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near Melbourne VIC

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Browse trusted Family Lawyers near Melbourne VIC based on ratings and reviews

Average rating of Family Lawyers near Melbourne VIC

4.8
4.85 stars from 6570 recommendationsStarStarStarStar

based on 6570 client reviews

Family Lawyers in Melbourne VIC

TNS Lawyers
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
Gibney and Gunson

Gibney & Gunson, based in Albury/Wodonga with a Melbourne visiting office, offers expert legal services in claims, disputes, litigation, family law, conveyancing, business law, wills, and estate planning. Their experienced team handles compensation cases, property transactions, business sales and purchases, and estate administration, including disputes. Led by Law Society Accredited Specialist Paul Gibney, they provide prompt, professional advice aiming for the best outcomes and stress-free transactions for clients.

Our Team

Amy Bratton from Gibney and GunsonAngela Winger from Gibney and Gunson
T F Grundy Solicitors
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

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
Madison Branson Lawyers

Madison Branson Lawyers, established in 2014, is a fast-growing commercial law firm offering services in commercial, property, construction, commercial litigation, proceeds of crime, employment, immigration, family law, wills, estates, and intellectual property. Combining expert legal specialists with a strong network of affiliates, the firm delivers tailored, innovative solutions. Focused on understanding clients' business and personal affairs, Madison Branson prioritises outcomes that align with clients’ ultimate goals. They serve startups to listed companies, upholding modern approaches with traditional values.

Our Team

Moira Krabappel from Madison Branson LawyersAnnie Parcell from Madison Branson LawyersOz Gergich from Madison Branson Lawyers
Lincolns Lawyers
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140044..

Lincolns Lawyers and Consultants, established in 1995 in Melbourne CBD by Kenny Yip, is a trusted multilingual law firm serving government, corporations, businesses, and individuals. Our six skilled lawyers advise on business structuring, commercial dealings, employment, taxation, IP, insolvency, visas, wills, succession, and disputes. We offer legal services in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bahasa Indonesia, and Bahasa Melayu. With strong local and Asia-Pacific ties, we provide tailored, timely, professional, and cost-effective solutions. Key areas: Property, Commercial & Corporate, Family Law, and Litigation & Dispute Resolution.

Our Team

Chandler Gunderson from Lincolns LawyersMonica Shellstrop from Lincolns LawyersJim Haverford from Lincolns Lawyers
Saunders Family & Estate Lawyers

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 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
AH2 Legal
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140003..

AH2 Legal, with offices in Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide, offers tailored, creative legal advice to achieve the best outcomes. We combine experience and agility to understand your unique objectives and deliver efficient solutions. As a full-service modern law firm, we provide quality legal services Australia-wide in Commercial Dispute and Litigation, Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Personal Injury and Worker’s Compensation, Wills and Estate Planning, and Visa Appeals. Our dedicated team prioritises thorough, innovative, and client-focused representation.

Our Team

Hubert Lemon from AH2 Legal Selma Hawthorne from AH2 Legal Oscar Lemon from AH2 Legal
Leslie Family Law
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
Eales and Mackenzie
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140035..

Eales & Mackenzie, lawyers in Melbourne and Essendon, specialise in Commercial Law, Property Law, Litigation, Business Law, Family and Divorce Law. We offer flexible, outcome-focused legal advice to individuals and businesses Australia-wide and overseas. Our personalised approach ensures deep understanding and strong client relationships. Services include after-hours appointments, home visits, cost-effective fees and Asian language support. Convenient CBD and Essendon locations. We provide expert assistance in Commercial Litigation, Wills and Estates, Commercial Property, Business Law, and Family Law to achieve favourable outcomes. Contact us for advice.

Our Team

Dawn Hudson from Eales and MackenzieLeslie Seinfeld from Eales and MackenzieGina Fry from Eales and Mackenzie
Canaan Lawyers
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140053..

Canaan Lawyers, based in Melbourne, specialises in legal services for the Chinese community. Our multilingual team offers cost-effective, high-quality legal advice tailored to Chinese clients, staying updated with legislative changes. We focus on practical solutions providing clients a commercial edge, with expertise in employment, commercial, criminal, family law, wills, and probate. Offering access to Asia-Pacific business networks, we help clients expand beyond Australia. Choose Canaan for personalised, professional legal support dedicated to achieving your goals.

