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Browse trusted Parenting and Child Support Lawyers near Melbourne VIC based on ratings and reviews

Average rating of Parenting and Child Support Lawyers near Melbourne VIC

4.8
4.84 stars from 5765 recommendationsStarStarStarStar

based on 5765 client reviews

Parenting and Child Support Lawyers in Melbourne VIC

LawBridge Lawyers & Consultants

LawBridge Lawyers & Consultants

LawBridge Lawyers & Consultants has 4.5 stars from 25 recommendations4.5
25 ratings
Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140064..

LawBridge brings together a team of skilled lawyers, recognised for their technical excellence and outstanding service, backed by a strong commercial perspective. We prioritise building lasting partnerships with clients by thoroughly understanding their strategic needs. Our expertise spans corporate and commercial law, informed by our diverse backgrounds as company directors and community leaders, making us a trusted choice for navigating legal challenges. As a boutique firm, we specialise in commercial and corporate law while also addressing personal and not-for-profit issues, offering proactive advice and effective representation in litigation to protect clients' interests. Our practice areas include commercial law, litigation, family law, wills, employment, insolvency, intellectual property, and more.

Our Team

Ben Beesly from LawBridge Lawyers & ConsultantsCosmo Boyle from LawBridge Lawyers & ConsultantsNewman Parcell from LawBridge Lawyers & Consultants
Vic Rajah Family Lawyers

Vic Rajah Family Lawyers

Vic Rajah Family Lawyers has 4.7 stars from 35 recommendations4.7
35 ratings
Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140023..

Vic Rajah Family Lawyers, founded in 1980 by Richard Calley, is a leader in family law, with Vic Rajah taking over in 2013. The firm’s excellence is recognised and referred by commercial lawyers, accountants, and health practitioners, attracting a diverse clientele. With offices in Melbourne CBD, Sandringham, and Mt Eliza, it serves clients throughout metropolitan Melbourne and beyond. The firm offers a range of services including Pre-Nuptial Agreements, Restraining Orders, Divorce, Financial Support, Property Settlements, Separation, Parenting Arrangements, Spousal Maintenance, and Child Support, dedicated to providing top-tier legal guidance.

Our Team

Lucille Boyle from Vic Rajah Family LawyersAnnie Ludgate from Vic Rajah Family LawyersJake Rosenberg from Vic Rajah Family Lawyers
Cornelius Family Law

Cornelius Family Law

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140097..

Cornelius Family Law offers expert advice in all family law and relationship matters, with over 28 years of experience handling diverse cases. We recognise that each situation is unique, requiring tailored solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you're making decisions about children, dividing assets, or seeking protection before a new relationship, investing in the right support is crucial. Our specialised firm focuses solely on family law, ensuring personalised attention to your concerns and strategies designed to help you achieve your goals effectively. Let us guide you through these challenging times.

Our Team

Terry Gergich from Cornelius Family Law
Clark Family Lawyers

Clark Family Lawyers

Clark Family Lawyers has 4.5 stars from 11 recommendations4.5
11 ratings
Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140074..

Clark Family Lawyers provide compassionate support during challenging times, focusing on developing effective strategies tailored to our clients. We offer prompt, practical, and affordable legal advice to ensure clients are informed about their options. Our services include a free initial consultation and cover separation, property settlements, children’s matters (custody, access), intervention orders, De Facto and same-sex relationships, relocation of family members, child retrieval from abroad, representation in Hague Convention cases, and divorce. We assist clients considering separation, responding to legal letters, executing consent orders, seeking urgent court orders, or wishing to commence divorce proceedings.

Our Team

Ben Seinfeld from Clark Family LawyersGina Kroker from Clark Family Lawyers
Stuart Family Lawyers

Stuart Family Lawyers

Stuart Family Lawyers has 5 stars from 5 recommendations5
5 ratings
Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140017..

