Family lawyers
Family lawyers 2

Find the best family lawyers in Melbourne

Worried about divorce? Hire a family lawyer in Melbourne to build a clear strategy for your future.

Our Top family lawyers in Melbourne

Seller avatar for Forward Family Law
4.9 (17)
Melbourne VIC
·0.6 km
+ 3 more
⭐ Free initial consult with a lawyer ⭐ After-hours & weekend appointments available ⭐ Transparent fees & payment options available | Pay at settlement* (eligibility criteria applies) ⭐ Trauma-informed, compassionate family law ⭐ We service clients in VICTORIA only. At Forward Family Law, we are experienced Family Lawyers guiding you with compassion, clarity and strength. We recognise that separation is one of the most stressful times that you will experience, particularly when children are involved. We understand the importance of listening closely to you and ensuring that our advice is tailored to your specific needs. We focus on creating a safe space for you to navigate your separation. We also pride ourselves on giving direct advice. We don't shy away from difficult advice because we believe that honest, direct communication is key to helping you move forward.
Divorce assistance·Child custody·Domestic abuse
+ 5 more
Multiple accreditations uploaded
3 years in business

$575/hour

Seller avatar for Zanier Legal Services
4.9 (75)
Melbourne VIC
·0.3 km
Zanier Legal Services – Your Trusted Legal Partner With 2 years in business, Zanier Legal Services is committed to providing clear, practical and results-focused legal support across a wide range of matters. We understand that every client’s situation is unique, and we take pride in offering personalised guidance with professionalism and care. Our Services Include: • Family Law – Property settlements, parenting matters, divorce applications and Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) • Wills & Power of Attorney – Helping you plan and protect your future • Deceased Estates – Probate, estate administration, and contesting or defending estates • Commercial Law – Debt recovery, contractual disputes and tailored business solutions Whether you’re navigating a sensitive family matter, resolving a commercial issue, or planning for the future, we are here to support you every step of the way. At Zanier Legal Services, your peace of mind is our priority.
2 years in business

$440/hour

Seller avatar for Essia Law
4.9 (64)
Available online
Melbourne VIC
·0.0 km
+ 4 more
Essia Law — Fixed-Fee Family Lawyers (5⭐ Rated, 100+ Matters Completed) ✅ Why Choose Us • Fast response times — we typically reply within 1–2 business hours so you get answers when you need them. • Transparent fixed-fee packages — clear pricing with no hidden costs or hourly surprises. • 100% online consultations — flexible appointments from the comfort of your home, including after hours. • Trusted by families across Australia — over 100 matters resolved with consistent 5⭐ client satisfaction. ⚖️ Our Core Services • Family Law → Divorce, Parenting Plans, Consent Orders, Mediation. ⭐What Clients Say “Punctual, very informative, money well spent for a 30-minute call.” — Sara G. “Made a stressful time simple and transparent. Highly recommend.” — Jason L. $$ Our Packages • Silver — Essential guidance for straightforward matters. • Gold (Most Popular) — Full support and ongoing follow-up until resolution. • Platinum — Priority service with extended consultations and personalised strategy. ✅ Next Step Click “Contact” now to request your fast-track consultation and take the first step with confidence. Remember to ask for same day consults or 72 hour time sensitive turnaround if desired.
Child custody·Divorce assistance·Binding financial agreement
+ 5 more
4 years in business
Seller avatar for Wylde Family Law
5.0 (15)
Available online
Melbourne VIC
·0.3 km
+ 2 more
Wylde Family Law is a boutique family law practice servicing clients in Melbourne, Geelong and remotely across Australia. We advise clients in relation to all things family law including property settlements, parenting matters, Family Court and Binding Financial Agreements. We believe that every individual deserves clarity, compassion, and agency in their legal matters. We are committed to integrity, transparency, and human-centric solutions. We offer cost-effective solutions and embrace technology to streamline services.
Divorce assistance·Property disputes·Child support
+ 5 more
Accreditation uploaded
14 years in business
Seller avatar for Hope Earle Lawyers, Vic, NSW, QLD
4.8 (6)
Available online
Melbourne VIC
·0.6 km
+ 2 more
Leading Family Law Specialists | Complex & High-Stakes Matters Cost-Effective | Urgent Matters Welcome Hope Earle Lawyers family law team is a specialist family law practice — trusted by clients facing the most complex, high-stakes, and legally intricate family law matters in Australia and internationally. We don't just handle straightforward separations. We're the firm people turn to when their matter has a twist: hidden assets, international dimensions, unusual trust structures, high-conflict parenting disputes, or cases that have already gone wrong elsewhere. Family Law — Areas of Deep Expertise Property settlements — complex high-value matters, unusual asset structures, and small asset pools* Asset tracing & financial disclosure issues* Binding Financial Agreements (including pre-nuptial agreements) Hague Convention matters & international family law disputes* Parenting arrangements — relocation, contested parenting orders & plans* Child support & spousal maintenance Intervention orders Appeals and second opinions — including reviewing outcomes from other firms* Children's Court matters* Mediation & dispute resolution Separation & divorce advice (* denotes areas of deep expertise) Why Choose Hope Earle Lawyers Recognised leaders — regularly invited to speak at local and international conferences. Respected by peers and courts — authors of academic papers and widely regarded in Australia and internationally. Proven track record — Principal David De Alwis and the team have secured favourable, reported judgments across a wide range of complex family law matters. Selected Reported Cases: Hadfield & Hadfield & Ors [2012] FamCA 1213 Hawthorn & Hawthorn & Anor [2012] FamCA 785 Hawthorn & Hawthorn (No. 2) [2012] FamCA 1141 MacDougal & Benson & Anor (No 2) [2015] FamCA 799 Jefferson & Coulston [2014] FamCA 1083 Draper & Roiland [2017] FamCA 636 Hurley & Hurley (No 2) [2017] FamCA 19 Heaton & Heaton [2016] FCCA 1740 Heaton & Heaton (No 2) [2017] FCCA 557 Jia & Yong [2022] FedCFamC1F 591 SL v Dept of Families, Fairness & Housing [2021] VSC 523 TSH v Dept of Families, Fairness & Housing [2022] VSC 390 Yonjan & Satyal [2023] FedCFamC2F 419 Min & Kai [2023] FedCFamC2F 1014 Kai & Min [2024] FedCFamC1A 6 (Appeal) Cost-effective. Responsive. Resourced for urgent matters — including after-hours consultations when needed. Contact us today to speak with a specialist family lawyer who can help you take control of even the most complex situation — with clear, strategic guidance from day one.
Child custody·Binding financial agreement·Divorce assistance
+ 5 more
Multiple accreditations uploaded
30 years in business

