Children and Parenting Lawyers Melbourne 

When parents separate, decisions about children require careful legal consideration and, where possible, a cooperative approach between both parents. Whether you are trying to agree on parenting arrangements, formalise an existing plan, or protect your child's safety, we are here to help you reach an outcome that puts your children first. 

Is This the Right Service for You? 

You may need children and parenting advice if: 

• You have separated and need to agree on where your children will live and how much time they spend with each parent 

• You want to formalise existing arrangements into legally binding consent orders 

• The other parent is not following agreed or court-ordered arrangements 

• You are concerned about your child's safety in the other parent's care 

• You need to change existing parenting orders due to a significant change in circumstances 

• You want to relocate interstate or overseas with your children 

• You are a grandparent or extended family member seeking time with a child 

Our Children & Parenting Services 

Parenting plans: We assist parents in reaching and documenting workable arrangements for their children. This covers where children live, time with each parent, school holidays, and decision-making responsibilities. 

Consent orders: We prepare and file consent orders that make your agreed parenting arrangements legally binding and enforceable through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. 

Parenting order applications: Where agreement cannot be reached, we represent you in applying for court-ordered parenting arrangements, from interim orders through to final hearing. 

Urgent and safety applications: Where a child's safety is at risk, we act quickly to apply for urgent parenting orders, recovery orders, or injunctions to protect your child. 

Relocation advice: We advise on the legal requirements for relocating with children (both interstate and overseas) and represent parents in relocation disputes. 

Contravention applications: If the other parent is breaching existing parenting orders, we apply to the court to enforce those orders and hold the other party accountable. 

What to Expect When You Work With Us 

Step 1: Tell us your situation.  

You speak with one of our lawyers about your children, your current arrangements, and what you are trying to achieve. We give you an honest picture of your options and what the law is likely to support. 

Step 2: We work toward agreement first.  

Where it is safe and practical to do so, we help you negotiate arrangements directly with the other parent or through family dispute resolution. Most parenting matters are resolved without going to court, and that is almost always the better outcome for children. 

Step 3: We formalise the arrangement.  
If you reach agreement, we prepare consent orders that make it legally binding. If agreement is not possible, we prepare and file your application and represent you through the court process. 

Step 4: You have a clear, workable arrangement.  

Once orders are in place, both parents know exactly what is required. We advise you on what to do if circumstances change or if the orders are not being followed. 

Why Choose Family Lawyer AU for Children and Parenting Matters? 

No Hidden Fees  

You receive a written cost estimate before we begin any work. No hidden fees, no bill shock, and no ambiguity about what you are paying for. 

Nationwide Services

We work with clients across every state and territory in Australia. Whether you are in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, or anywhere in between, consultations are available by phone and video.

Personalised and Strategic Advice 

No two families are the same. We take the time to understand your children, your relationship with the other parent, and your specific concerns before we give you any advice. 

Costs and Timeframes 

Where parents reach agreement, the cost of preparing and filing consent orders starts from approximately $1,500 to $3,000 in legal fees, plus the court filing fee of $205. Court filing fees for a contested application start from $435 for parenting-only matters and $585 where interim orders are also sought, with fees effective from 1 July 2025. 

Contested parenting proceedings vary significantly in cost depending on complexity, how far the matter proceeds, and whether it resolves at an early stage or requires a final hearing. We discuss this at your first consultation and provide a written estimate. 

Most matters resolved by agreement take four to twelve weeks from first instruction to finalised orders. Contested matters take longer and depend on the court's availability. 

Call 1300 717 173 or book online to discuss the likely cost and timeframe for your specific circumstances. 

Related Services 

Divorce — The formal legal process for ending a marriage under Australian law. 

Child Support and Maintenance — Advice on child support assessments, agreements, and disputes. 

Family Violence — Urgent legal protection where you or your children are at risk. 

Property and Financial Settlements — Dividing assets and liabilities alongside parenting arrangements after separation. 

De Facto Relationships — Parenting and financial rights for couples separating without having married. 

Speak With a Children and Parenting Lawyer Today 

Your children's arrangements are too important to leave to chance. We are here to help you reach a safe, workable outcome and with as little conflict as possible. 

We are based at Level 45, 600 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Consultations are available in person, by phone, and by video.

Call 1300 717 173 or book online. All enquiries are confidential.