David De Alwis

Managing Principal

With over a decade of dedicated experience in family law, David De Alwis is the Managing Principal of Hope Earle Lawyers and Head of the firm’s Family Law practice. He leads one of Australia’s most dynamic family law teams, known for its expertise in complex, high-value and international disputes.

David regularly acts in matters involving significant asset pools, cross-border interests and international child abduction under the Hague Convention. His practice spans appeals, litigation, mediation, binding financial agreements, family violence matters, and Children’s Court proceedings.

Experience & Expertise

  • High-value and complex property settlements, including trusts, SMSFs and cross-border assets

  • Hague Convention and international child abduction matters

  • Appeals and high-stakes litigation before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and superior courts

  • Parenting disputes, relocation, recovery and airport watchlist orders

  • Binding financial agreements and spousal maintenance

  • Family violence and intervention orders

  • Children’s Court proceedings and child protection matters

Leadership & Recognition

David is widely regarded as a thought leader in family law. He has presented papers at international conferences, including as a speaker at the 9th World Congress on Family Law and Children’s Rights (Cambridge, 2025). He also contributes regularly to the global dialogue on family law reform and practice.

David maintains strong international affiliations through LAWASIA and the Asian Australian Lawyers Association, reflecting his commitment to advancing cross-border collaboration in family law.

Reported Judgments

David has been the solicitor with primary conduct in numerous reported judgments, including:

  • Hadfield & Hadfield and Ors [2012] FamCA 1213

  • Hawthorn & Hawthorn & Anor [2012] FamCA 785

  • Hawthorn & Hawthorn (No. 2) [2012] FamCA 1141

  • MacDougal & Benson and Anor (No 2) [2015] FamCA 799

  • Jefferson & Coulston [2014] FamCA 1083

  • Draper & Roiland [2017] FamCA 636

  • Hurley & Hurley (No 2) [2017] FamCA 19

  • Heaton & Heaton [2016] FCCA 1740 (5 May 2016)

  • Heaton & Heaton (No. 2) [2017] FCCA 557

  • Jia & Yong [2022] FedCFamC1F 591

  • SL v Department of Families, Fairness and Housing [2021] VSC 523

  • TSH v Department of Families, Fairness and Housing [2022] VSC 390

  • Yonjan & Satyal [2023] FedCFamC2F 419

Approach

Respected by colleagues and clients alike for his strategic acumen and approachable style, David is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients. He combines legal expertise with a practical, human-centred approach — guiding clients through some of life’s most difficult challenges with clarity and compassion.