Melbourne's Leading Family Law Firm
Specialising in Family and Divorce Law
When you’re involved in a family law matter, like divorce, separation, parenting arrangements, child custody, or property settlements, having an experienced family lawyer in Melbourne is one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your interests and future.
Family law disputes can be complex, time-consuming and emotionally overwhelming. You need the best family lawyers Melbourne has to offer, professionals who guide you through each stage with clarity, confidence and care.
At Unified Lawyers, we’re leading family law specialists in Melbourne and Geelong, delivering expert legal guidance across all areas of family law. Whether you require assistance with divorce, parenting disputes, financial settlements or urgent court applications, we will help you understand your position and outline your next steps.
By listening carefully and understanding your goals, we tailor our legal strategies to your circumstances. Every family matter is unique, and we treat it as such, providing personalised, strategic advice aligned with your objectives.
In addition to our legal expertise, we are committed to open and honest communication. You will always know how your matter is progressing and what your options are.
To ensure clear communication, we offer multilingual support across our team, with lawyers fluent in Arabic, Greek, Lebanese, Mandarin, Spanish and Vietnamese. This enables us to serve Melbourne’s diverse communities with accessible, culturally sensitive legal care.
Discover how our Melbourne family lawyers can assist you, or book your free confidential consultation below.
Work with Unified Lawyers to find your path
The breakdown of a relationship is never easy. Every separation or divorce in Melbourne carries its own emotional, financial and legal challenges. If you’re facing separation, it is crucial to understand your legal rights, obligations and the steps needed to protect yourself and your family under Victorian family law.
You may need to make decisions about:
- Where you and your children will live in Melbourne or wider Victoria
- How your property, assets and finances will be divided
- What parenting arrangements and custody agreements will look like under the Victorian system
These are only some of the matters you must address, but you do not have to do this alone. Unified Lawyers is a trusted family and divorce law firm in Melbourne, combining deep legal expertise with genuine care to achieve the best outcome for you and your family. Our Melbourne family lawyers will guide you through every stage of your separation or divorce, helping you move forward with clarity, confidence and a fast-track strategy tailored to your goals.
Melbourne's Leading
Family Lawyers
What you can expect from
our Melbourne family lawyers
When you engage Unified Lawyers to handle your family law matters in Melbourne, you can expect to work with a team who will:
- Understand your personal circumstances and goals.
- Design a bespoke strategy that targets the best outcome for your divorce, parenting, property or financial matter.
- Keep you informed at every stage of the process.
- Provide clear, compassionate advice so you understand all legal issues and responsibilities.
- Resolve your matter as cost effectively and efficiently as possible.
We aim for outcomes that make our clients’ lives easier and better, supplying the information you need to make informed decisions about your future.
Engaging a lawyer can feel intimidating and is a significant commitment, which is why we want you to feel certain you have chosen the right family law specialists. Every new client receives a free initial consultation. Discuss your matter, ask questions and decide whether our Melbourne family lawyers are the right fit for you.
Fast-Track Resolution for Your Family Law Matters in Melbourne
Family law disputes are stressful and emotional, and they should never be prolonged unnecessarily. Our Melbourne family lawyers deliver fast, cost-effective family dispute resolution, child custody agreements and property settlements, helping you progress sooner.
To achieve this, we listen attentively, respond to every question and provide clear, high-quality advice from day one. Your first consultation is free.
Talk to an experienced Melbourne family lawyer today.
Family law services available to you in Melbourne and Victoria
It doesn’t matter what kind of family law matter you need help with, our Melbourne family lawyers handle every aspect of divorce, parenting, property and financial disputes. We pride ourselves on our comprehensive knowledge of Victorian family law and our ability to support every client, whatever your background or goals. When you choose Unified Lawyers, you can be confident you’re receiving clear, strategic family law advice in Melbourne.
Some of the areas we can help you with include:
Divorce
Even the most amicable relationship breakdown and subsequent divorce can be emotionally taxing and legally complex.
Our Melbourne divorce lawyers simplify the entire process, outlining your rights, options and obligations from your free first consultation through to final orders.
We carefully listen to your objectives, craft a tailored strategy and deliver clear, practical advice so you can make informed decisions and progress with confidence.
Book your free consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer in Melbourne today using the button below.
