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Browse trusted Divorce and Separation Lawyers near Melbourne VIC based on ratings and reviews

Average rating of Divorce and Separation Lawyers near Melbourne VIC

4.8
4.84 stars from 6019 recommendationsStarStarStarStar

based on 6019 client reviews

Divorce and Separation Lawyers in Melbourne VIC

Venizelakos Lawyers and Notaries

Venizelakos Lawyers and Notaries

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140037..

Venizelakos, Lawyers and Notaries offer legal solutions for your needs in Greece and Australia. Our family-run firm is experienced in both Greek and Australian law. Principal Nicholas Venizelakos, a registered practitioner for over 30 years, and his sons John and Aristidis, are dedicated to protecting your rights. With our head office in Melbourne and associates across Australia and Greece, we assist you in diverse legal matters, including family law, property law, wills and estates, notarial services, litigation, and commercial law. Let us help you navigate your legal affairs seamlessly.

Our Team

Moe Muntz from Venizelakos Lawyers and Notaries
TLA Legal

TLA Legal

TLA Legal has 5 stars from 2 recommendations5
2 ratings
Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140036..

TLA Legal is a boutique law firm in Melbourne, specialising in complex disputes, litigation, and multi-million-dollar property projects. We cater to individuals and businesses, from local cafés to international firms. Our experienced team is committed to advancing clients' interests, even against powerful entities like governments and banks. We focus on understanding clients' situations and providing practical, cost-effective solutions. Our services cover litigation, commercial law, property matters, wills and probate, and migration law. Whether you're dealing with business disputes or criminal charges, we're here to help. Contact us for a consultation.

Our Team

Amy Donaghy from TLA Legal
Falzon Legal

Falzon Legal

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC

Falzon Legal specialises in compassionate Family Law and Wills and Estate Planning, bringing empathy to emotive legal matters like divorce and asset allocation. We offer professional, understanding advice to help you achieve your wishes. Located in Parramatta, we provide face-to-face meetings at your convenience, including home visits and retirement or palliative care settings. Our services cover Wills and Estates, Family Law, Contesting Wills, and International Estate Planning, ensuring support through difficult times. We help with Powers of Attorney, guardianship, consent orders, and sensitive dispute resolution, working tirelessly for fair outcomes.

Our Team

Lenny Muntz from Falzon Legal
Nanscawen Lawyers

Nanscawen Lawyers

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC

Nanscawen Lawyers, established in 1954, is a respected Melbourne law firm with offices in Essendon, CBD and Laverton. We specialise in Property Law & Conveyancing, Commercial & Business Law, Wills & Estates, Family Law, Litigation, and Criminal Law. Offering premium legal services at cost-effective rates, our experienced team prides itself on excellence and personalised client care. We ensure thorough understanding of your legal matters and provide expert advice and representation.

Our Team

Jim Jordan from Nanscawen LawyersTara Brannigan from Nanscawen LawyersCharles Szyslak from Nanscawen Lawyers
Lampe Family Lawyers

Lampe Family Lawyers

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140015..

Trusted since 1996, Lampe Family Lawyers specialise exclusively in Family Law, assisting Victorian families for over 25 years. Founded by Donald S Lampe, our experienced team is committed to helping clients understand their rights and resolve legal issues with practical, sensible solutions. We offer expertise in family law disputes, divorce, property settlements, advocacy, wills, deceased estates, and probate. We prioritise clear communication, prompt action, and sensitive, respectful service to support you through challenging times.

Our Team

Scruffy Diaz from Lampe Family Lawyers
LWS Lawyers

LWS Lawyers

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140051..

LWS Lawyers is a modern Melbourne-based law firm offering professional, cost-effective legal advice with a focus on respect, trust and understanding. We tailor our services to each client's needs, providing practical solutions across litigation, motor vehicle accidents, insurance claims, commercial disputes, debt recovery, bankruptcy, family law, property law, conveyancing, immigration, wills and estate planning. Committed to fair, transparent fees and excellent results, we specialise in building & construction, civil disputes, commercial law, divorce, immigration, property transactions and estate services.