Stuart Family Lawyers is a boutique firm specialising in family and relationship law. We support clients during marriage breakdowns, same-sex, and de facto relationships, offering strategic and practical legal advice. Our services include separation and divorce, property and financial settlements, children and parenting issues, spousal and child support, Family Court proceedings, prenups, mediation, family violence intervention orders, and third-party representation. We prioritise delivering a high level of service tailored to our clients' needs.

Our Team

Oz Benes from Stuart Family LawyersEdna Green from Stuart Family LawyersOz Kramer from Stuart Family Lawyers
Smith Family Law

Smith Family Law

Smith Family Law has 4.9 stars from 44 recommendations4.9
44 ratings
Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140069..

Smith Family Law firm is dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of family law. Our experienced team provides expert advice on separation, divorce, property settlement, and parenting arrangements, along with binding financial agreements, spousal maintenance, family violence, child support, and out-of-court settlements. We also handle surrogacy and LGBTIQA+ family law matters with an inclusive approach. In deceased estates, our probate and estate litigation lawyers assist with estate administration and disputes, ensuring clients feel supported throughout. Our Melbourne team delivers personalised legal solutions tailored to your needs.

Our Team

Leslie Buffay from Smith Family LawFry Van Houten from Smith Family LawLisa Mendoza from Smith Family Law
Freeman Family Law

Freeman Family Law

Freeman Family Law has 5 stars from 32 recommendations5
32 ratings
Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140009..

Freeman Family Law has been helping clients in the Melbourne CBD, Yarraville, Caroline Springs, Hillside, Keilor, Albert Park, and Taylors Lakes for over 30 years. Our expertise includes divorce, financial matters, parenting issues, wills and estates, property law, and family law.

Our Team

Nelson Chase from Freeman Family LawShirley Barnes from Freeman Family LawCordelia Farnsworth from Freeman Family Law
Emera Family Law

Emera Family Law

Emera Family Law has 5 stars from 62 recommendations5
62 ratings
Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140097..

Emera Family Law offers comprehensive family law services, guiding you from separation to divorce, including property matters, children and parenting, financial agreements, family violence, and support for the LGBTI+ community. We stand by your side, providing supportive, caring, pragmatic, and decisive assistance. Our focus is on negotiation rather than litigation, ensuring we work towards a better outcome for you. We specialise in Property Settlement, Children and Parenting, Financial Agreements, Family Violence and Intervention Orders, Mediation and Out-of-Court Settlements, and Divorce Law.

Our Team

Wesley Muntz from Emera Family LawRosa Meagle from Emera Family LawMonica Anagonye from Emera Family Law
Meraki Lawyers

Meraki Lawyers

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140026..

Bringing heart and soul back to law, Meraki means to work with passion and love. We prioritise an authentic approach, creating a safe space for clients. Our dedicated team, with over 30 years of combined experience, ensures a unique legal process, instilling confidence through integrity and genuine connections. We provide a range of services, including Property Law (transactions, leases, mortgages), Wills and Estates (Wills, Power of Attorney), Family Law, Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Immigration Law, and Traffic Law. At Meraki Lawyers, we go above and beyond for our clients, ensuring the highest quality of service.

Our Team

Moira Vance from Meraki LawyersTroy Szyslak from Meraki Lawyers
Kingston Lawyers Pty. Ltd.

Kingston Lawyers Pty. Ltd.

Kingston Lawyers Pty. Ltd. has 5 stars from 2 recommendations5
2 ratings
Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140029..

Since 1970, Kingston Lawyers has been a cornerstone of legal excellence in Melbourne. As one of the city's most trusted law firms, our experienced team provides unwavering support and expert advice during life's challenges. We specialise in a range of areas, including Commercial and Business Law, Wills, Estates, Property Law, Intellectual Property, and Entertainment Law. Our commitment to "Our clients come first" informs every action, ensuring we understand your needs and strive for the best outcomes. We look forward to serving you and upholding your interests with diligence and care while maintaining our commitment to excellence in every case.

