Complex Property Division Lawyers
Navigating complex property matters with clarity and confidence
When a relationship ends, dividing property can be straightforward—or incredibly complex. If your financial situation involves businesses, trusts, inheritances, overseas assets, or disputed contributions, you need specialist guidance. Our family lawyers have deep experience handling complex property division cases under Australian family law and will ensure your interests are protected every step of the way.
Whether you’re facing negotiations or litigation, we work with financial experts, valuers, and forensic accountants to achieve fair and practical outcomes.
What makes a property settlement complex?
- Not all separations involve a simple split of a home and savings account. A property division becomes complex when it includes:
- Business structures (e.g., family companies, partnerships)
- Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs)
- Discretionary or unit trusts
- Third-party interests or intervening parties
- Hidden or undisclosed assets
- Overseas investments or property
- Inheritances or large gifts from family
- Lengthy separations or post-separation contributions
- These matters require careful legal and financial analysis to ensure compliance with the Family Law Act and to avoid costly mistakes.
How are complex assets divided?
Complex property matters are dealt with under Section 79 of the Family Law Act 1975, which allows the Court to make just and equitable orders in property settlements. This involves:
- Identifying and valuing all assets and liabilities – including offshore or hidden assets.
- Assessing financial and non-financial contributions – such as income, homemaking, and parenting.
- Evaluating future needs – including age, health, earning capacity, and care responsibilities.
- Making a final determination – that is just and equitable in all circumstances.
- We’ll help you work through each of these steps while coordinating with independent experts to support your position.
Common challenges in complex property cases
- Valuation disputes: Especially common with businesses, trusts, or unusual assets like crypto.
- Disclosure issues: One party hiding or undervaluing assets.
- Legal vs. beneficial ownership: Property held in another person’s name or in trust.
- Financial resource arguments: Future inheritances or expected windfalls.
- Tax consequences: Capital gains tax, stamp duty, and other liabilities post-settlement.
Our team is experienced in anticipating these issues and building strong, strategic cases to resolve them.
Our Family Lawyers
Our lawyers have vast experience in Family Law. Whether your case involves a 50 million dollar business or a suburban house, a relocation with children to Preston or Paris, or a Divorce Application in Melbourne or Mumbai, rest assured that we know how to deal with it in the best possible way and obtain the best possible result for you.
Do you need a specialist family lawyer?
If your property pool includes any of the complexities mentioned above, it’s critical to work with lawyers who have a proven track record in complex matters. Without careful planning and representation, you risk losing entitlements or being tied up in lengthy disputes.
We combine legal expertise with commercial insight to deliver practical solutions that protect your future.
Strategic Solutions for Complex Property Division
Our experienced family lawyers specialise in resolving complex property division cases with a tailored, strategic approach.
We understand that not all separations are the same—especially when they involve businesses, trusts, international assets, or high-value portfolios. That’s why we provide practical and commercially sound solutions that address the full picture: relationships, financial structures, tax implications, and your future needs.
A complex property matter can involve elements such as company shares, SMSFs, foreign investments, post-separation contributions, or disputed asset ownership.
Full and Transparent Asset Disclosure
In matters involving significant or intricate asset pools, full and frank disclosure is critical. All parties are legally required to disclose their financial circumstances honestly and completely—including business interests, trusts, offshore accounts, and liabilities.
- Our team ensures:
- Business structures and trusts are properly identified and valued
- Third-party interests are acknowledged and managed
- Any attempts to conceal or understate assets are addressed with urgency
Mediation and Strategic Negotiation
Where possible, we aim to settle matters out of court through focused negotiation or mediation. This is often more cost-effective and less emotionally draining—particularly in high-value or technical settlements.
- We assist by:
- Engaging forensic accountants and valuers to support your position
- Preparing strategic proposals based on accurate asset assessment
- Safeguarding your entitlements while aiming for practical resolution
Court Applications for Complex Property Orders
- If agreement cannot be reached, we’re ready to act decisively in court. Under Section 79 of the Family Law Act, we seek orders that are fair, just, and tailored to the complexity of your financial circumstances.
- Build a compelling, evidence-based case
- Collaborate with barristers and financial experts
- Represent your interests in disputes over ownership, valuation, or contributions
Start with clarity
Whether you’re just separating or already in dispute, we can guide you through the process of complex property division with clarity and care.
Get in Touch Today
Embarking on a divorce journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Melbourne Family Lawyers by your side, you’ll have the support and expertise you need to move forward with confidence.
Contact us today for a consultation. Let’s discuss how we can help you.
Phone: +613 9670 9677 | Email: [email protected]