$500/hour

The average price of a family lawyer in Melbourne

$300-$600

per hour

Three Bars Mobile

Finding a family lawyer in Melbourne is easy with Bark

Whether you’re navigating a separation in the eastern suburbs, managing a complex property settlement involving CBD assets, or seeking advice on parenting arrangements through the Melbourne registry, the right support is essential. A qualified family lawyer doesn't just explain the law; they provide the strategy and empathetic representation you need to protect your rights and secure your future.

1. Tell us what you need

From a straightforward joint divorce application or a binding financial agreement to complex property settlements, parenting plans, or urgent assistance with Family Violence Intervention Orders (IVOs), simply share the details of your situation. Let us know your current status, any urgent deadlines, and the outcome you are hoping to achieve.

2. Choose your professional

We’ll connect you with top-rated Melbourne family lawyers and mediators. Compare their experience with the Federal Circuit and Family Court, check their qualifications, read genuine reviews from past clients, and pick the expert that gives you confidence. Chat directly with professionals to discuss your case and fees, ensuring you find a legal partner that fits your budget and needs perfectly.

3. Move forward with confidence

Gain clarity and peace of mind as your chosen professional handles the legal complexities. You can focus on rebuilding your life and planning for the future, knowing that your rights are protected and you have an expert on your side.


What do local family law services include?

Finding the right professional depends on your specific goals. Experts can tailor their service, but packages generally fall into these categories:

Divorce, separation, and parenting

This is the most common service, perfect for individuals or couples navigating a separation. A lawyer ensures your applications are filed correctly, your rights are explained, and your children's best interests are prioritised.

  • Divorce Applications
  • Consent Orders (for parenting or property)
  • Parenting Plans
  • Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) and Mediation

Complex financial and property settlements

This service is for individuals with more complex assets, such as businesses, trusts, or significant superannuation funds. It focuses on asset protection, fair division, and ensuring financial separation is finalised.

  • Splitting trusts and corporate structures
  • Binding Financial Agreements
  • Business valuations and succession
  • Superannuation splitting

Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs)

This is a specialised service for couples wanting to secure their financial arrangements, either before, during, or after a relationship. It's often called a "pre-nup" or "post-nup."

  • Pre-nuptial agreements
  • Post-nuptial agreements
  • Agreements during a relationship
  • Setting aside or defending a BFA

Family law litigation and disputes

This service is for when disagreements cannot be resolved. If you need to go to court for parenting or property orders, are responding to an application, or need to enforce an order, a specialist lawyer can represent you.

  • Parenting Disputes
  • Property and Financial Disputes
  • Contravention and Enforcement Applications
  • Representation in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA)

Note on Intervention Orders: In Victoria, applications for Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIOs) are typically handled by the Magistrates' Court of Victoria. However, these orders are extremely relevant to family law parenting cases in the FCFCOA.


Bark helps you find the best family law specialists near you

When you search for legal help, you want reliable and trustworthy experts. We help you find the best professional for the job by allowing you to specify:

  • What your goals are: Whether you need a one-off consultation for advice or full representation in a complex court case.
  • What services you need: We’ll connect you with lawyers who will tailor their package, from a simple divorce application to drafting complex financial agreements.
  • Your budget and preferences: By getting free quotes, you’ll know exactly what’s included. Compare prices, qualifications, and experience from local pros and hire with complete confidence.

Verified reviews for family lawyers in Melbourne

The average rating for family lawyers on Bark is 4.92. These reviews are from verified members of the Bark community who have hired a family lawyer.

Hiring a family lawyer in Melbourne FAQs

The average price of a family lawyer in Melbourne is $300-$600 per hour, however it's important to remember that pricing is set by the individual practitioner or firm. It can vary based on their qualifications, their experience, your location, and the complexity of your matter. A simple divorce often has a fixed fee. For complex property settlements or litigation, lawyers may charge a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or charge based on court stages. Always ask for a cost agreement upfront.

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