The 15 Best Family Lawyers in Melbourne (2024)

Looking for the best family lawyers in Melbourne? Well, look no further. We help you out with that in this article.

Legal matters touching on the family are extremely sensitive. That much we are told in law school. Great family lawyers will recognise the stressful time you’re going through and facilitate your matter in the least intrusive, yet most restorative way.

The Top 15 Family Lawyers in Melbourne

The lawyers listed below have been selected with the following criteria in mind. Firstly, we looked at their ease of doing business. A convenient law firm goes a long way in alleviating the stress that you’re already going through!

We then looked at specialisation. In general, accredited specialists within a given field of law will be more adept than a general practitioner.

Lastly, we looked at their track record. Professional practices are rarely rated online, so those that are and more so those that have great reviews online, are most likely going to be viable options.

Below is the list we came up with of the best family lawyers in Melbourne, based on the criteria above.

1. Resolve Conflict Family Lawyers & Mediators

Resolve Conflict Family Lawyers & Mediators is a boutique family law firm located in the heart of the Melbourne CBD. They are renowned for their client-focused, compassionate and holistic approach to family law issues.

Resolve Conflict Family Lawyers & Mediators was founded by Catherine Gale, a Family Lawyer, mediator and leader of Australian collaborative law. Catherine and her team have the skills and experience to support you through what can be a complicated and confusing time, to reach a resolution and move forward with your life.

The team at Resolve Conflict know that most people want to avoid going to court if they can, and offer a range of services to support this, including mediation, negotiation and collaborative practice. Equally, if court is unavoidable, their experienced litigation team will guide you through the court process.

The firm specialises in a wide range of areas including divorce, property and financial settlements, asset protection and parenting matters.

Their expertise: The team at Resolve Conflict Family Lawyers & Mediators are highly experienced in dealing with a range of family law matters, such as:

Parenting – Whether you need help sorting out child custody arrangements, parenting plans or deciding where your child will go to school, they can help.

Financial – Creating a financial agreement with your ex-partner can be difficult, but their team can help make the process easier. They can assist with things like child support, division of assets including family businesses, family trusts and inheritances.

Relationships – Whether you want support with a prenuptial agreement, divorce application, de facto relationship cases, property division, spousal support, or parenting matters, the team at Resolve Conflict is there to help and support you all the way.

To make an appointment or if you have a general enquiry, you can contact these family law solicitors through their website or give them a ring.

Address: Orion House, Level 2 / 22 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone: (03) 9620 0088

Website: resolveconflict.com.au

2. Farrar Gesini Dunn (FGD) Family Lawyers

Farrar Gesini Dunn (FGD) has been in business for more than 20 years, practicing in the areas of family law, wills and estates, commercial law, conveyancing, and accounting.

Their Melbourne family lawyers are experts in divorce, property, financial agreements, children’s matters, and international family law cases.

They know that what they do matters and will impact people’s lives – their clients, their children, their families and friends, their work, and their community. They know that they are in the privileged position of helping their clients, many of whom come to them at the most difficult time in their lives. Their professionals listen to the client’s needs and help them find the process and outcome that suits their circumstances.

As a firm, they are passionate about collaborative law.

Although they have honed and refined technical legal skills in their approach to litigation, they’ve seen time and time again that collaborative law is a better process that delivers better outcomes for clients no matter what the issues are or how difficult it seems. For their Melbourne team, collaborating isn’t about being soft, but it’s about being clever.

Their Melbourne team are experts in:

• High conflict parenting matters
• High net worth individuals
• Binding Financial Agreements (BFA / prenups)
• Alternative dispute resolution
• Collaborative law
• Property division
• Child support disputes
• International family law cases
• Wills, probate and estates
• Accounting & business advisory

For more information about Farrar Gesini Dunn (FGD) visit their website or give them a call to arrange an appointment.