Our Team

Oscar Zuckerkorn from LWS Lawyers
Anderson Family Lawyers

Anderson Family Lawyers

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140066..

Anderson Family Lawyers specialise in family law, helping clients resolve issues with dignity. Our main office is at Millers Junction Village, Altona North, with additional locations in Yarraville, Preston, South Morang, and Melbourne CBD. We offer in-person, phone, and Skype consultations, including after hours and weekends. Services include child and custody matters, financial agreements, separation advice, property settlements, child support agreements, paternity disputes, de facto relationships, surrogacy arrangements, spousal maintenance, divorce, family violence intervention orders, pre-separation advice, and litigation guardianship.

Our Team

Tom Flanders from Anderson Family Lawyers
Beswick Foulkes

Beswick Foulkes

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140012..

Beswick Foulkes is a boutique firm specialising in Family Law, Wills, Deceased Estates, Intervention Orders, and related criminal proceedings. Michael Beswick is an Accredited Family Law Specialist. We handle complex financial, property, and children’s cases, including relocation and matters involving human services and police. We represent clients in multiple courts, offering clear advice, value for money, and a practical approach. Services include divorce, separation, Property settlements, parenting arrangements, intervention orders, consent for child passports, and drafting Financial Agreements. We also provide wills, power of attorney, and conveyancing services.

Our Team

Willie Rosenberg from Beswick Foulkes
Westminster Lawyers

Westminster Lawyers

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140064..

Westminster Lawyers is a specialist family law firm in Melbourne with three Law Institute of Victoria-accredited family law specialists. We handle financial, property, and children’s matters for married, de facto, and same-sex couples. As a full-service firm, we also assist with Wills, Family Law Conveyancing, and Mediation. Recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a Leading Family & Divorce Law Firm, several Directors are top lawyers in their field. Services include separation, divorce, property settlements, child support, spousal maintenance, surrogacy, adoption, asset protection, and accredited mediation.

Our Team

Pierce Winger from Westminster LawyersMaeby Jordan from Westminster LawyersCosmo Harris from Westminster Lawyers
TNS Lawyers

TNS Lawyers

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140065..

TNS Lawyers is a Melbourne-based firm offering smart, practical legal solutions that cut through complexity. We focus on helping businesses and individuals achieve commercial and personal goals with clear, jargon-free advice. Our lawyers bring corporate experience, providing legal guidance with a commercial perspective. We prioritise transparency, communication, and trust to build strong client relationships. Our specialist services include Corporate Law, Startups, Building and Construction, Leasing, Commercial Law, Property, Franchising, Conveyancing, Insolvency, Litigation, Automotive, and Family Law.

Our Team

Jason Lemon from TNS LawyersMoira Beesly from TNS LawyersGob Beesly from TNS Lawyers
T F Grundy Solicitors

T F Grundy Solicitors

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140070..

At T F Grundy Lawyer, we prioritise your interests, offering affordable, expert legal representation at a fraction of big firm costs. We collaborate with experienced solicitors, barristers, expert witnesses, and mediators to achieve favourable outcomes in high-end cases. Our services include civil litigation, alternative dispute resolution, conveyancing and property law, corporate governance, wills and estates, family law, employment law, and criminal law. We provide personalised, face-to-face support to help you navigate complex legal matters efficiently and effectively.

Our Team

Stanley Gunderson from T F Grundy SolicitorsBen Jordan from T F Grundy SolicitorsZoidberg Martin from T F Grundy Solicitors
Legal Crunch

Legal Crunch

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC

At My Legal Crunch Lawyers, we go beyond legal expertise to understand your unique needs with compassion, transparency, and respect. We offer a full range of Australian legal services including family law, mediation, domestic violence, criminal law, employment law, and wills and probates. Our family law team assists with divorce, custody, and property settlements with sensitivity. Mediation promotes peaceful dispute resolution. We support clients facing domestic violence with protection orders and legal guidance. Our criminal and employment lawyers strive for fair outcomes. For estate matters, we ensure wishes are honoured. Trust us as your caring, expert legal partners.

