Meet the Team

Simple Separation is Australia-wide.

Our team includes Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners, Divorce Coaches, Family Lawyers, Estate planning Lawyers, Conveyancers, and those who've walked in your shoes.

Our ability to provide fixed fees is made possible through our partnerships with trusted and like-minded professionals who share our commitment to affordability and fixed fee pricing.

  • Christina Salvo

    Founder and CEO

    After personally experiencing years of protracted and expensive family court litigation, Christina Salvo founder of Simple Separation was on a mission to investigate how people could separate more amicably, stay out of court and keep their legal fees to a minimum.

    Christina is a nationally accredited mediator (NMAS) and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner accredited with the Attorney General. As a mother who has been through the process herself, she was motivated to find a better and more peaceful and respectful way forward.

  • Anya-Elise Pollock

    Operations Lead

    Anya-Elise is a nationally accredited mediator (NMAS) and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, with a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University. She has a particular interest in helping families achieve more certainty in an otherwise uncertain time of their lives.

    During the separation process, Anya works with individuals to achieve property and parenting agreements that help them to move forward positively and respectfully.

    Anya is a mother of three and understands the value of ensuring that children’s needs are met at all stages of separation.

  • Caleb Tan

    Caleb Tan

    Chief Technology Officer

    Caleb Tan is a seasoned technology leader who has been building web solutions since the late 1990s. Since 2008, he has supported organisations in healthcare, education, and e-commerce, creating user-friendly and reliable digital systems.

    Since joining Simple Separation in 2021, Caleb has helped enhance the tools and platforms that families depend on during challenging times.

    He approaches his work thoughtfully, combining practical problem-solving skills with a strong dedication to developing systems that provide clarity and support when it is most needed.

  • Gerard Rees

    Senior Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

    Gerard is a veteran legal practitioner with over 30 years experience.

    Throughout his legal career, Gerard participated in many mediations and settlement conferences. He is acutely aware of the large impact court proceedings have on individuals both financially and emotionally and the benefit of attempting mediation to resolve matters. He is a firm believer that all parties need to be heard for there to be a real chance of a fair resolution.

    Gerard is well placed to combine his experience, knowledge of the law, extensive mediation training and keen communication skills to deliver positive outcome via the mediation process.

  • Latoya Percival

    Senior Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

    Latoya is an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner with a Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University. Latoya has over 8 years experience mediating with separated families across Australia and internationally.

    She uses a child-focused approach and is highly experienced in helping families navigate through complex family structures and circumstances of family violence, mental health, child abuse, drugs & alcohol abuse etc.

    Latoya understands how challenging, sad and frightening separation can be on families. She is there to guide and support you every step of the way with the highest level of care and concern to hopefully keep you and your family out of the Family Court system.

  • Kate Bell

    Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

    Kate is a seasoned family law mediator and lawyer with 25 years’ experience helping families navigate separation and divorce. Kate has a firm commitment to guiding clients toward amicable and effective solutions without the need for unnecessarily lengthy negotiations or court battles.


    Kate has worked in the commercial and family law arms of major Australian law firms and spent 10 years in business giving her a deep understanding of the client perspective. Valuing empathy, pragmatism, and timeliness Kate continues to practice law in the community legal sector. In both her legal & mediation work, Kate focuses on assisting parties reach practical, legally enforceable solutions as simply as possible.

  • Melinda Nutting

    Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

    Melinda has spent the past 15 years working with hundreds of families to navigate a modern healthy way to separate, and attain robust best practice Parenting and Financial Agreements

     Her training includes Child Inclusive Family Dispute Resolution and Communication Coaching for Separated Parents.

    Melinda has a Bachelor of Business, Grad Dip Primary Teaching, Certificate in Counselling, Grad Certificate in Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

  • Jen Hitchman

    Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

    Jen has been an FDRP since 2011 and a nationally accredited mediator with experience in family law matters with finances and children, extended family disputes, child informed mediation and lawyer assisted mediation.

    Jen has presented financial separation workshops, children in focus workshops and the parenting after separation course.

    Jen is also a Family Group Conference Convenor and is experienced working in multi disciplinary teams supporting people to find progress forward.

  • Elaine Keenan

    Elaine Keenan

    Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

    As a nationally accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and mediator, Elaine is dedicated to helping families navigate the challenges of separation and conflict with empathy and professionalism.

    With extensive experience in family law mediation, Elaine facilitates amicable resolutions in matters such as parenting arrangements and property settlements.

    Elaine is committed to empowering clients to reach sustainable agreements, providing a safe and supportive environment, and promoting positive outcomes for all involved.

  • Adam Dinelli

    Adam Dinelli

    Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

    Adam Dinelli is a Lawyer and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner based in Traralgon, Victoria, Australia.

    Adam has a diverse background, having previously worked as a Lawyer at Wakefield Vogrig & Boote Lawyers, a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner at Better Place Australia, and a Project Officer at Coal Resources Victoria.

    Adam holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Deakin University and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from The College of Law Australia. He has also worked as a Mediator and Dispute Assessment Officer at the Dispute Settlement Centre Victoria.

  • Melanie Zammit

    Melanie Zammit

    Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

    Melanie is a Nationally Accredited Mediator (AMDRAS), Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, and Counsellor with over 20 years’ experience in conflict resolution.

    Known for her compassionate and relational approach, she supports clients with parenting and property mediation, separation counselling, co-parenting, and business partnership disputes.

    With a diverse background across corporate leadership, the music industry, not-for-profit campaigns, and therapeutic practice, Melanie brings empathy, insight, and professionalism. She provides a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported to move forward with clarity and confidence.

