Kirsty McDonald is a Director of Gallie Miles and is our relationship property expert. Kirsty has extensive experience in advising and representing clients in this area. This can involve negotiating agreements, litigating relationship property matters in Court or attending mediations with clients. We sat down with Kirsty and asked her a few usual and less-than-usual questions:
What do you enjoy about the area of relationship property law? It can be quite a challenging area to work in as people are going through dramatic changes in their lives and there can be a lot of emotion involved. I enjoy being able to step clients through the process and help them achieve a good outcome.
Why do you think mediation is a good option for clients who are dividing their relationship property? Mediation is a quick, comparatively inexpensive way for parties to try to reach agreement. It allows for the parties to find a flexible, workable solution tailored to their specific circumstances. Mediation also takes place in a more relaxed and informal environment as compared to going to court and family relationships are more likely to be preserved. But, mediation is not always appropriate. If one party is entrenched in their position and will not compromise, then usually going to court is the only way to resolve the conflict.
What was the worst punishment you received at school? That would have to be eating my Mother’s soggy marmite and lettuce sandwiches.
Do you have any strange phobias? I have a perfectly rational fear of heights.
Which way does your toilet paper hang on the wall – over or under? Definitely over!
Who are you a closet fan of? Duran Duran.
Can you play any instruments? I used to play the clarinet.
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose? A cloak of invisibility so I could mess with my kids.
What is your favourite flavour of chips? Salt and vinegar.
What is the oldest thing in your refrigerator? A bottle of Rose that’s been there all winter just waiting for summer to start.