600+
5 Star Reviews and Thousands of Lives Transformed
At Unified Lawyers, results matter because they matter to you. We’ve helped more than 8000+ clients across Australia resolve their family law matters with care and expertise.
Francesco Turini
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the service you provided. I am very satisfied with the professionalism, friendliness, and courtesy you demonstrated throughout our interactions. It made a significant difference in addressing my concerns. Your support and guidance were invaluable, and I feel fortunate to have had you on my side. Especially Thank you to Kristine Tran, and Justin Pasqualino. Best regards, Francesco
Rasha Al-Ahmed
It was truly an honor to work with Jessica Balic during one of the most difficult and sensitive periods of my life — a highly complex international child custody case. Despite the challenges, Jessica managed the matter with remarkable professionalism, calmness, and precision. From the very first day, Jessica demonstrated exceptional dedication and genuine care for every detail of my case. She was always prepared, meticulous, and clear in explaining every legal step in a way that was easy to understand. I strongly recommend Jessica Balic to anyone dealing with a complex family or custody matter. She is a lawyer who combines professionalism, intelligence, and deep human compassion — a rare and invaluable combination in this field, Thank you Jessica for helping me get my daughter and my life back.
Rachael Belle Myers
I am truly grateful for the support and guidance I received from Diana Melas throughout my financial separation. She was calm, compassionate, and incredibly knowledgeable from start to finish. Diana explained my rights clearly, outlined all available options, and ensured I felt informed and confident in every decision I made. Diana led with both empathy and strength. I feel very fortunate to have found a lawyer who combines expertise with such kindness and professionalism. Highly Recommend.
Fiona Henderson
I engaged Unified Lawyers for a family law matter at a time when I felt confused and vulnerable. From the outset, Sophia Bechara and Louise Cassar provided clear guidance, strong support, and genuine care. I never felt alone during the process. They protected me from intimidation and helped me stand my ground with confidence. Thanks to their expertise and professionalism in family law, I achieved a fair and just outcome, the best possible result for both me and my children. I’m incredibly grateful and would highly recommend Unified Lawyers to anyone navigating a family law matter who needs both compassion and strength on their side.
Eddie Gerdak
It is without hesitation that I recommend Ms. Ryan to anyone seeking dedicated and compassionate legal representation in family law matters. I also wish to commend your firm for having someone of her calibre on your team. Her commitment to her clients and her integrity as a professional reflect extremely well on your practice. I sincerely thank Ms. Ryan for her unwavering and continued support and guidance, and I would not hesitate to recommend her services and your firm, Unified Lawyers, to future clients in need of outstanding legal representation.
Ju Moon
I received professional and efficient help with my family law matter, and I couldn’t be happier with the service. The team , especially my lawyer, Ms. Jessica O’Brien was professional, thorough, and guided me with great expertise and care. Communication was always prompt, and I consistently felt confident that my best interests were being looked after. If you’re seeking a reliable and compassionate family law firm, I highly recommend them.
Francesco Turini
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the service you provided. I am very satisfied with the professionalism, friendliness, and courtesy you demonstrated throughout our interactions. It made a significant difference in addressing my concerns. Your support and guidance were invaluable, and I feel fortunate to have had you on my side. Especially Thank you to Kristine Tran, and Justin Pasqualino. Best regards, Francesco
Rasha Al-Ahmed
It was truly an honor to work with Jessica Balic during one of the most difficult and sensitive periods of my life — a highly complex international child custody case. Despite the challenges, Jessica managed the matter with remarkable professionalism, calmness, and precision. From the very first day, Jessica demonstrated exceptional dedication and genuine care for every detail of my case. She was always prepared, meticulous, and clear in explaining every legal step in a way that was easy to understand. I strongly recommend Jessica Balic to anyone dealing with a complex family or custody matter. She is a lawyer who combines professionalism, intelligence, and deep human compassion — a rare and invaluable combination in this field, Thank you Jessica for helping me get my daughter and my life back.
Rachael Belle Myers
I am truly grateful for the support and guidance I received from Diana Melas throughout my financial separation. She was calm, compassionate, and incredibly knowledgeable from start to finish. Diana explained my rights clearly, outlined all available options, and ensured I felt informed and confident in every decision I made. Diana led with both empathy and strength. I feel very fortunate to have found a lawyer who combines expertise with such kindness and professionalism. Highly Recommend.