Our Team

Willow Parcell from Legal Crunch Kenneth Perkins from Legal Crunch
Saunders Family & Estate Lawyers

Saunders Family & Estate Lawyers

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140009..

Saunders Family & Estate Lawyers, a Melbourne-based firm, specialises in Family Law and Wills & Estates. Our accredited, expert team offers approachable, honest legal advice tailored to your unique situation. We provide efficient, cost-effective solutions for straightforward and complex issues, aiming for sensible dispute resolutions or, if needed, litigation strategies. Services include separation advice, divorce, parenting disputes, property settlements, maintenance, wills, powers of attorney, contesting wills, and probate/estate administration. We are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for you.

Our Team

Jenna Lemon from Saunders Family & Estate LawyersZoidberg Haverford from Saunders Family & Estate LawyersCosmo Summers from Saunders Family & Estate Lawyers
O'Sullivan Legal

O'Sullivan Legal

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC

O’Sullivan Legal is a leading family law firm with offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Gold Coast. Founded by experienced lawyer Ben O’Sullivan, we assist clients with complex family law matters including divorce, child custody, property settlements, spousal maintenance, de facto relationships, and domestic violence issues. Our compassionate team prioritises your rights and best interests, offering tailored support and clear communication. We advocate for efficient dispute resolution methods like mediation to help you move forward with confidence. Contact us for expert legal guidance and a brighter future.

Our Team

Selma Mendoza from O'Sullivan Legal Lindsay Donaghy from O'Sullivan Legal Elaine Benes from O'Sullivan Legal Jake Bluth from O'Sullivan Legal
Leslie Family Law

Leslie Family Law

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140054..

Leslie Family Law, established in 2019 by accredited specialist Paula Leslie, offers tailored, approachable legal services in family law from Melbourne’s legal district. With extensive experience, including Associate Jason Glass, the team delivers clear advice on separation, parenting disputes, financial settlements and child support, prioritising client needs without over-servicing or overcharging. Services include negotiating parenting plans, court orders and interstate or international relocation issues, as well as mediating and litigating property divisions. They focus on fair outcomes, practical guidance and personalised support, recognised by leading legal bodies.

