Scott Wedgwood

Scott Wedgwood is a principal in our Family Law team and is based in the Brisbane office.

Scott advises on all family law issues, but he has particular expertise in complex property settlements, especially those involving difficult taxation issues.

‘I think my strength as a family lawyer lies in the fact that, although I have practised for over 30 years, I have also worked in the commercial world. As a result, I understand how businesses operate, and I know that it isn’t just about the balance sheet. When exploring options for a property settlement, I am skilled at looking for ways to ensure that we can preserve the business, not only for the benefit of the former spouses but also for the children. I often take the time to visit a client’s business to ensure that I understand how it works. In short, my interest in businesses and my ability to think laterally is something that clients feel they really benefit from when we work together’.

Over the years Scott has learned to approach property settlements from more than just a percentage division perspective. He is very interested in the commercial aspects of family law, including the taxation and stamp duty consequences of property settlements and the means by which to deliver an outcome beyond mere percentages.

Scott also works closely with our estate planning lawyers to ensure optimal asset protection strategies are put in place to suit his clients’ needs now and in the future.

Scott is a strong negotiator and enjoys working collaboratively with his clients and other skilled professionals to reach the best possible outcome for everyone involved as quickly as possible. Generally, it is not in anyone’s interest for these matters to drag on.

‘Going through a family breakdown is really tough and unpleasant, and I am always mindful of what my client is experiencing.’

At Barry Nilsson, the core of our business is based on trust. We care not only about our clients, but about each other.

‘In the Family Law team, we also take the time to understand our clients’ businesses and, when necessary, we engage the right experts to assist us. In a sense, we avoid the one-size-fits-all approach and, instead, use a more bespoke set of analytical tools to get the best possible result for our client in their particular circumstances, and. I think that’s very different from many family law practices’.

Beyond this, Scott has a personal interest and commitment to indigenous participation in the workplace. He is an associate member of the Indigenous Lawyers Association of Queensland Inc.

Industry recognition:

• The Best Lawyers in Australia - Family Law Mediation, Brisbane since 2019
• Doyle's Guide - Leading Family Lawyers (High-Value & Complex Property Matters), Brisbane in 2018, 2019 and 2024, Recommended from 2020 to 2023 and since 2025
• The Best Lawyers in Australia - Family Law, Brisbane since 2017
• Doyle's Guide - Recommended Family & Divorce Lawyer, Brisbane in 2015, Leading since 2016
• The Best Lawyers in Australia - Lawyer of the Year for Family Law Mediation, Brisbane in 2020
• Doyle's Guide - Recommended Family & Divorce Lawyer, Australia in 2018 and 2019