Family Violence Lawyers Melbourne 

If you or your children are at risk, your safety comes first. We provide urgent, confidential legal advice to people seeking protection and to those who have had orders made against them. We advise clients across Australia on the protection order frameworks that apply in their state or territory. 

If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support 24 hours a day, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. 

Is This the Right Service for You? 

You may need family violence legal advice if: 

• You are experiencing violence, threats, controlling behaviour, or financial abuse from a partner or family member and need urgent legal protection 

• You want to apply for a protection order to protect yourself and your children 

• You have had a protection order made against you and need advice on your rights and options 

• An existing protection order is being breached, and you need to enforce it 

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

• Family violence has affected your financial position, and you want to understand how it impacts your property settlement 

• You need to attend court and want a lawyer present to represent you 

Our Family Violence Legal Services 

Protection order applications: We apply to the relevant court in your state or territory for urgent interim protection and final orders. In Victoria, these are Family Violence Intervention Orders made under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic). In New South Wales, they are Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW). In Queensland, they are Protection Orders under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld). Each state has its own legislation and court process, and we advise on what applies to you. 

Urgent interim orders: Where the risk is immediate, we act quickly to obtain interim orders without delay. Interim orders can be made without giving the other party notice where urgency requires it, in every Australian jurisdiction. 

Responding to protection orders: Where an order has been made against you, we advise on your rights, the conditions you are subject to, and your options including contesting the order at a contested hearing. 

Children and safety orders: Where children are at risk, we apply for parenting orders that prioritise their safety and advise on how family violence affects parenting proceedings and what exemptions from family dispute resolution apply. 

Family violence and property settlement: From 10 June 2025, courts are expressly required to consider the economic impact of family violence when dividing property. We advise on how financial abuse, coercive control, and economic harm affect your entitlements in a property settlement. 

Breach applications: Where an existing protection order is being breached, we apply to the court to enforce it and hold the other party accountable. 

What to Expect When You Work With Us 

Step 1: Let us know your situation.  

You speak with one of our lawyers in a confidential consultation about what has been happening and what you need. We assess the urgency, identify which state's laws apply to your circumstances, and advise on the fastest and most effective path to protection. 

Step 2: We identify what is needed immediately.  

Depending on your circumstances and your location, that may mean applying for an urgent interim order that day, preparing for a contested hearing, or advising on the intersection of family violence and your property or parenting proceedings. We act quickly when the situation requires it. 

Step 3: We represent you in court. 

We prepare your application and supporting material, attend court with you, and present your case before the relevant court in your state. Where an interim order is in place, we represent you at the return date and any contested hearing that follows. 

Step 4: You have legal protection in place.  

Once orders are made, you know exactly what the other party is and is not permitted to do. Protection orders made in one state are recognised and enforceable in every other state and territory across Australia. 

Why Choose Family Lawyer AU for Family Violence 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. 

Australia Wide Services  

We are based in Southbank, Melbourne, and advise clients on family violence matters across every state and territory in Australia. Protection order legislation differs between States, and we advise on the framework that applies to your specific location and circumstances. Consultations are available by phone and video wherever you are. 

Personalised and Strategic Advice  

Every family violence matter is different. The nature of the conduct, the presence of children, the impact on your finances, and the history of the relationship all shape the legal response you need. We give you advice built around your specific circumstances from the first conversation. 

Costs and Timeframes 

The cost of protection order proceedings depends on whether the matter is uncontested or proceeds to a contested hearing. We provide a written cost estimate before any work begins and advise you at each stage of what further costs are likely. 

Urgent interim orders can be obtained quickly, and in some cases, on the same day you apply. Final orders are made at a later hearing once the other party has had an opportunity to respond. Contested hearings take longer and depend on the court's availability in your state. 

Legal aid may be available for eligible clients in family violence matters in every state and territory. We can advise on eligibility at your first consultation. 

Call 1300 717 173 or book online. Your first consultation is free and everything you share with us is confidential. 

Related Services 

Children and Parenting — Parenting arrangements and safety orders where children are at risk after separation. 

Property and Financial Settlements — How family violence and financial abuse affect the division of assets after separation. 

Separation — Immediate legal advice on your rights and obligations from the moment you separate. 

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

Spousal Maintenance — Financial support after separation where family violence has affected your earning capacity. 

Speak With a Family Violence Lawyer Today 

When you are ready to take the next step, we are ready to move with you. Everything you share with us is confidential, and your first consultation is free. 

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. 

If you are in immediate danger, call 000.