to us. We didn’t want a large prominent business to act for us, but it was important to us to have a lawyer in a long established Townsville firm for our security nonetheless. We wanted someone experienced with a personal touch, that we liked and felt comfortable with, who would represent us from start to finish. Our situation was hard enough. We wanted a lawyer who would make things easier and efficient for us.

Ivan Baxter ticked all the boxes.  Ivan always used plain English rather than confusing legal jargon and we have always been comfortable with him when discussing personal issues. Ivan was recommended to us by one of his past clients and we have recommended him to others.

- Peter and Donna Baldey

My mate recommended I go to O’Shea & Dyer Solicitors.  Ivan Baxter and his team have been fantastic. They have been very understanding of my situation and always got back to me promptly whenever I had questions and gave me much appreciated, personal service. They gave me great service and legal representation. I was really happy with my legal outcomes. Ivan’s fees are very reasonable and I will be recommending him to anyone I know who is in a similar situation to me.

- Terry Brown

I have come to see Ivan for various legal matters over the years. He always does a great job for me and I'm always really happy with my outcomes and his service. I have also recommended him to family and friends. Ivan’s very down to earth, really easy to talk to and get along with and doesn’t baffle you with legal bullshit. And he’s always reasonable with his fees. 

- Steve Jones

Ivan Baxter was recommended to me by a lady I work with. I wish I had gone to him straight away as it would have saved me extra heartache. When you are in a highly stressful situation that you have never been in before - such as a divorce and property settlement, and you are confused and unsure what to do, I highly recommend having a chat with Ivan Baxter and his team.

Dealing with O’Shea & Dyer was a breeze – always there, always getting back to me and always giving the best advice. They gave the best legal advice I've received and they are the best firm I have dealt with in Townsville by far! 

I felt like my interests were at the heart of everything they did on my behalf. I was listened to and my concerns were addressed with no nasty 'surprises'. All information was communicated to me very clearly and the fees were reasonable and affordable.

Thank you for all of your wonderful work. I wish I had found you when I started this process. I'm grateful that you made the last step of a 4-year separation process from my ex-husband, easy and stress-free!

- Dr Elena Konovalov

We first went to see Ivan many years ago. Ivan navigated our way through what was a very difficult time for us and obtained a result that has enabled us to continue in our lives with minimal difficulties.  Ivan was compassionate and understanding and really helped us through.

He was professional and personal. We really appreciated having him as our lawyer.

Since then, we have considered O’Shea & Dyer to be our lawyers and they have handled various matters for us over the years – things like arranging our wills and conveyancing in the purchase and sale of our home and investment properties.

- Ross and Bron Murray

I owned and operated Jesse’s Paint shop in Kirwan, Townsville for over 17 years and recently sold the business to retire. I’m looking forward to doing up my boat and going fishing with my beautiful wife, Pam. We’ve been married for over 45 years this year!

I used to live near the O’Shea family as a boy and have always gone to Pat O’Shea for legal work – like when my mum passed away and when I bought the paint shop.

Pat has long retired from O’Shea & Dyer Solicitors, but everyone in there is so lovely that when I was selling the business, I went back and Ivan and the team looked after things for me. They were great and I have been very, very happy with how they handled the sale of the business for me.

- Jesse James

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