Family Law
A Clear Path Through a Difficult Time
Navigating a separation is one of life’s most difficult experiences. You’re likely worried about your future, your finances, and most of all, your children. We understand.
Irvine Lawyers provides clear, practical, and compassionate advice to help you find a path forward. We listen, protect your interests, and focus on resolving your matter so you can move on with your life.
When a relationship breaks down, the legal process can feel like a maze. As dedicated family lawyers in Melbourne, we guide clients through this stressful time. From our offices in Warrnambool and South Morang, we help individuals and families across Victoria understand their rights and responsibilities.
We explain everything in plain English, helping you make informed decisions about your future. Whether you need advice about parenting in Warrnambool or property in South Morang, our team is here to provide practical, sensible solutions.
Why Choose Irvine Lawyers for Family Law
- Compassionate & Practical: Friendly, approachable, and advice you can actually use.
- Focus on Resolution: Skilled negotiators prioritising mediation to save you stress and money.
- Child-Focused: Parenting arrangements crafted around children’s best interests.
- Clear Pricing: Fixed-fee options for straightforward tasks and clear estimates for complex matters.
- Local Victorian Team: Offices in Warrnambool and South Morang, with strong understanding of local communities.
Family Law: What It Covers
Separation
We provide clear advice about your rights and obligations, and help you plan the next steps.
Divorce
We manage your divorce application, simple or complex, ensuring it’s done correctly and efficiently.
Child Custody (Parenting Arrangements)
We help negotiate child-focused arrangements covering living arrangements, time with each parent, and long-term decision-making.
How It Works: Our Resolution Process
- Free Initial Consult: 30-minute confidential chat to explain your options.
- Strategic Advice: Roadmap of likely steps, timeframes, and costs.
- Negotiation & Mediation: Attempt to reach a fair agreement before going to court.
- Formal Agreement: Consent Orders or Binding Financial Agreements to protect your future.
- Court (If Necessary): Representation in Federal Circuit or Family Court if a fair agreement cannot be reached.
Pricing & Transparency
We are committed to transparency: fixed fees for straightforward tasks and clear estimates for complex matters. Your first 30-minute consultation is always free.
Common Situations We Handle
- Considering separation and understanding your rights.
- Needing a divorce lawyer in Warrnambool or South Morang.
- Negotiating a fair division of property and superannuation.
- Creating parenting plans or responding to parenting applications.
- Responding to court applications from an ex-partner.
- Preparing legally binding Consent Orders.
Meet Our Team
Our family law team is compassionate yet strong. We are dedicated to guiding clients through difficult times with empathy and practical advice.
Service Areas & Contact
From Warrnambool and South Morang, we help clients across greater Melbourne and regional Victoria. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Get clear advice from a family lawyer you can trust.
Call us on (03) 9422 5439 for South Morang or (03) 5562 9196 for Warrnambool, or book your free 30-minute case assessment online.
FAQs: Family Law in Victoria
Do I have to go to court to sort out family law?
No. Most family law matters are settled outside of court. Mediation and negotiation are faster, cheaper, and less stressful.
How long do I have to be separated to get a divorce?
You must be separated for at least 12 months before applying for a divorce. Property and parenting matters can be addressed at any time after separation.
What is a ‘parenting arrangement’?
It sets out care arrangements for children — where they live, how time is shared, and how major decisions are made about education, health, and welfare.
How is property divided after separation?
The court decides a “just and equitable” division based on assets, contributions, future needs, and fairness.
What is the first step?
Get clear legal advice. Book a free, confidential 30-minute chat and we’ll explain your rights and options.