Address: Suite 3, Level 15/385 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone: (03) 8376 7000

Website: fgd.com.au

3. Freemont Family Lawyers

At Freemont Family Lawyers, they only practice in family law and related legal areas. They provide high-quality family law advice and representation.

Through their range of comprehensive family law services and years of experience, they understand both the complex and emotional nature of family disputes. Their family lawyers provide an understanding, emphatic and supportive legal service.

They pride ourselves on offering their clients responsive, competent and excellent service. Their clients are the most crucial part of their business, and they work tirelessly to ensure their complete satisfaction, now and for as long as they are their clients.

As one of the best in family law disputes and related areas, they are highly competent, which shows in the excellent outcomes they achieve for our clients. They also know that family law matters are shrouded by the emotions expected when we experience a significant change in our lives. Their staff provides both an understanding approach and supportive service to all their clients, so they get the best possible outcome.

Address: Level 19, 180 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Phone: 1800 976 214

Website: freemontfamilylawyers.com.au

4. Pearsons Family Lawyers

Pearson Family Lawyer‘s understand you need a lawyer to listen, advise of your options and guide you through the difficult maze of separation so that you know where you stand.

They take on difficult negotiations to provide clear robust legal solutions.

Their principals Leanne Abela and Joe Schepis have each been practising in Family Law for over 35 years. Their team of Family Lawyers have decades of Family Law experience.

So whatever you’re going through, they are 100% committed to helping you overcome even the most challenging situations.

Expert Support & Advice

Since 1922, Pearsons have been listening, advising and guiding people through the difficult maze of divorce and separation. We understand what you’re going through and our team is standing by ready to help.

Get A Fair Outcome

We’ll work towards getting you a fair and equitable outcome whilst minimising your stress, cost and time.

Know Where You Stand

Book your free appointment today and get all your questions answered, discuss your options, understand your entitlements & know what your divorce will cost.

Address: Level 9, 271 William Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Phone: 1300 699 688

Website: pearsonslawyers.com.au

5. Pentana Stanton Lawyers

Pentana Stanton Lawyers was founded in 2014, originally as a small team of generalist lawyers. Since then, the firm has rapidly grown into a medium-sized law firm with specialist departments in Family Law, Commercial Litigation, and Criminal Law. The firm provides services throughout Victoria, with offices located in the major court districts.

The Family Law department at Pentana Stanton Lawyers is versed in both extensive negotiations and out-of-court settlements, as well as litigation and complex trials in the family law courts. The team has extensive experience and resources to assist their clients through various legal challenges in order to achieve an expedient and favourable outcome.

The firm deals with a significant number of cases in all areas of family law, including:

• Complex Property Disputes.
• High net worth clientele and associated business entities.
• Parenting disputes and child custody arrangements.
• Out-of-course settlements, including Consent Order Applications and Binding Financial Agreements.
• Prenuptial agreements.
• Spousal Maintenance and Child Support Matters.

The Family Law department acts in conjunction with their Commercial Litigation and Criminal Law departments to ensure that the firm can handle all of their client’s needs in association with their separation matters. This often involves dealing with the division of mutual Self-Managed Superannuation Accounts (“SMSF”), business structures, family violence-related matter and- in some circumstances defending criminal charges.

The team at Pentana Stanton Lawyers have a wealth of experience in family law matters and understands that family separations are extremely distressing for parents and children, while often placing significant strain on businesses and investment interests. For this reason, their legal team is always focussed on identifying the key issues and priorities in every case and acting to achieve a swift resolution.

Contact Pentana Stanton Lawyers Today

Melbourne CBD Address: Level 3, 552 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Dandenong Address: Suite 9 (Level 1) 50-54 Robinson Street, Dandenong VIC 3175

Phone: (03) 900 22 800

Email: reception@pstanton.com.au

Website: pentanastanton.com.au

6. Unified Lawyers

Unified Lawyers, highly esteemed as one of the premier family law firms, has made significant strides in establishing its prominence not just in Sydney and Brisbane but also in Melbourne. With a steadfast commitment to providing exceptional legal services, they have carved a niche in family law, earning the distinction of being named among the top three Family Lawyers in Sydney by Three Best Rated.