Fiona Henderson
I engaged Unified Lawyers for a family law matter at a time when I felt confused and vulnerable. From the outset, Sophia Bechara and Louise Cassar provided clear guidance, strong support, and genuine care. I never felt alone during the process. They protected me from intimidation and helped me stand my ground with confidence. Thanks to their expertise and professionalism in family law, I achieved a fair and just outcome, the best possible result for both me and my children. I’m incredibly grateful and would highly recommend Unified Lawyers to anyone navigating a family law matter who needs both compassion and strength on their side.
Eddie Gerdak
It is without hesitation that I recommend Ms. Ryan to anyone seeking dedicated and compassionate legal representation in family law matters. I also wish to commend your firm for having someone of her calibre on your team. Her commitment to her clients and her integrity as a professional reflect extremely well on your practice. I sincerely thank Ms. Ryan for her unwavering and continued support and guidance, and I would not hesitate to recommend her services and your firm, Unified Lawyers, to future clients in need of outstanding legal representation.
Ju Moon
I received professional and efficient help with my family law matter, and I couldn’t be happier with the service. The team , especially my lawyer, Ms. Jessica O’Brien was professional, thorough, and guided me with great expertise and care. Communication was always prompt, and I consistently felt confident that my best interests were being looked after. If you’re seeking a reliable and compassionate family law firm, I highly recommend them.
Property Settlements, Asset Division and Financial Issues in Melbourne
Splitting property, assets and money is an unfortunate reality that comes at the end of a marriage or de facto relationship. It also a challenging and complex process, so it is critical that you work with a professional family lawyer who can help you understand your rights and your responsibilities.
De Facto Relationships and Property Rights
If you’ve split from your de facto partner, its important you understand the factors that can influence your rights to property and financial aspects. The length of your relationship, and if you have children together are only two of the factors that can affect your property rights.
Spousal Maintenance
It is very common for spousal support to be a concern for separating or divorcing couples. This can be impacted by the differences in incomes of each spouse, as well as future earning capabilities of each party. It’s important to understand your rights, obligations, and responsibilities in any financial matter.
Property Settlement Mediations
Figuring out how to divide your property and assets doesn’t have to be a drawn-out affair in court. Through property settlement mediation, we can help you and your former partner to work out how to divide your property and avoid going to court. Before any mediation takes place, we can help you understand your entitlements based on your unique situation and do our best to achieve the best outcome for you. Even the most complex property matters can be resolved.
Our property settlement lawyers in Melbourne can help you by offering expert advice, strategies, and options for your unique situation because the end of every relationship is unique.
Parenting and Children Matters
in Melbourne
When children are involved in separation or divorce, it can be a daunting and overwhelming experience for both you and your child/children. It’s our aim to ensure the best interests of your child are looked after, and we will work with you to ensure you understand what these are and the options available to you. Our advice in any parenting matter will also be with the aim to ensure your children’s needs are the priority. There are a variety of different family law issues that can involve children, including:
Consent Orders and Financial Agreements
When an agreement can be reached regarding how your child or children should divide their time between their parents, then a consent order can make this legally enforceable. To ensure your child’s best interests are being looked after, we can provide you with advice.
Child Support
If you believe a child support payment assessment has been unfairly made, then you can discuss this and your options with our family lawyers. Child support payments are assessed by the Child Support Agency and are not always accurate.
Grandparent’s Rights
Whether you’re a grandparent who is looking to understand your rights to see your grandchild or you’re a parent wanting to understand your obligations, our experienced family law team can help you with grand parenting matters.
Dedicated and Affordable Family Lawyers Melbourne
Engaging the services of a family lawyer is a significant decision. Not only can it affect you financially, it can shape the future of your family life, making it one of the most important choices you will ever make.
While it is a major commitment, it is a wise investment in your family’s future. The right Melbourne family lawyer will always act in your best interests, ensuring you understand your options at every step.
To help you feel confident in choosing Unified Lawyers as your Melbourne family law firm, we offer a free initial consultation so you can meet us, ask questions and decide if we are the right fit. We also aim to keep our pricing transparent and competitive.
We do not bill for brief phone calls, printing, postage or faxes. Our fees are straightforward and calculated on time spent, usually at an hourly rate, so you are only charged for the work we perform.
