Family Lawyers Melbourne
Resolving Family Law Matters with Confidence and Care
Experienced Family Lawyers in Melbourne
Strategic. Experienced. Results Driven.
Melbourne Family Lawyers has been helping families in Melbourne since 1985.
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.
Move forward with clarity and confidence.
Get a tailored and cost-effective solution
Focused Family Law Experience
Our Melbourne team includes experienced divorce lawyers, parenting arrangement lawyers and property settlement lawyers, providing representation across all areas of family law. You can trust our family lawyers to handle your matter with the care, strategy and dedication it needs.
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
Since 1985, our family lawyers have helped individuals and families across Melbourne with a wide range of family law 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, with a strong presence in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
He takes time to build a trusted relationship with each client and advocates with a clear, strategic approach. A former Olympic athlete, he brings the same discipline and composure to every case.
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 brings over ten years of family law experience across property and parenting matters, from negotiation and mediation to court proceedings.
She has succeeded in litigated matters, but takes pride in negotiating favourable outcomes that spare most of her clients the cost and stress of a final trial.
Associate
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.
Transparent, Honest and Accountable Legal Representation
Experienced Legal Representation
Melbourne Family Lawyers has been helping families since 1985. With experience in parenting disputes, property settlement and complex financial matters, our family lawyers have the knowledge your matter needs.
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 to delivering 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.
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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.
Can you help if my former partner and I agree on the arrangements?
Yes. If you and your former partner have reached an agreement, a family lawyer can help you understand how to document it appropriately. Depending on your circumstances, this may involve a parenting plan or applying for consent orders covering parenting or property matters. We can explain the available options and help you understand the steps involved before you decide how to proceed.