Now, the firm brings its expertise and dedicated legal practice to Melbourne, offering comprehensive services across all facets of family law including divorce, child custody, property settlement, and binding financial agreements, among others.

Having been consecutively rated as one of the best family law practitioners in Sydney for seven years, Unified Lawyers employs a team of seasoned lawyers and Accredited Family Law Specialists in Melbourne who pledge to achieve the most favourable outcomes for their clients facing family law issues.

Understanding the strains and tribulations associated with family breakdowns and separations, Unified Lawyers stands out for its empathetic approach and commitment to affordability without compromising on quality. New clients are welcomed with a complimentary consultation, providing an opportunity to navigate through general guidance and advice with an experienced family lawyer.

The firm’s reputation is underpinned by over 400 5-Star reviews on Google, reassuring clients of unparalleled service and a supportive experience. Whether in Melbourne or Sydney, Unified Lawyers prioritise your legal needs, offering round-the-clock assistance for any family law matter.

You can reach out to Unified Lawyers at any time to schedule your no-obligation, free consultation. With availability 24/7, they are ever-ready to extend their legal support and services.

Address: Level 40/140 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone Number: 03 9098 8687

Website: www.unifiedlawyers.com.au

7. Empower Family Law

Empower Family Law and Mediation offers expert family law representation and advice in parenting disputes, property and financial division, superannuation splitting, asset protection, child support, spousal maintenance, grandparent’s rights, third-party property and child rights, litigation, mediation, prenuptial agreements, financial agreements, consent orders, contravention applications, recovery orders, and child relocation.

They will empower you with the advice and representation you need to take control of your family law dispute and get the best possible outcome. The firm will also offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation where they will provide expert advice on your legal entitlements, options, and costs.

Contact them today at 7020 6542 or by email to info@empowerfamilylaw.com.au.

“Let us be your voice in troubled times.”

Address: Level 11, 456 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Phone: 7020 6542

Email: info@empowerfamilylaw.com.au

Website: empowerfamilylaw.com.au

8. Farell Family Lawyers

Located in Melbourne CBD Farell Family Lawyers are an established firm specialising in family law. The firm is comprised of three specialists AnneMarie Farell (Director), Wining Wang and Mimi Oorloff.

As mentioned before, professional practices rarely get reviewed online, so when you find one that has been reviewed, and with great reviews, it says a lot. Client testimonials laud this firm for its attention to its clients’ wellbeing. They are known for their empathy and personal touch.

Address: Level 7, 410 Collins St, Melbourne 3000

Phone Number: (03) 8393 0144

Website: farrellfamilylawyers.com.au

9. Sayer Jones Family Lawyers

This boutique law firm’s experienced family lawyers are there to help you with legal matters pertaining to property, parenting, divorce, surrogacy, or adoption.

Out of the thirteen clients that have reviewed them on google reviews, Sayer Jones has a 4.5 star!

Address: Level 11, 565 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone Number: (03) 9641 2000

Website: sayerjones.com.au

10. Accessible Family Law

Accessible family law sees your legal issues not as problems but as opportunities for new beginnings. This positive approach to an otherwise stressful and emotional taxing branch of law is why they are so successful.

Their way of doing business is guided by the approach above. Where possible they prefer a collaborative approach (has been proven to result in best outcomes time and gain), keeping you away from family courts.

This firm wants to make things as stress-free for you as possible. Their appointments are extremely flexible and moulded to your availability (they even offer Skype calls). Moreover, billing is convenient as well as the company offers fixed fees for many of its services.

Accessible Family Law specialises in separation and divorce, financial matters, domestic violence, parenting matters, financial support as well as wills and conveyancing.

This firm has a five-star rating on google reviews!