Our Team

Rupert Turanga from Kingston Lawyers Pty. Ltd.Terry Mendoza from Kingston Lawyers Pty. Ltd.Gob Perkins from Kingston Lawyers Pty. Ltd.
Lander & Rogers

Lander & Rogers

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

Lander & Rogers is a leading independent Australian law firm comprising over 650 people, including 100 partners. The firm has grown organically, fostering a culture of strong work ethic and exceptional client service, reflected in high staff retention. Lander & Rogers offers a wide range of legal services tailored to clients' needs, with global insights from alliances with international firms and membership in TerraLex. Committed to pro bono work, it has established Australia's first LawTech Hubs and supports various sectors like Government, Real Estate, and Technology. The firm also provides strategic counsel in M&A, insolvency, and emerging sectors, ensuring clients receive innovative legal solutions.

Our Team

Ross Wyndam-Pryce from Lander & RogersMoira Carlson from Lander & RogersRoland Wyndam-Pryce from Lander & Rogers
Carew Counsel Solicitors

Carew Counsel Solicitors

Carew Counsel Solicitors has 4.6 stars from 57 recommendations4.6
57 ratings
Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140083..

Carew Counsel is a family-run law firm, proudly recognised as the Family Law Firm of the Year by Doyle for 2021, 2022, and 2023. Our commitment to excellence in family law is reflected in our accolades and our focus on clients' well-being. We understand the emotional complexities of family law matters and provide personalised, compassionate legal support. Our client-focused approach allows us to understand your unique situation, proposing suitable, cost-effective legal options. As a team, we navigate this challenging journey with you, ensuring a supportive transition into the next chapter of your life. We're more than just lawyers - we genuinely care.

Our Team

Troy Ludgate from Carew Counsel SolicitorsAnn Shellstrop from Carew Counsel SolicitorsAndy Muntz from Carew Counsel Solicitors
Suke & Associates

Suke & Associates

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

We partner with you "end to end" through three pathways to resolution depending on your circumstances: Amicable, Mediated Settlement, and Complex Pathways. In Amicable cases, we help document your financial settlement and children's care clearly and legally, ensuring independence and certainty. For Mediated Settlements, we identify practical boundaries to guide you towards a child-focused resolution before documenting it for security. In Complex situations, where disputes escalate or assets are threatened, we offer expertise in financial agreements, corporate structures, and international matters, focusing on your unique story and securing the best outcomes.

Our Team

Apu Lehane from Suke & AssociatesGob Burns from Suke & AssociatesWesley Edison from Suke & Associates
Safe Space Legal

Safe Space Legal

Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140018..

Safe Space Legal is Australia's first legal practice solely focused on child safety and safeguarding. With over 50 years of combined expertise, our dedicated team helps organisations enhance their safeguarding capabilities to protect children and vulnerable individuals. As specialists in child protection, we provide comprehensive legal support, including advice and representation in enforcement actions. Our unique approach combines legal and child safety knowledge, ensuring your organisation meets compliance standards through proactive measures like policy development and training. Collaborating with internal teams, we empower organisations to be leaders in child safety and wellbeing.

Our Team

Hermes Jeffords from Safe Space LegalJim Carlson from Safe Space LegalLisa Bernard from Safe Space Legal
Pal Legal Services

Pal Legal Services

Pal Legal Services has 5 stars from 10 recommendations5
10 ratings
Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number+6140095..

At Pal Legal, we provide compassionate and expert assistance in family law, covering divorce, property division, parenting arrangements, child support, and spousal maintenance. We understand the emotional and financial complexities involved and offer clear, tailored advice. Our philosophy centres on making legal representation accessible, featuring flat fee structures, estimated timeframes, and flexible payment plans, allowing clients to receive quality services without unpredictable costs. Pal Legal aims to give clients peace of mind during difficult times, guiding them through each step with care, ensuring informed decisions about their future.

