The end of a marriage is never easy, but the right legal guidance can help you confidently move forward with the best outcome for your situation.

Even when a separation starts amicably, unexpected legal challenges can arise. Our family lawyers in Melbourne ensure you are fully informed and prepared at every step, from mediation and parenting arrangements to asset protection and finalising financial settlements.

Our divorce lawyers can assist with:

• Navigating the divorce application process, ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly to prevent unnecessary delays.
• Understanding no-fault divorce laws in Australia, including how they apply to your unique circumstances.
• Resolving disputes around property, children, and financial settlements through negotiation or court representation.
• Managing complex divorces involving intervention orders or criminal charges, ensuring your rights and interests are protected.

Domestic violence allegations frequently complicate family law matters, particularly those involving parenting disputes and intervention orders.

We understand the emotional toll of family violence cases and provide practical, compassionate guidance to help you navigate the legal system while prioritising your safety, security, and future.

Our family violence lawyers provide legal support in cases involving:

• Intervention orders (IVOs) and breaches, ensuring compliance with legal obligations while protecting your rights.
• Family law matters complicated by domestic violence allegations, providing strategic representation in both criminal and family court proceedings.
• Criminal charges arising from family violence claims, including defending against false accusations or ensuring the safety of victims.
• Parenting and child access disputes affected by intervention orders, balancing the child’s best interests with the rights of both parents.

When family disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia may be required to make a determination.

Court proceedings can be lengthy and overwhelming, but we work to simplify the process, prepare strong legal arguments, and negotiate resolutions whenever possible to protect our clients from unnecessary stress and cost.

Our family court lawyers assist with:

• Parenting arrangements and custody disputes, ensuring decisions are made in the child’s best interests.
• Property and financial settlements, helping clients secure fair financial outcomes.
• Spousal maintenance claims, assisting those who may be entitled to financial support post-separation.
• Enforcement of existing court orders, ensuring compliance with parenting or financial agreements.

The division of assets following a separation can be highly contentious, particularly when financial contributions, business interests, or family violence concerns are involved.

We recognise that property settlements set the foundation for your financial future. We aim to help you achieve a fair division of assets while minimising stress, delays, and legal costs.

Our property settlement lawyers assist with:

• Determining property entitlements under the Family Law Act, ensuring an equitable division of assets.
• Asset division, including real estate, businesses, superannuation, and investments, considering both financial and non-financial contributions.
• Negotiating financial settlements to avoid costly litigation, using mediation and dispute resolution strategies.
• Managing property disputes affected by family violence allegations, ensuring victims are not disadvantaged in financial proceedings.

De facto relationships carry many of the same legal obligations as marriages under Australian family law. However, de facto separations can require more formal legal agreements to protect their financial interests.

As time limits apply to de facto separation claims, we encourage you to seek legal advice early to protect your entitlements. We guide clients through the process, ensuring their rights are protected and their futures are secure.

If you are ending a de facto relationship, our family lawyers in Melbourne can help with:

• Property and asset division, ensuring all shared assets and liabilities are accounted for.
• Parenting arrangements and child support, helping clients secure the best outcome for their children.
• Financial support claims, including spousal maintenance, determining whether ongoing financial support is required.
• Protecting your legal rights in disputed separations, including cases involving intervention orders or family violence allegations.