Our Team

Angela Flanders from Canaan LawyersPhoebe Pelton from Canaan LawyersRupert Flenderson from Canaan Lawyers
Longton Blackwell
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140088..

Longton Blackwell is a leading independent corporate law firm in Australia, committed to strategic, client-focused advice and tailored solutions. As one of the nation’s largest independent firms, we deliver expert legal services across various areas including Banking, Business Advisory, Litigation, Employment, Family, Immigration, Property, and Taxation Law. We prioritise diversity and inclusion, fostering a respectful, supportive workplace with strong leadership endorsing gender equality. Innovation drives our approach, using advanced tools to provide precise, effective solutions. Dedicated to pro bono work, we champion access to justice and community support.

Our Team

Oz Maroney from Longton BlackwellJoey Szyslak from Longton BlackwellLisa Muntz from Longton Blackwell
Kabo Lawyers
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140064..

Kabo Lawyers is a Melbourne boutique law firm offering fully integrated legal services to individuals and businesses from local and emerging Asian markets. With over a decade of experience, we specialise in migration, commercial and corporate law, legal disputes, contracts, powers of attorney, planning and environment, property, criminal, family, wills and probate, employment law, and public notary services. Our multicultural team combines expertise in Australian law with cultural sensitivity to provide personalised, tailored advice and build long-term trusted relationships, delivering optimal service for every client.

Our Team

Milhouse Schrute from Kabo LawyersTerry Holt from Kabo LawyersJake Summers from Kabo Lawyers
Peter Szabo Family Lawyers

Peter Szabo Family Lawyers, with nearly 50 years’ experience since 1975, offers expert guidance through complex family law matters. Founded by Peter Szabo, the firm focuses on identifying key issues efficiently and providing practical solutions for clients’ long-term interests. Skilled in parenting disputes, financial proceedings, and landmark cases like Ascot Investments v Harper, the team handles nuanced matters confidently. They prioritise negotiated settlements and ongoing cooperation, plus expertise in asset protection, succession planning, and Financial Agreements. The firm also shares knowledge via presentations and publications, ensuring trusted, tailored advice.

