Our Team

Marc Testart

Principal

Marc is the principal of Testart Family Lawyers. He started the firm in 2013 with a vision: to try to help people resolve their family law disputes without having to go to court. Having been a barrister practicing predominantly in family law, he knows how stressful and expensive litigation can be, and he strives to help his clients through all methods of alternative dispute resolution. But if his clients need to go to Court, he is there to help them every step of the way.

Marc graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in philosophy) a Graduate Diploma of Education, and a First-Class-Honours Law Degree.

When Marc isn’t helping his clients he loves watching sport (especially AFL, soccer and basketball), powerlifting, and spending time with his wife and 3 daughters.

Elise Obradovic

Client Services Manager

Elise brings a unique blend of empathy and understanding to her client interactions and her role. With a Masters Degree in Teaching and a bachelors degree in Psychology, she has honed her ability to listen actively, ensuring clients feel heard and supported throughout their journey.

Prior to joining the team, she spent four years as a teacher, developing strong communication skills and a deep sense of care for others.

Outside of work, Elise enjoys painting and reading, as well as spending time with her friends. She loves cooking and finding the best restaurants to eat at. With a positive energy and a love for being part of a team, Elise thrives in helping others, both in and out of the workplace.

Stephen Fernandes

Associate Solicitor

Stephen is a lawyer with a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor of law degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Community & Sustainable Development and certifications in IT, Hospitality and Teaching. A former Super League soccer player, he has developed communication, confidence, teamwork, discipline and leadership skills both on and off the field.

Passionate about travel, nature, and cultural experiences, he also enjoys Brazilian dancing and cooking. Conversational in Portuguese and Spanish, Stephen thrives in diverse environments and has a natural ability to build rapport and strong relationships with people from all walks of life. Stephen is dedicated to family law and driven by his passion for guiding people through complex and emotionally charged situations, so they can move forward with their lives.

Nguyet Cao

Associate Solicitor

Nguyet has worked exclusively in family law since her admission to practise, and has worked at boutique firms in Melbourne. Nguyet has experience working with clients from all walks of life, and recognises the stress and complexities that often arise during separation. Nguyet is passionate about access to justice, having volunteered at various non-profit organisations. Her goal is to help clients navigate the maze of separation in a compassionate, but also pragmatic, and commercially-minded manner.

Nguyet graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of International Relations.

Outside of work, you will likely find Nguyet sipping on a specialty coffee, or working on her next knitting project.

Symone Jenkinson

Paralegal Associate

Originally from sunny Queensland, Symone Jenkinson relocated to Melbourne to further her career and quickly fell in love with the city. Today, she can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Symone graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New England in 2022 and completed Practical Legal Studies thereafter at the College of Law. With over 15 years of experience working across various areas of law, she discovered her true passion for family law over the past two years.

Symone is deeply committed to achieving fair and just outcomes for her clients while minimising the stress they face during difficult and emotionally charged legal matters. Her dedication to social justice ensures that every client receives both expert legal counsel and compassionate support throughout their legal journey.

Outside of work, Symone loves spending time with her pup Gucci and has a slight passion for fashion.

Sophie Hodge

Paralegal Associate

Sophie grew up in country Victoria and is currently studying Law and Spanish and Latin American Studies at Monash University. Sophie particularly enjoys learning about family, criminal and admin law.

With a passion for travelling and exploring new cultures, Sophie has also completed study abroad programs in Chile and Indonesia.

In her spare time, Sophie enjoys swimming, snorkelling, exploring nature, and playing the violin. She also cherishes quality time with her friends and family, and loves going back home to see her family whenever she can.