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.

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.

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.

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.

Google Review

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend Laurie highly enough.

We had a very urgent situation where a loan needed to settle within two days, and we desperately needed a solicitor to review guarantor loan documents to make settlement happen on time. Laurie stepped in immediately and was willing to help even outside of normal working hours, which made all the difference.

As a mortgage broker, I understand how critical timing and responsiveness are in these situations, and Laurie was not only incredibly professional but also genuinely lovely to deal with throughout the process.

Thanks to his help, everything was reviewed in time and the settlement went through smoothly. We’re extremely grateful and I’ll definitely be sending more clients his way.

Thank you again, Laurie!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   JESSIE BOYCE 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They are always there to support with my family circumstances changing. I am grateful for the personal feel and professional service. Thank you Laurie.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   natalieboughosn 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best lawyer I have come across in years, very thorough, very informative and just an all round honest and genuine bloke
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   nadia costello 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Luary great service knowledge of the situation excellent
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Charlie Scicluna 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good advice from Laurie.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Mark Russell

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.