David Goddard has been practising in the areas of family law, criminal law and intervention orders since coming to the Bar in 2004.  

He has appeared in the  Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Family Court of Australia, the Victorian Magistrates’ Court, Children’s Court, County Court, VCAT and Supreme Court.  

David has appeared in numerous defended final and interim hearings in courts exercising jurisdiction under the Family Law Act.  He has experience in both parenting and property matters.  He is also available to draw and settle affidavits and applications. David has conducted appeals in the family law jurisdiciton.

Over the years David has developed a strong intervention order practice, appearing at all stages of proceedings and related proceedings, including on appeal in the County Court and in contested applications under Section 189 of the Firearms Act.

David has experience in assisting clients who have complex legal needs that may require a multi-jurisdictional response and seeks, wherever possible to appear for and advise clients throughout the process until final resolution.

David is a nationally accredited mediator and is able to use his broad experience to assist disputing parties come to agreement in a range of areas.

In July 2025 David was accredited as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. He is able to assist parents to reach an agreement in relation to parenting matters either after or before court proceedings have commenced and issue certificates in accordance with Section 60I of the Family Law Act.

Accreditation

Nationally Accredited Mediator

Member of Criminal Bar Association

Member of Family Law Bar Association

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner