Divorce Lawyers Melbourne
Experienced Divorce Lawyers in Melbourne
Clear advice, strong representation, and practical solutions to help you move forward with confidence.
2025
APAC Business Awards
(Family Law Firm of the Year – Australia)
Our Awards
ASSISTED OVER 5,000 FAMILIES
Melbourne Family Lawyers’ divorce lawyers support you through one of the most stressful legal processes you can face: bringing a marriage to a formal end.
In Australia, a divorce lawyer helps you understand what you need to qualify for divorce, including the separation period requirements, and prepares the court documents you will need. Whether you and your former partner agree on everything or there is still conflict, you get guidance on what to file, when to file it, and what to expect as the matter moves through the system.
But divorce is rarely just about lodging forms. With the support of a divorce lawyer, you can make practical decisions about the issues that often sit alongside divorce. They can also walk you through Australia’s no-fault divorce approach, where the court is not interested in who caused the breakdown. Instead, the focus is on whether the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
With clear advice and steady communication, your lawyer can take some of the pressure off, help you negotiate fairly, represent you if court becomes necessary, and work towards an outcome that suits your circumstances and protects your future.
Move forward with clarity and confidence.
Divorce Doesn’t Have to Mean Losing Yourself or Your Future
Divorce can negatively affect your sleep, your focus, and your confidence. This is especially true when you are trying to keep life steady for your kids and still make sense of money and property at the same time.
But with the right legal team, you can get clear answers early, understand where you stand, and make decisions that protect your future.
Whether you and your former partner are keeping things civil or it is heading towards a dispute, Melbourne Family Lawyers can guide and help you move forward with a plan that feels realistic for your situation.
The Divorce Process Explained
- Get a copy of your marriage certificate Divorce is a dissolution of marriage, but of course, we have to first establish that the marriage has taken place. That is why the first step involves obtaining a copy of your marriage certificate. If it is not in English, it has to be translated. If you don't currently have a copy of your marriage certificate, family law experts can help you out on this step.
- Complete an online divorce application using the ComCourts portal Submitting your divorce application can now be done online. The online form is very intuitive and can ease you through the process from filling it out up to submission.
- Pay the filing fee When submitting your divorce application online, you will also have to pay the filing fee, which is usually $1,125 AUD (or $375 AUD if you’re eligible for the reduced fee).
- Notify your ex-spouse You can file a joint application if they agree to the divorce and sign the application. If not, you must serve the divorce application on your ex-spouse 28 days before the divorce hearing (or 42 days if they live abroad).
- Determine if a court appearance is necessary If the application is a sole application and there are children under 18, a court appearance is required. Otherwise, it may not be necessary.
Watch and Learn
View our video and learn more about us
Meet Some Of Our Family Lawyers
Hayder Shkara
Director & Practice Manager
Katherine Siotos
Solicitor
Stephanie Hope
Senior Associate
Giuseppe Rubino
Senior Associate
Trusted Divorce Lawyers Melbourne – Guiding You with Clarity and Care
Going through a divorce can feel like carrying a heavy weight. Our team at Melbourne Family Lawyers, understands the stress and emotional strain this process brings into your emotional well-being. With our help, you get a team that keeps things calm, clear, and practical. We explain what is happening, what matters, and what you can do next, so you feel in control while everything is changing around you.
Dealing with divorce adds a heavy toll on your overall wellbeing, and Melbourne Family Lawyers understands just how difficult this can be. That’s why our goal is to keep things calm and practical by explaining what the situation, planning the next steps and giving you a sense of security and control in the middle of this chaos.
Our divorce lawyers help you understand your rights and responsibilities from the start, then guide you through each step until your divorce is finalised. Our goal is not just to finish the process, but to help you walk away with a more secure base for what comes next.
Why Work with Divorce Lawyers Melbourne?
The right legal advice can reduce confusion, cut down delays, and help you avoid disputes that drag things out longer than they need to.
Each divorce is different. And for this reason, our Melbourne divorce lawyers make sure to provide advice specific to your situation and align with what you are trying to achieve. We’ll walk with you side by side as you go through:
- Applying for divorce, including overseas marriages recognised in Australia
- Parenting arrangements and time with the children
- Property and financial settlements
- Spousal maintenance and ongoing support
- Consent orders and court representation when it is needed
Tips on How to Pick a Trusted Divorce Lawyer
1. Choose someone who actually listens
A good lawyer will ask the right questions, pick up on what matters to you, and give advice that fits your goals.
2. Pay attention to professionalism
You want someone organised and steady, especially when things get tense.
3. Choose a lawyer whose approach aligns with yours
You will do best with a lawyer whose approach feels right for how you want to handle the separation.
4. If kids are involved, check how they talk about parenting
Divorce lawyers should keep the focus on practical arrangements and your children’s well-being, including support issues.
5. Pick someone who manages conflict wisely
A trusted divorce lawyer knows when to push, when to pause, and when to settle.
6. Take your time to choose carefully
The right lawyer saves time, stress, and heartache.
Divorce in Australia: A No-Fault System
In Australia, divorce is granted on a no-fault basis. You don’t need to prove who caused the marriage to end — the key is showing that the relationship has genuinely broken down and reconciliation isn’t possible.
Our experienced divorce lawyers will assess your situation, explain your options clearly, and guide you on the best next steps to protect your rights and your future.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Legal Advice Even If I'm Only Thinking of Separation?
When it comes to separating, sometimes it is necessary for one party to move out.
The difficult decision in such circumstances may be deciding which person moves out and, if children are involved, which parent they should live with.
This is why we always recommend that you get advice early — even before you separate — so that you are armed with full knowledge of your legal rights.
We can guide you with pragmatic Family Law advice in making the right decisions for your future and that of your children.
What If My Partner and I Are Not Married?
The Family Law Act applies to everyone, whether you are in a legal marriage or a de facto relationship (including a same-sex relationship).
Everyone’s personal situation is different, and only a Family Lawyer can provide the expert advice that applies to your particular separation.
How Assets Are Divided?
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost for a child custody lawyer is approximately $350 – $500 per hour.
The final amount that you could pay for a non contentious matter could be approximately $5000.
For contentious matters, you could pay between $20,000-$30,000 depending on the complexity of the matter.
How Do We Get Started?
Organise a consultation on the phone or at our Melbourne or Dandenong office. We will advise you as to how much we estimate your matter will cost and the next action steps that we recommend.
You will then decide as to whether you would like to proceed with our services.