Niki Schomberg

Niki is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and Special Counsel in the Brisbane office of Lander & Rogers' Family & Relationship Law team.

Niki works closely with clients to navigate the complexities of family law, prioritising an early and amicable resolution, whenever possible. She is known for her ability to simplify challenging issues and deliver strategic and practical solutions for her clients.

With experience across a broad range of family law matters, Niki has a particular interest in complex property settlements. She has advised clients with net assets ranging from $10M and $300M. Having started her career in tax accounting and holding degrees in both economics and law, Niki draws on her accounting and commercial experience when working with her clients to provide strategic and holistic advice.

Niki is widely regarded in the profession, having been named as a Family Law Rising Star for Queensland in the 2020, 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions of Doyle's Guide, and as a Rising Star by Australasian Lawyer in 2024.

She has co-authored articles published by the Law Society Journal of New South Wales in relation to the complexities of corporate structures in family law settlements and the interplay between estate claims and binding financial agreements. Niki is also a sought-after speaker, presenting at industry events such as the Queensland Law Society Family Criminal & DFV Law Conference.

Experience

Niki's experience includes:

• wealth protection through the drafting of pre and post nuptial binding financial agreements, including matters involving overseas assets, significant family enterprises, inheritances and quarantining of a specific class of asset
• advising high-net worth individuals with complex business interests, corporate structures, generational family wealth, minority corporate interests involving third parties and assets across multiple jurisdictions
• international family law including child support disputes involving non-residents of Australia, forum disputes between Australia and overseas jurisdictions, and international child relocation
• complex parenting matters involving criminal charges, substance abuse, mental health issues, a history of domestic violence, adverse family report recommendations and parental alienation
• urgent recovery applications where children are withheld from a parent, and cases involving the unilateral relocation of children by a parent
• court appearances in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, including contested interim applications, directions hearings and mentions
• dispute resolution, including negotiating favourable settlements and instructing at mediations on behalf of clients.

Career highlights

Niki's career highlights include:

• representing an offshore trust in a claim that its assets formed part of a matrimonial pool in Australia
• negotiating a settlement for a client with $300M in business interests across Australia and the US, that dealt with a myriad of complex tax and commercial issues
• representing a business owner with net assets of $160M in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
• successful dismissal of another party’s application to stay proceedings on the ground Australia was a clearly inappropriate forum, with costs awarded to Niki's client
• enforcing a judgment debt through an enforcement warrant for property seizure and appointment of a trustee for sale
• securing the urgent return of a child after unilateral interstate relocation by the other parent.

FAQs

What should I bring to my first appointment?

It’s helpful to bring any relevant documents such as court orders, business financial statements, and details of your asset pool. If you’re unsure, a simple summary of your situation and any key concerns is a great starting point.

How long does a family law matter usually take to resolve?

The timeframe depends on the complexity of the matter and whether it can be resolved without litigation. Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation within a few weeks to months, while court proceedings can take significantly longer. Niki's focus is always on achieving a timely and cost-effective resolution wherever possible.

Do I have to go to Court?

Not necessarily. Most family law matters are resolved through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation. Court is generally a last resort when agreement cannot be reached. Niki works with clients to explore all options for early resolution before considering litigation.

View more commonly-asked questions about the legal aspects of family and relationship law in Australia here.