Our Team

Edna Swanson from Pal Legal Services
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Frequently Asked Questions

What should a parenting plan include in Melbourne?
A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents that sets out arrangements for their child or children's care, welfare and development. It can cover who the child lives with, time spent with each parent and other family members, communication arrangements when a child is not in a parent's care, and how disputes about the plan will be resolved. Parenting plans can also address child support and maintenance matters. It's important to note that parenting plans are not legally enforceable, meaning if one parent doesn't follow the agreement, the other cannot force compliance through legal remedies. However, the court may consider a parenting plan if parents later end up in court proceedings. You should seek legal advice before entering into a parenting plan to ensure it properly addresses your family's needs.
How do I apply for parenting orders in family court?
To apply for parenting orders, you have two main options depending on whether you and the other parent can agree. If you both agree on arrangements, you can file an Application for Consent Orders with the court. If you cannot agree, you can file an Initiating Application, though this should only be considered after genuine efforts to resolve the matter have failed. Parenting orders deal with matters such as where a child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, allocation of parental responsibility, decision-making authority, communication arrangements, schooling, and international travel. The Federal Court of Australia is located at 305 William Street, Melbourne, approximately 0.7 km away. It is advisable to obtain legal advice before making an application. If you need assistance finding a family lawyer in Melbourne to guide you through the process, LawConnect can connect you with experienced parenting and child support lawyers in your area.
What is sole parental responsibility in Australian family law?
Sole parental responsibility in Australian family law means that one parent has the legal authority to make all major long-term decisions about a child's upbringing, without needing to consult or agree with the other parent. These decisions typically cover matters such as the child's education, religious upbringing, medical care, and cultural development. By default, Australian family law presumes that both parents share equal parental responsibility for children under 18. However, a court may grant sole parental responsibility to one parent in circumstances such as safety concerns, inability to co-parent effectively, substance abuse issues, mental health conditions, or abandonment or neglect. A parenting order establishing sole responsibility must be made by the court and is legally binding on both parents. If you need guidance on parental responsibility matters in Melbourne, a family lawyer can advise you on your specific situation and help you navigate the court process.
What is the Parenting Orders Program?
The Parenting Orders Program is a government-funded service designed to help separated parents who are in high conflict over parenting arrangements. It operates under the Family Law Act and focuses on helping parents understand how their conflict affects children and how to prioritise their child's needs. The program typically involves individual and joint sessions where parents can work on improving communication, renegotiating parenting agreements, and developing strategies to reduce conflict. Many programs also offer child consultation sessions where children aged five to eighteen can share their experiences and have their voices heard. The program can help with family law information, referrals, post-separation seminars, and support for children through the separation process. Duration varies depending on family circumstances, ranging from a few months to up to two years. If you're experiencing difficulty with parenting arrangements following separation, you may benefit from exploring this service with a family law professional who can assess your situation.
What are interim parenting orders?
Interim parenting orders are temporary court orders made quickly to establish parenting arrangements while a case is being decided. They typically replace a final parenting order once the court has considered all the issues in depth. You can request interim versions of most parenting orders, including those dealing with who a child lives with, how much time they spend with each parent, communication arrangements, and parental responsibility for decisions about education, health and other matters. If you need legal assistance with parenting orders in Melbourne, LawConnect has 187 parenting and child support lawyers listed across Victoria. You may also access support through Victoria Legal Aid Melbourne, located just 0.6 kilometres away, or the Federation of Community Legal Centres at 0.3 kilometres distance.
How do I change an existing parenting order in Melbourne?
To change an existing parenting order in Melbourne, you generally need to demonstrate that there has been a significant change in circumstances since the order was made, and that reconsidering the order is in the child's best interests. If both parents agree to the changes, you can sign consent orders which the court can approve without appearing in court. Alternatively, you may enter into a parenting plan instead. If you don't agree on changes, you'll need to follow the same court application process as applying for orders initially. Before taking court action, it's advisable to first attempt discussing the proposed changes with the other parent directly, or consider family dispute resolution counselling to help reach agreement. For assistance with your specific situation, consider contacting a parenting and child support lawyer in Melbourne who can advise on your circumstances and guide you through the appropriate process.

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