Disrupting Tradition Innovative Strategies in Family & Estate Law
Jonathon Naef
Panellist – Wills & Estate Stream
Co-Founder and Director of The Kind Lawyers | Director at The Balance Family Law | Adjunct Lecturer with the College of Law
Jonathon (“Jono”) Naef is the co-founder of the multi-award-winning firm Balance Family Law, where he practises in both Family Law and Wills & Estates. Nationally recognised for his work, he was the inaugural winner of the Lawyers Weekly 30-Under-30 Award for Wills & Estates (2022) and was a finalist in the Family Law category (2021).
In family law, Jono focuses on property matters, with a particular interest in complex property issues, and superannuation. He is one of the few lawyers who perform CSC family law superannuation valuations and is known for drafting a sharp and strategically sound BFA. Jono holds a Master of Applied Law (Estate Planning), graduating as the best performing student, and has also completed SMSF Association Specialist accreditation, strengthening his work in complex estates and inter-generational wealth planning.
Collaboratively trained in both Family Law and Wills & Estates, Jono brings a practical, solutions-focused style to his work, helping clients resolve disputes while also planning ahead to reduce the risk of conflict.
Jono is the Co-Founder and Director of The Kind Lawyers, and an Adjunct Lecturer with the College of Law, where he teaches and mentors future lawyers in the ACT.
Love, Legacy & the Law: Future-Proofing Families in a Changing World
Hosted by Tara Lucke, this thought-provoking discussion brings together leading voices at the intersection of Family Law and Estate Planning — Fadzai Mamvura (Divorce Hub Legal Pty Ltd), Jonathon “Jono” Naef (Balance Family Law), and additional panellist.
Together, the panel will explore how practitioners can better protect families and legacies through proactive planning, compassionate practice, and practical collaboration across both areas of law.
The conversation will unpack key issues such as urgent wills during separation, guardianship of minors, navigating grief and decision-making, blended family structures, and how estate planning and family law practitioners can support each other to future-proof clients’ lives. Combining technical expertise with real-world insight, this session offers clear strategies for modern practitioners working in a rapidly changing legal landscape.
