Family Lawyers Melbourne
Separation, divorce or a parenting dispute can be one of the hardest times of your life. Shamac Lawyers gives you compassionate support, clear advice and strong representation — from property settlements and spousal maintenance to parenting arrangements and intervention orders — so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
LLM (Family Law) · Accredited Mediator (AMDRAS) · Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
Watch: how Shamac Lawyers supports you through separation
How we can help
Family law support for every stage
Choose the area that fits your situation. Every matter starts with a confidential conversation.
Divorce
Divorce & separation
Eligibility, applications and timelines — and what to do about property and children.
Children
Parenting & custody
Parenting plans, consent orders, relocation and recovery orders — always child-focused.
Property
Property settlements
Dividing assets, debts and superannuation fairly, including inheritances and future needs.
Safety
Family violence & intervention orders
Protection and advice on Family Violence and Personal Safety Intervention Orders.
Agreements
Consent orders & financial agreements
Make your agreement legally binding without a court battle.
Also: Spousal maintenance · Women & mums · LGBTQ+ separations · Varying orders & relocation
Family lawyers who put you first
Practical advice, genuine care
Our family lawyers in Melbourne give you straightforward, practical advice designed to help you move forward — delivered by an experienced Melbourne solicitor who genuinely cares about your case.
We know family law affects people differently. Many of our clients are women and mothers working through separation, and we offer tailored support for women and mums. Whatever your circumstances, we listen first, explain your options in plain English and help you choose the path that protects you and your children.
What is family law?
Family law covers separation and divorce, parenting arrangements, property division and the rights of people in married and de facto relationships. In Australia it is governed by the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), with the best interests of children always the paramount consideration in parenting matters.
The family law process
What to expect, step by step
Every family is different, but most matters follow a similar path. Most are resolved without a final hearing.
01
Initial advice
We listen to your situation, explain your rights and outline your options — negotiation, mediation or court.
02
Negotiation & mediation
Most parenting matters require Family Dispute Resolution before court. Many property matters settle through negotiation.
03
Agreement or application
Agreements are formalised in consent orders. If agreement isn’t possible, we file in the Federal Circuit and Family Court.
04
Interim & final orders
The court can make interim orders while the case runs. If it doesn’t settle, a judge makes final orders after a hearing.
Why Shamac Lawyers
Compassionate, experienced, on your side
Family law is about more than documents — it’s about people, children and futures.
- Experienced family lawyer with a Master of Applied Law (Family Law) and two decades in Victorian law.
- Accredited mediator and Accredited FDR Practitioner — we help clients resolve disputes without unnecessary court battles.
- Plain-English advice, not legal jargon.
- Strong representation in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia when litigation is needed.
- Flexible appointments — in person, by phone or by video, with after-hours options for urgent matters.
When parents can’t agree
Parenting arrangements
When parents separate, the priority is making sure children are safe, supported and keep meaningful relationships with the important people in their lives. If parents can’t agree, the court decides based on the child’s best interests.
- Parenting plans setting out living arrangements and time with each parent
- Consent orders to make agreements legally binding
- Help resolving disagreements about schooling, health care and major decisions
Dividing property
Property settlements
Dividing assets after separation is about fairness and your financial security. If you can’t agree, the court considers:
- each party’s financial contributions
- non-financial contributions, such as caring for children and the home
- future needs, including income, health and care of children
- the effect of family violence on contributions, where relevant
Your situation
Support that fits your family
Every family is different. Here’s how we help in some of the situations we see most often.
Women & mums
Family law for women and mothers
Many of our clients are mums. We focus on your children’s stability and your financial security:- parenting plans and orders that put children first
- child support and spousal maintenance
- a fair share of property, recognising years spent caring for children and the home
- safety planning and intervention orders where needed
LGBTQ+
Same-sex separation & divorce
Divorce works the same way for every married couple, but some separations need extra care:- marriages entered into overseas, including before 2017
- parenting orders to protect a non-birth parent’s relationship with the children
- property where the relationship began long before marriage
- surrogacy and co-parenting arrangements
When things change
Varying orders & relocation
Life moves on after orders are made. We advise on:- varying parenting orders by agreement, with new consent orders
- applying to the court where there’s a significant change in circumstances
- moving interstate or overseas with children, or opposing a move
- orders that aren’t being followed
FAQs
Family law questions, answered
How long does a divorce take in Australia?
A divorce application usually takes around four months once filed. Before applying, you must have been separated for at least 12 months. Read more about divorce.
How is property divided after separation?
There is no automatic 50/50 split. The court identifies the property pool, considers each person’s financial and non-financial contributions and future needs, and makes orders that are just and equitable. Most couples reach agreement and formalise it with consent orders.
Do I have to go to mediation before going to court?
Yes, for most parenting disputes Family Dispute Resolution is compulsory before filing in court, unless there is urgency or an exemption such as family violence.
What happens if we can’t agree on parenting arrangements?
The court will decide based on the child’s best interests, considering safety, the child’s needs and views, and the benefit of meaningful relationships with both parents where safe.
Is there a time limit for property settlement applications?
Yes. Married couples must apply within 12 months of their divorce becoming final. De facto couples must apply within 2 years of separating. After that you need the court’s permission, so get advice early.
Is there still such a thing as ‘custody’?
Not formally. The law now talks about who a child lives with, the time they spend with each parent, and who has parental responsibility for major long-term decisions. Every decision is made in the child’s best interests. Parenting & custody advice.
What financial support is available for mums after separation?
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to child support, spousal maintenance and a property settlement that recognises your contributions as a parent and homemaker, as well as your future needs. We’ll explain each option and help you secure a fair outcome.
Can I move away with my children after separation?
Only with the other parent’s agreement or a court order if the move would affect existing arrangements. The court decides based on the child’s best interests. Moving without agreement can count against you, and the court can order the children’s return.
Can parenting orders be changed?
Yes. If you both agree, new consent orders can replace the old ones. Without agreement, the court must first be satisfied there has been a significant change in circumstances and that reconsidering the orders is in the child’s best interests. Family Dispute Resolution is usually required first.
Do you help same-sex couples with divorce and separation?
Yes. Same-sex marriages, including those entered into overseas before 2017, are recognised in Australia, and the same divorce, property and parenting laws apply. We also advise on parental rights for non-birth parents and de facto property claims.
Start moving forward
Talk to a family lawyer today
Legal issues can feel overwhelming, but the right advice makes a world of difference. Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll be in touch promptly — in confidence.
Appointments by phone, video or in person across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Book a consultation
Your enquiry is confidential.
Takes about 2 minutes on our secure contact page.