Our Team

Ralph Wiggum from Leslie Family LawHubert Budd from Leslie Family Law
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file for divorce in Melbourne?
To file for divorce in Melbourne, you must apply through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia using the Commonwealth Courts Portal online. You can file a sole application yourself or a joint application with your spouse. Before applying, you need to have been separated for at least 12 months, meet Australian residency requirements, provide your marriage certificate, and address any arrangements for children under 18. You can prepare the application yourself or engage a lawyer to assist you. The court does not determine financial or property matters through divorce proceedings, so you may need to file separate applications for those issues if required.
Can I apply for divorce online?
Yes, you can apply for divorce online in Victoria. You'll need to file your application through the Commonwealth Courts Portal, which allows you to submit your divorce application electronically and access your court file 24/7. You can prepare the application yourself or ask a lawyer to do it for you. You can apply either as a sole applicant or jointly with your spouse, depending on your circumstances. Before applying, you'll need to meet eligibility requirements including being separated for at least 12 months, having Australian residency connections, providing your marriage certificate, and making declarations about any children under 18. If you need assistance with your application, LawConnect has 26 divorce and separation lawyers listed in Melbourne who can help guide you through the process.
Do I have to go to mediation before divorce?
Before you can apply to the court for parenting orders in a divorce, you must generally make a genuine effort to resolve disputes about children through family dispute resolution, which is a form of mediation facilitated by an independent practitioner. This is a legal requirement unless an exception applies. If you attempt mediation but cannot reach agreement, or if the practitioner determines it is not appropriate, they will issue you with a certificate proving you have tried to resolve matters. This certificate is valid for 12 months and must be filed with your court application. For mediation services in Melbourne, Advance Mediation is available locally. If you have no children under 18 or already have satisfactory arrangements in place, different rules may apply. Consider speaking with a divorce lawyer to understand your specific situation.
How much does a divorce cost in Melbourne?
The cost of a divorce in Melbourne depends on complexity. Court filing fees are $1,170 for a standard divorce application, or $390 if you qualify for a reduced fee based on financial hardship or holding a concession card. Beyond court fees, lawyer costs typically range from $300 to $800 per hour. Simple uncontested divorces generally cost $1,500 to $3,500 in total legal fees, while contested matters involving property disputes or parenting arrangements can exceed $100,000. Many Melbourne family lawyers offer fixed-fee packages for straightforward cases. If cost is a concern, you may access free initial consultations with 38 firms in the Melbourne area, and 22 offer fixed-fee options. Legal aid may also be available depending on your circumstances through Victoria Legal Aid Melbourne, located 0.6 km away.
How is property divided in a divorce?
Property division in a divorce involves a structured legal process. Generally, you can reach your own agreement with your former spouse, which is usually faster and less costly than court proceedings. If you agree, you can formalise this through consent orders or a financial agreement. If you cannot agree, you may use mediation or dispute resolution to help resolve disagreements. As a last resort, you can apply to the court for property orders. The court typically follows a four-step process: identifying and valuing all assets and liabilities, assessing each party's contributions, considering their future needs, and determining a fair division. Note that property proceedings are separate from divorce itself. Time limits apply if you need court involvement, so it is important to seek legal advice promptly. A family law lawyer in Melbourne can guide you through the process based on your specific circumstances.
Is my super split in a divorce?
Superannuation can be split during a divorce or separation, but it is not mandatory. Your super is treated as an asset and can be divided between you and your former partner through a superannuation agreement, financial agreement, or court order. However, splitting does not convert your superannuation into cash—it remains in the superannuation fund and is still subject to preservation rules, meaning it typically cannot be accessed until you reach retirement age. You may also choose to account for superannuation value in your overall property settlement without actually splitting the super itself. Given the complexity involved, it is advisable to seek legal advice to understand your options and rights regarding your superannuation in Melbourne. A family law lawyer can help you navigate this process.
How long does a divorce take in Melbourne?
The timeframe for a divorce in Melbourne depends on whether you file a sole or joint application. You must first be separated for at least 12 months before you can apply. Once you file your application through the Commonwealth Courts Portal, the court will process it. If your divorce is granted, it becomes finalised one month and one day after the court grants it, unless the court makes a special order to shorten or lengthen this period. You can then access your divorce order the day after finalisation. The total time from application to finalisation varies depending on court workload and whether any issues are contested, so it's worth discussing your specific circumstances with a family lawyer who can give you a more precise estimate based on your situation.
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced?
No, you do not need a lawyer to get divorced in Australia. You can prepare and file your own divorce application online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal. However, many people choose to engage a lawyer to handle the process, particularly if there are complications or if you want professional guidance. Keep in mind that a divorce application only ends the marriage itself. If you have children under 18 or need to resolve financial and property matters, you will need to file separate applications for those issues, and this is where legal advice often becomes more valuable. In Melbourne, you have access to 84 local divorce and separation lawyers through LawConnect, with an average rating of 4.8 stars across over 6000 reviews. If you decide to seek professional help, 38 firms offer free consultations, and 22 provide fixed-fee services, which can help you understand costs upfront.
