Family law matters can feel overwhelming. You don't have to face it alone.
Get clear, practical guidance from multi-award-winning family lawyers
Find out where you stand
Get Your 15-Minute Family Law Action Plan. A family lawyer will call you back. No cost, no obligation.
As Recognised by
What clients say
Verified reviews from people we’ve helped through separation.
What's in Your 15-Minute Family Law Action Plan
One short call. Four things you’ll walk away knowing.
Where you stand
In plain English, not legal jargon
Your options
What each path typically involves and what it means to you
What to do first
And what can safely wait until later
Your cost estimate
Before you commit to anything
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you call at a time that suits me?
Yes. Tell us your preferred time on the form and we’ll work around it.
Is this a sales call?
No. It’s a conversation about your situation and your options. There’s no obligation to engage us.
What if I only want information?
That’s fine. Plenty of people call to understand where they stand and go no further.
What will it cost?
We’ll explain your options and any costs upfront. No surprises.
– Is what I tell you confidential? Yes. Everything you share with us is confidential.
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.
Do you have other office locations?
Melbourne Family Lawyers are primarily a Melbourne based law firm, but we are affiliated with law firms across Australia. It is best to select one based on the location you are looking for:
Family Lawyers Sydney (Justice Family Lawyers)
Family lawyers Dandenong (Dandenong Family Lawyers)
Family lawyers Gold Coast (Collective Family Law Group)
Family Lawyers Brisbane (Melrose Keys Lawyers)
Family Lawyers Springwood (JMR Lawyers)
Family Lawyers North Lakes (ABA Lawyers)
Family Lawyers Ipswich (Ipswich Family Lawyers)
If you need representation in Melbourne or wider Victoria, please contact Melbourne Family Lawyers on +61 3 9670 9677.
A real outcome
4 months
To resolution
No court
Settled by negotiation
- The situation: After an 11-year relationship, a couple with two children needed to divide a jointly owned home and superannuation — with no formal agreement in place and no idea where to start.
- What we did: We valued the assets, negotiated directly with the other party's lawyer, and prepared a consent order — reaching a fair, formalised settlement in four months, without setting foot in court.
- The outcome: A fair settlement was formalised in 4 months, with both parties clear on what they walked away with.
Not sure where to start?
Speak with a family lawyer today — it’s free and confidential.