Family Lawyers Melbourne
Resolving Family Law Matters with Confidence and Care
2026
APAC Business Awards
(Family Law Firm of the Year – Australia)
Our Awards
ASSISTED OVER 5,000 FAMILIES
Leading Family Lawyers Melbourne
Strategic. Experienced. Results Driven.
Melbourne Family Lawyers is an award-winning family law firm in Melbourne.
Our experienced family lawyers in Melbourne support clients across Greater Melbourne and metropolitan Victoria with:
Divorce
Parenting disputes
Property settlements and asset division
Complex and high-conflict matters
We understand that family law matters are uniquely challenging and high-stakes, both financially and emotionally.
We value clarity from the outset of your claim. This means providing legal advice without the jargon and administering claims with confidence and control. Our lawyers can help you achieve a rewarding outcome by ensuring the process itself is fulfilling.
Our expert team of lawyers provide clear legal strategy, advocacy for your interests inside and outside of the courtroom, and decisive negotiation focused on achieving the best outcome for your future.
Awards and Recognition
We have been recognised for our family law expertise at both an industry and national level:
- APAC Business Awards 2026 Family Law Firm of the Year Australia
- Winner, Family Lawyer of the Year – Global 100 Awards 2026
- Inside Family Law Awards
- Family Law Firm of the Year in Australia-2026
- Family Law Firm of the Year 2025 by ThreeBestRated
- Top 3 Best Family Lawyers in Melbourne VIC
- Local Business Awards- Outstanding Professional Services
Move forward with clarity and confidence.
Get a tailored and cost-effective solution
Specialised Expertise
Our Family Lawyers Melbourne team includes experienced divorce lawyers, parenting arrangement lawyers, and property settlement lawyers, providing expert representation across all areas of family law. You can trust our family law specialists to handle your case with the expertise, strategy and dedication required to achieve the best possible outcome.
Client-First Approach
Melbourne Family Lawyers takes a client-first approach which is recognised by outstanding client reviews.
From the very beginning of your family law claim, you can expect:
Open, straightforward communication
Practical guidance
A focused approach which keeps your goals front and centre.
Proven Track Record
Our team of family lawyers has over 35 years of experience securing successful outcomes for individuals and families in a wide range of matters.
You also benefit from our trusted network of firms across Australia’s east coast, leveraging cross-industry expertise and resources to give you a unique edge at every stage of your family law matter.
Our Team
Director & Practice Manager
Hayder Shkara is the Principal of Melbourne Family Lawyers.
Hayder will advocate for your interests with confidence and a clear, strategic approach. Hayder has had a strong presence in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, meaning he understands the apex of a family law claim can often be one of the most challenging periods of a person’s life. He takes time to a build trusted relationship with his clients, ensuring that you feel seen when navigating your matter.
Hayder’s reputation as a trusted family lawyer precedes him as a former Olympic athlete. However, his discipline, composure and strategic thinking developed from years of hard work shines through to the outcomes of his cases.
Senior Associate
Giuseppe is an experienced solicitor who focuses on high-net-worth family law litigation, including disputes involving medical and dental practices and property developments.
You will get strategic advice and strong representation when complex financial issues are on the line.
Senior Associate
Stephanie comes to Melbourne Family Lawyers with over ten years of experience in family law, including both property and parenting matters. She has a wide breadth of experience, knowledge and success in negotiation, mediation, Family Dispute Resolutions Conference (FDRCs) and litigation (Court proceedings).
Stephanie has been successful in litigated matters but also prides herself in successfully negotiating favourable outcomes for most of her clients; sparing them from the financial and emotional burden of final trials
Solicitor
Katherine is a family law solicitor valued for turning complex matters into clear, manageable steps. You can expect practical strategy, professional compassion, and guidance tailored to your situation, backed by confident advocacy where it matters.
She is also recognised among leading family lawyers in Melbourne for providing clear guidance and strong advocacy tailored to each client’s needs.
Transparent, Honest and Accountable Legal Representation
Expert Legal Representation
Our family lawyers Melbourne Team bring 35 years of experience. With experts in parenting disputes, property settlement and complex financial matters you can be assured our family lawyers have the expertise required for your claim.
Strategic Advice
We want to deliver our clients and their family an outcome that is fair. Your long term interests are always front and centre with Melbourne Family Lawyers and our team will tailor strategic advice for your case at every step along the way. We are committed deliver personalised family law representation tailored to your circumstances.
Transparent and Trustworthy Guidance
We are committed to transparency in communication at every stage of your matter. With our realistic advice, efficient case management and clear fee structure, your legal representation does not need to be an added stress. No surprises.
Related Articles & Cases
Does Child Support Cover School Uniforms: 7-Point Comprehensive Guide
Does child support cover school uniforms? In Australia, child support generally does cover school uniforms. Uniforms are usually treated as part of a child’s ordinary education costs, grouped together with
Shinohara Decision Ends the Practice of ‘Add Backs’ in Family Law Property Settlements
The Full Court of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1) has handed down a landmark decision that changes the way property settlements are approached under the
Can I Request a Child Support Reassessment: 6-Point Comprehensive Guide
Can I Request a Child Support Reassessment? Yes, you can request a child support reassessment if there’s been a change in your circumstances or your child’s needs. A reassessment helps
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Legal Advice If I Am Only Considering Separation?
Yes. We strongly recommend seeking advice early from an experienced family lawyer, even if you are only considering separation.
If you have a family home or children, important decisions arise when separating. Who remains in the family home? and where will the children live? These questions are answered by careful analysis of your rights and obligations.
Obtaining advice from Melbourne Family Lawyers early means you can feel confident that your decisions are consistent with your rights and obligations, removing the potential for unwarranted stress to arise later.
What If My Partner and I Are Not Married?
Even if you are not married, you may be considered a de facto relationship under The Family Law Act 1975. De facto relationships arise where you live together and have shared commitments in the home and financially.
If you are considered de facto, you may be entitled to a property settlement and parenting arrangements under Australian family law. Melbourne Family Lawyers can provide you with advice tailored to your specific situation so you can feel confident in your entitlements.
How Are Assets Divided After Separation or Divorce?
There is no fixed formula or percentage for dividing assets in Australia.
When determining how property will be divided, the court will consider:
• The current value of your assets, debts and financial liabilities
• Your direct financial contributions (for example, income and lump sum payments)
• Indirect financial contributions (for example, inheritances)
• Non-financial contributions (for example, child-rearing, weekly shopping, general household duties)
• The future needs of each party to the claim (including the age, health and earning capacity of you and your children)
The goal is to weigh these factors to achieve an outcome that is just and equitable for all parties.
It is important to understand that a divorce order will end the legal marriage. If you want to make a financial or property settlement order, these are dealt with separately.
Time limits may apply for financial and property settlement orders:
• Married couples must apply within 12 months of their divorce being finalised
• De facto couples must apply within 2 years of their separation
How Much Will It Cost?
Your legal fees will depend on the type and complexity of the matter.
Non-contentious family law matters, costs may start from $5,000. More complex, or contested, matters (for example, parenting disputes and property litigation) can cost $20,000 to $30,000 or more.
Our hourly rates range between $350 and $500. Melbourne Family Lawyers will give you a clear costs estimate during your first consultation. We want you to have a realistic understanding of the costs of your matter from the outset.
How Do We Get Started?
You can arrange a consultation by phone or at our Melbourne or Dandenong office.
During your consultation, we will:
• Assess your situation
• Provide preliminary legal advice
• Outline your options
• Provide an estimated cost range
• Recommend clear next steps
You can then decide whether you would like to proceed with our services.