  • Tess De la Garma

    Tess De la Garma

    Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

    Tess De la Garma is a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution.

    She brings compassion and balance to her practice, drawing on both her professional expertise and her lived experience as a single mother. Tess has also supported families through the birthing and lactation journey, reflecting her commitment to helping others through life’s most significant transitions.

    Beyond her work, she is an adventurous spirit who has trekked to Mt. Everest Base Camp, an avid runner, and a proud mum to her 12-year-old son, who has qualified for the Pokémon World Championships twice.

  • Ferne Colls

    In-house Legal Writer

    Ferne is a nationally accredited mediator (NMAS) and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, with a Bachelor of Arts/Law and a Masters in Dispute Resolution. She is passionate about open and transparent communication ensuring clients feel empowered towards achieving their own property and parenting agreements.

    Ferne is a mother of three and understands how fundamental the ongoing co-parenting partnership is in today’s family.

  • Abbey Counsell

    In-house Legal Writer

    Abbey is an empathetic and ambitious professional, with a Bachelor of Laws obtained from Charles Sturt University and is currently undertaking further postgraduate law qualifications.

    With a deep understanding of Family Law and the process of the Courts, she works with the team to ensure that each step of the is as seamless as possible. With a strong administrative background, along with her legal education, she understands the importance of prompt communication and endeavours to engage with clients respectfully and manage administrative tasks with professionalism.

  • Danielle Sernio

    Separation Consultant Lead

    Danielle is a mum of 3 boys and has a passion for helping people through difficult times.

    Danielle has experience in the family court system and is committed to helping clients avoid the system.

    Danielle assists Simple Separation clients with general family law information and process options during the initial stage of a booking consultation*.

    *No legal advice will be provided in the consultation

  • Lisa White

    Separation Consultant

    Lisa has a background in Psychology and has worked as a Relationship Consultant for over 10 years.

    As a Mum of 3 and experience with the family law system, Lisa is dedicated to listening to clients with empathy and compassion and providing them with the information they need to move forward.

  • Julie French

    Separation Consultant

    Julie French holds a vast and extensive background in assisting & empowering clients with an integrated approach through the body mind complex.

    She founded an internationally recognised wellness centre, and has worked in holistic counselling & teacher training for over 25 years.

    Julie is passionate about bringing ease, clarity and support to her clients and provides general family law information and options available to couples separating during the initial stage of a booking consultation.

  • Joanna Mitchell

    Joanna Mitchell

    Separation Consultant

    Joanna is a registered counsellor and holistic health coach who brings over 15 years’ experience in business operations and consulting to her role as a Separation Consultant.

    Originally from the UK and now a single mum in Sydney, Joanna understands firsthand the emotional and practical challenges that come with separation and divorce — especially when family support is limited.

    Her calm, compassionate approach helps clients navigate change with clarity and confidence, combining professional insight with genuine care.

  • Tracey Charleson

    Separation Consultant

    Tracey has a multitude of transferrable skills from her background in executive management of planning, property and civil construction. Tracey also brings with her experience in psychology and neuroscience while working with complex agreement negotiation.

    Tracey is deeply intentional about connecting with clients and working through their problems to provide them with clear and concise options to move forward during what can be a difficult time of transition.

    A single, full-time mother to 3 children, Tracey is acutely aware of the path of separation and brings with her empathy, optimism and a commitment to work with clients for optimal and expedient outcomes.

  • Maddy Van Wyngaard

    Separation Consultant

    Maddy has over 20 years of experience in customer service and the finance industry. With qualifications in lending and mortgage broking, she has guided clients through major financial decisions and worked closely with families facing financial hardship, providing compassionate support and tailored solutions. With lives impacted, the emotional stakes are high, requiring sensitivity, confidentiality, and attention to detail.

    Her ability to handle sensitive conversations with professionalism and empathy ensures clients feel supported during difficult times.

    Maddy is dedicated to providing exceptional service, always striving to understand her clients’ needs and guide them toward the best possible outcomes.

  • Nikki Parkinson

    Divorce Coach

    Nikki Parkinson is a dedicated professional with a wealth of expertise in guiding individuals through the challenging process of separation and divorce.

    Nikki’s goal is to help her clients separate in a better, healthier, and smarter way. Her extensive knowledge of family law combined with her practical strategies ensures that clients receive valuable support that saves them time and thousands of dollars in legal fees. Working with Nikki and her team guarantees practical and tangible strategies, providing clarity and paving the way for a smoother transition.

Why Choose Simple Separation?


01

Cost-effective and quicker pathway to separate. Our fixed pricing saves couples thousands in legal fees. (4 - 8 week average timeframe).


02

Our divorce specialist team will help you to navigate unchartered territory, so you can separate with less stress. We are not DIY.


03

A fair process that assists couples reach agreements respectfully with minimal use of lawyers.


04

Accessible Australia-wide in country, rural and metro areas. Mediations and legal advice sessions available online.


05

One-stop shop service offering a range of divorce & separation related services eg mediation, Separation Agreements, divorce, Conveyancing, Will & Estate planning


06

All legal services are provided by independent third party legal providers handpicked to ensure parties are given every opportunity to settle out of court.

Contact us.

We would love to hear from you and where you are in your journey. Book a free consultation to discuss your separation.

 

To get a clearer understanding of how Simple Separation can assist, book a consultation with us below.

For enquiries :
p:
1300 271 793

e: christina@simple-separation.com.au