Address: Raglan House, 4/27-33 Raglan Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205

Phone Number: (03) 7002 6222

Website: accessiblefamilylaw.com.au

11. Blackwood Family Lawyers

Lawyers sometimes become desensitised to the real-life turmoil that issues such as divorce usually pose to their clients. Family law lawyers are no different. In recognition of that fact, the Blackwood model is moulded with the client in mind.

For instance, in a world where family law courts are the default for conflict resolution Backwood recognises that there’s a more proactive approach. The firm understands that lengthy court proceedings at family court aren’t always the most efficient and dignifying solutions. That is why, collaborative law, a less adversarial legal approach that has parties working together towards mutually beneficial outcomes is at the core of this law firm.

The firm specialises in a wide array of fields including divorce, property and financial settlements and asset protection. For a full list of their legal services, visit their website or contact them.

Blackwood has a great track record, as evidenced by their high reviews on google. Out of a record-breaking sixty-one reviews, the firm has 4.5 out 5 on google reviews!

Address: Level 3, 224 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone Number: (03) 8672 5222

Website: blackwoodfamilylawyers.com.au

12. Australian Family Lawyers

One of the largest law firms in the country, Australian Family Lawyers is another great option for your family law matters. Specialising fully in the field, this law firm has some of the best-accredited family law specialists in the country. In fact, many of them were either head of the family law divisions in their former firms or partners.

The firm specialises in divorce and separation, children’s matters, property settlement, spousal maintenance, property settlement, asset protect, intervention orders, and child support. It is also great to note that the firm offers mediation, a tool that can save you time and money as you seek to resolve your legal issues.

For more information on fees, consult Australian Family Lawyers through the contact information given below.

Address: Level 3, 411 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone Number: 1300 479 177

Website: australianfamilylawyers.com.au

13. Armstrong Legal

Established in 2002, Armstrong Legal has become one of the leading law firms both in Melbourne and Sydney. Their family law division (headed by Peter Magee) is also popular and for good reason- Armstrong Legal has a great track record.

Being highly specialised in Family law, the firm offers services in all the expected fields in this branch of law. Armstrong Legal has a diverse selection of lawyers specialising in many family law areas.

For more information on billing, you may use the contact information above. We do know that Armstrong Legal guarantees an obligation free first consultation.

Address: Level 13, 575 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone Number: (03) 9620 2777

Website: armstronglegal.com.au

14. Melbourne Family Lawyers

Melbourne Family Lawyers provides expert legal services with a focus on family law. Established in 1985, they provide personalised, compassionate advice and representation. Clients appreciate their transparency, efficiency, and the team’s dedication to achieving the best outcomes. Their specialist knowledge and client-first approach make them a trusted choice for navigating complex legal matters.

Website: melbournefamilylawyers.com.au

15. Australian Family Lawyers

Australian Family Lawyers is a premier legal firm specialising exclusively in family law. With offices across multiple states, they offer comprehensive services including divorce, child custody, property settlements, and mediation.

Their team of experienced lawyers provides clear, compassionate, and strategic advice. They commit to resolving cases efficiently, with over 95% settled before final hearings. This makes them a highly-desired choice for anyone needing expert family law assistance.

Website: australianfamilylawyers.com.au

What Cases Can Family Lawyers Help You With in Melbourne, Australia?

Family lawyers in Melbourne can assist with a wide range of legal matters related to family relationships. Here are some of the primary areas where they provide their expertise:

1. Divorce and Separation
   • Legal advice and representation in divorce proceedings.
   • Assisting with the legal requirements for separation, including the drafting of separation agreements.
2. Property and Financial Settlements
   • Division of assets and liabilities between separating or divorcing parties.
   • Drafting and negotiating property settlement agreements.
3. Child Custody and Parenting Arrangements
   • Helping establish parenting plans and custody arrangements.
   • Representing clients in disputes over child custody and visitation rights.
4. Child Support
   • Advising on child support obligations and entitlements.
   • Assisting with applications for child support assessments and agreements.
5. Spousal Maintenance
   • Providing advice and representation in spousal maintenance (alimony) matters.
   • Helping clients understand their rights and obligations regarding financial support.
6. Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
   • Drafting and reviewing prenuptial (before marriage) and postnuptial (after marriage) agreements to protect assets and clarify financial arrangements.
7. Family Violence and Intervention Orders
   • Assisting victims of family violence in obtaining intervention orders (restraining orders).
   • Providing legal support and representation in court for intervention order applications and hearings.
8. Adoption and Surrogacy
   • Advising on the legal requirements and processes for adoption and surrogacy.
   • Representing clients in adoption and surrogacy-related legal proceedings.
9. De Facto Relationships
   • Advising on the legal rights and obligations of parties in de facto relationships (living together without being married).
   • Assisting with property settlements and custody arrangements for separating de facto couples.
10. Mediation and Dispute Resolution
    • Facilitating mediation sessions to help resolve family disputes outside of court.
    • Advising on alternative dispute resolution options to achieve amicable agreements.

Tips When Choosing a Family Lawyer

We just gave you 13 highly-recommended family lawyers you can choose from, but we get that you might still feel overwhelmed with all your options, especially when you’re dealing with personal and often stressful matters.

To make this process a bit easier, let us share some key considerations to help you find the right lawyer for your situation.

1) Specialisation

Family law covers a wide range of issues, including areas like divorce, child custody, property settlements, and more. Identifying the exact legal services you require is crucial. Additionally, assess the complexity of your case. More complex cases might necessitate a lawyer with specialised expertise.

2) Research and Recommendations

Next, turn to research and recommendations. Personal referrals from friends, family, or colleagues can provide valuable insights into a lawyer’s competence and approach. Online reviews are also an excellent resource.

3) Qualifications and Experience

When it comes to qualifications and experience, make sure the lawyer you’re considering is properly accredited. Check their credentials and memberships in professional bodies such as the Law Institute of Victoria.

We also believe that experience is equally important. Look for a lawyer with substantial experience in family law and a solid track record of successful cases.

4) Consultations

Scheduling initial consultations is a vital step. Many lawyers offer free or low-cost consultations to give you a chance to discuss your case and get a feel for how they communicate. Pay attention to their clarity, empathy, and responsiveness. Effective communication is essential in these matters.

5) Costs and Fees

Costs and fees are another crucial factor. Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs to understand their fee structure, including hourly rates, fixed fees, and any additional expenses. While it might be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it’s often better to consider the value and expertise they bring to your case.

6) Compatibility

Compatibility with your lawyer is also key. Ensure their approach aligns with your expectations. Some lawyers might focus on mediation and negotiation, while others could be more litigious. You should feel comfortable and confident in your lawyer, as trust and open communication are vital in family law matters.

7) Reputation

Reputation is something you shouldn’t overlook. Research their success rate and client testimonials. A lawyer with a strong reputation and a history of satisfied clients is likely more reliable. Check for any disciplinary actions or complaints through the Legal Services Board and Commissioner.

8) Other Special Considerations

Special considerations such as cultural sensitivity can be important, depending on your background. Additionally, considering a lawyer based in Melbourne can offer convenience and local expertise. If you’re concerned about costs, check if you qualify for legal aid or explore community legal services that might offer assistance.

How Much Do Family Lawyers in Melbourne Charge?

A family lawyer in Australia typically charges between $300 and $600 plus GST per hour. You might find rates starting at around $300 an hour for a less experienced lawyer. On the other hand, a highly specialised and experienced lawyer could charge up to $600 an hour.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! These family lawyers and important considerations should help you find the right legal representation or advise possible in Melbourne. We wish you all the best and hope that you find the best resolution to your family cases.

If you’re looking for divorce lawyers specifically, you should check out this list of Melbourne divorce lawyers next.