Before you commit, we provide clear information about our fees, including our hourly rates. Before any work begins, you receive a cost estimate covering GST and anticipated out-of-pocket expenses, enabling you to make an informed decision about working with us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Lawyers Melbourne
How much does it cost to work with a Melbourne family lawyer?
The average cost of engaging a family lawyer will generally be between $300 to $500 plus GST an hour. This rate is usually dependant on the experience of the lawyer.
We know that legal fees are often a cause of stress and even a deciding matter when it comes to engaging a lawyer. This is why we are as transparent as possible when it comes to our costs.
Your first consultation with us is free, and during this consultation you can ask us questions and we can gain an understanding of your situation and your legal needs. We can then provide you with a written cost estimate to resolve your matter.
How do I choose the right family solicitor?
Finding the right family lawyer to help you is not always easy. It is extremely important to find a lawyer that you feel comfortable and confident with. The right family lawyer can help you find and achieve the best outcome for your matter.
When it comes to searching for a family lawyer in Brisbane, we recommend looking for these qualities:
- Understanding – Every situation is different. Your family lawyer needs to understand your unique circumstances.
- Compassionate – Family law matters are often emotionally stressful and overwhelming. A great family lawyer knows this and helps to make the process easier.
- Experienced – The nature of family law matters is often very complex, so having an experienced family lawyer in your corner is vital.
- Personable and Approachable – It can be difficult to talk about personal matters however it’s very important to be able to provide all details relating to your situation. A lawyer you feel comfortable with can make this easier.
To help you feel confident in your decision to work with Unified Lawyers, we offer our first consultation free. This way you can tell us about your matter, ask any questions and we can take the time to understand you and your wishes. When you meet with our Brisbane family lawyers, you can use this time to see if we feel like a good fit for you too.
How do I know if I need a family lawyer for my legal matter?
Family lawyers deal with a wide variety of legal matters and issues, including, but not limited to:
- Divorce and separation
- Property settlements
- Spousal maintenance
- Parenting arrangements
- Child Support
- Relocation of children
- Same sex divorce
- Financial agreements.
You can often resolve some of these issues or disputes without a lawyer, however, working with an experienced family lawyer has a number of different benefits. They can help you to understand your rights and responsibilities from a legal perspective, as well as provide you with advice, guidance and representation. We offer a free first consultation at Unified Lawyers Brisbane, so you can use this time to discuss your matter and determine whether you need the services of a family lawyer for your legal matter.
Where are your family law services available in Melbourne?
Our family law firm is located Level 40, 140 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, however we can help people from all over Victoria, as well as the rest of Australia.
You can get in touch with us by calling us on 1800 572 131.
We can help you no matter where you are in Australia.
What are the divorce requirements of Victoria, Australia?
To obtain a divorce in Australia, including Victoria, you must satisfy the court that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This is usually demonstrated by you and your spouse having been separated for at least 12 months, even if part of that separation occurred while living under the same roof.
If you are seeking a divorce in Melbourne or elsewhere in Victoria, you can discuss your requirements and your rights with our expert divorce lawyers at Unified Lawyers.
How long will it take for my family law matter to be resolved?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to predict how long your family law matter will take to resolve. This is because every person’s situation is unique and the way a legal matter may be resolved can be a dependent on a number of different things.
Some of the factors that may influence how long your family law matter takes to resolve include:
· How much you and your former partner/spouse can agree
· Whether you can reach an agreement
· The information you can provide
· How quickly you can provide your information and instructions.
Once we have a consultation with you, where we learn about your matter, we can usually provide you with an estimate on how long your matter may take to be finalised.
We work with the aim to provide you with a resolution as swiftly and cost effectively as we can. We know family law matters can be very stressful and we will do what we can to avoid prolonging this stress.
Our Melbourne Office
Our family lawyers in Melbourne are available to meet at our conveniently located Melbourne CBD office, situated near the corner of Little Bourke Street and Queen Street, just moments from the Supreme Court of Victoria and Bourke Street Mall. The office is easily accessible by tram via Bourke Street or Elizabeth Street, and is within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, making it a convenient location for clients travelling from across Melbourne.
In addition to our Melbourne CBD office, our family lawyers can also meet with clients in Geelong, ensuring that families across Victoria have access to our experienced legal team.
Please contact us today to arrange a consultation with one of our specialised family lawyers in our Melbourne or Geelong offices.