What is the 12 month separation rule?
The 12 month separation rule is a legal requirement in Australia before you can apply for a divorce. You and your spouse must have lived separately and apart for at least 12 months continuously, and there must be no reasonable likelihood of resuming married life together. It is possible to satisfy this requirement while still living in the same home, provided you are separated in other ways. This 12 month period is measured immediately before you file your divorce application with the court. Once you meet this requirement along with other eligibility criteria, you can proceed with your divorce application. If you need guidance on your specific situation, consider speaking with a family lawyer in Melbourne who can advise you further.
How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?
You can obtain your divorce certificate by accessing the Commonwealth Courts Portal at no cost if your divorce was finalised after 13 February 2010 and you were a party to the proceedings. Your divorce order becomes available to download the day after it is finalised, which is typically one month and one day after your divorce hearing. If you are not yet registered for the Portal, you can register online using your file number and client number. If you do not have these details or cannot access your file, you can contact the court through their enquiry form for assistance with registration. For divorces finalised before 13 February 2010, you can request a proof of divorce document through an online form for a fee of thirty dollars.
What are consent orders in divorce?
Consent orders are legal court orders that formalise an agreement you and your former partner have reached about parenting arrangements, financial matters, or property division. They allow you to make your agreement legally binding without needing to go to court for a hearing. Both parties must fully disclose their financial circumstances and agree to the terms. Once made, consent orders are enforceable by the court, meaning either party can take legal action if the other breaches the agreement. For financial or property matters, you should generally apply within 12 months of divorce or two years since the end of a de facto relationship. It's advisable to seek legal advice before entering into consent orders to ensure they comply with family law requirements and protect your interests.
What is an uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce is a divorce where both parties agree to the separation and there are no disputes between them. In an uncontested divorce, both parties typically file a joint application together, meaning they cooperate throughout the process rather than one party filing against the other. This type of divorce is generally simpler and more straightforward than a contested divorce. However, it's important to understand that a divorce application only deals with the dissolution of the marriage itself. If you have children or property and finances to sort out, you'll need to file separate applications to address those matters. For an uncontested divorce in Melbourne, legal costs are typically more modest than complex cases, though you may wish to seek advice from a divorce lawyer to ensure your application is properly prepared and filed.
What do I need to disclose in a divorce?
In a divorce, you must disclose all information relevant to the issues in dispute to the other party and the court. This includes your total financial circumstances, such as all sources of income, earnings, interest, property (whether vested or contingent), and financial resources, regardless of whether they're owned directly by you or benefit someone else. You must also disclose any relevant documents, whether recorded on paper or stored electronically, including documents the other party may not know about. This duty of disclosure begins during pre-action procedures before your case starts and continues until the matter is finalised. As your circumstances change or new documents come into your possession, you must continue providing updated information. If you're uncertain about your specific disclosure obligations, speaking with a divorce lawyer in Melbourne can help clarify what you need to provide in your particular situation.
How do I change my name back after divorce?
After divorce, you can change your name back in Victoria through two main pathways. You may be able to revert to your former name informally without any formal process, depending on your circumstances. Alternatively, you can apply for a formal change of name through the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The formal application process involves submitting the required documentation and paying the applicable fee. Which option suits you best depends on your individual situation, so it's worth speaking with a family lawyer in Melbourne who can advise on the most straightforward approach for your circumstances and help guide you through whichever process you choose.
How is custody decided in a divorce?
In Australia, custody is now determined through parenting orders made under the Family Law Act. The court's paramount consideration is the best interests of the child, which focuses on safety and child-centred factors including the child's views, developmental and emotional needs, each parent's capacity to meet those needs, and the benefit of maintaining relationships with both parents where safe. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, connection with culture is also considered. Recent 2024 reforms removed the presumption of equal shared parental responsibility and the requirement to consider equal time arrangements. Instead, courts now have greater flexibility to make orders that suit each child's individual circumstances, allocating decision-making responsibility either jointly or solely depending on what serves the child's best interests. If you're navigating custody matters in Melbourne, speaking with a family law specialist can help you understand how these principles might apply to your situation.

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