Our Team

Nelson Winger from Peter Szabo Family Lawyers

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a good family lawyer in Melbourne?
To find a good family lawyer in Melbourne, look for an accredited specialist in family law who has substantial experience in your specific legal issue, whether that's divorce, child custody, property settlement or another matter. Check how long they've been practising and ensure they hold formal accreditation, which indicates they've met rigorous standards of legal excellence and expertise. Consider accessibility and responsiveness, as family law matters often require quick action. Many family lawyers offer initial consultations, which gives you a chance to assess whether you're comfortable working with them during what can be a stressful time. LawConnect lists over 100 family law firms in Melbourne, with an average rating of 4.8 stars across thousands of reviews. Many offer free consultations, fixed fees, or online services to suit different needs and budgets. You can search LawConnect's directory to find firms that match your circumstances and preferences.
Can I get free legal advice for a family law matter?
Yes, there are several ways to access free legal advice for family law matters in Melbourne. Legal aid commissions provide free legal assistance to people who are economically or socially disadvantaged. In Victoria, you can contact the relevant legal aid organisation to discuss your eligibility and the support available. Additionally, community legal centres offer free services, and family dispute resolution providers can help separating families resolve disputes without going to court. Among the 234 family law firms listed on LawConnect in Melbourne, 43 offer free initial consultations, which is another way to get initial guidance on your situation. It's worth exploring these options based on your circumstances.
Which family lawyers offer a free consultation in Melbourne?
Among family lawyers listed on LawConnect in Melbourne, 43 firms offer a free initial consultation. This is a common practice in family law, as many practitioners use free consultations to discuss your matter, understand your circumstances, and explain how they can help before you commit to engaging their services. When contacting family lawyers in Melbourne, it's worth asking specifically about their consultation policy, as the length and scope of free consultations can vary between firms. You can search LawConnect's directory of Melbourne family lawyers to find those offering this service and compare their experience and expertise across areas like divorce, child custody, property settlement, and other family law matters.
How do I apply for legal aid for a family law case in Melbourne?
In Victoria, you can apply for legal aid by contacting the state's legal aid authority directly. You can call them on 1300 792 387 or chat with them online to discuss your family law matter and whether you may qualify for assistance. They assess applications based on your financial circumstances and the merits of your case. If you're approved, they can provide legal representation or advice for your family law case. In Melbourne, there are 234 family law firms listed on LawConnect, including 4 that offer legal aid services, so you may also explore private options if legal aid isn't available to you.
How do I find a reputable family law firm in Melbourne?
To find a reputable family law firm in Melbourne, look for accredited specialists with substantial experience in family law matters. Check their qualifications, read client reviews, and verify they're accessible and responsive to your needs. LawConnect lists 234 family law firms across Australia, with 100 based in Melbourne and 134 in nearby areas. The firms listed average 4.8 stars across 6570 reviews. Many offer flexible arrangements: 43 provide free consultations, 25 offer fixed fees, 26 operate online, and some accept legal aid or provide pro bono services. You'll also find 57 female lawyers and support in 28 languages among Melbourne firms. Start by contacting firms that match your circumstances and budget. A free initial consultation can help you assess whether they're the right fit for your family law matter.
How much does a family lawyer cost per hour in Melbourne?
Family lawyers in Melbourne typically charge between $300 and $800 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience level and the complexity of your matter. Junior lawyers generally charge $300-$400 per hour, mid-level lawyers $400-$500, and senior lawyers or partners $500-$800. Many family law firms also offer fixed fee arrangements for specific services like preparing applications or drafting agreements, which can provide greater cost certainty. Among the family law firms available through LawConnect in Melbourne, 25 offer fixed fee options, and 43 provide free initial consultations, which can help you understand your costs before committing to representation. It's worth discussing billing options with your chosen lawyer to find an arrangement that suits your circumstances.
What should I expect at my first family court hearing?
Your first family court hearing is typically a procedural hearing scheduled one to two months after you file your case. At this hearing, the judge or registrar will give directions about the next steps needed to progress your matter, which may include orders for gathering evidence, obtaining expert reports, attending dispute resolution, or completing parenting courses. The court may also approve agreed orders if both parties have reached an agreement, or make interim orders where appropriate. Before entering the courtroom, turn off your mobile phone and remove hats or sunglasses. Give your appearance to the court officer, then sit at the back of the courtroom. You may bring a support person, though they cannot sit with you at the bar table or speak on your behalf. If you need legal assistance, you can ask to speak with the duty lawyer. Consider consulting a family lawyer in Melbourne to help you prepare for your hearing and understand what to expect based on your specific circumstances.
What does self-representation in family court involve?
Self-representation in family court, also called appearing as a litigant in person, means you conduct your own case without a lawyer. You'll typically appear at procedural hearings where the court gives directions on next steps, such as gathering evidence or attending dispute resolution. At your first court event, you'll need to give your appearance to the court officer, and you may bring a support person who can accompany you but cannot sit at the bar table or speak on your behalf. Before court, you should turn off mobile phones and remove hats and sunglasses. The court expects you to have attempted to resolve disputes through pre-action procedures before your first hearing. If you need assistance, you may speak to a duty lawyer at court. Self-representation can be complex, so consider seeking legal advice to understand your rights and obligations.
What qualifies as an urgent family law matter?
An urgent family law matter is one where you can demonstrate to the court that your application requires priority handling due to compelling circumstances. You can request an urgent listing by filing an interlocutory order with the court, supported by an affidavit explaining the facts and a cover letter outlining the basis for urgency. In extremely urgent situations, you may seek an ex parte order, which allows the court to make a decision without notifying the other party. The court will assess your urgency request and advise you of any changes to your hearing date or additional steps required. If you need assistance preparing an urgent application, LawConnect has 8 family law firms in Melbourne offering emergency services, along with 4 legal aid providers and 4 pro bono options available.

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