Property and Financial Settlement Lawyers Melbourne 

A property and financial settlement determines how assets, liabilities, and financial resources are divided between parties after separation. Whether you are negotiating with your former partner or facing a contested dispute, a property and financial settlement done properly gives you certainty and a clean financial break. 

Is This the Right Service for You? 

You may need property and financial settlement advice if: 

• You have separated and need to divide assets, debts and superannuation with your former partner 

• You want to formalise an agreement into legally binding consent orders 

• Your former partner is not disclosing their full financial position 

• You are concerned assets are being hidden, transferred or spent down before settlement 

• You own a business, investment property, or hold assets through a trust or company 

• You are approaching the time limit for commencing property proceedings 

• You separated informally and have no legally enforceable agreement in place 

Our Property and Financial Settlement Services 

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

Negotiated settlements: We represent you in negotiations with your former partner to reach an agreement on the division of assets, liabilities and superannuation without going to court. 

Contested property proceedings: Where agreement cannot be reached, we prepare and file your application and represent you through the court process from first hearing to final orders. 

Superannuation splitting: We advise on how superannuation interests are valued and split as part of a property settlement, and ensure any splitting arrangement meets the current legal requirements. 

Disclosure and asset tracing: Where you suspect your former partner is not disclosing their full financial position, we advise on your rights and take steps to compel full and frank disclosure. 

Business and complex asset matters: We act in property settlements involving business interests, investment portfolios, trusts, and other complex structures that require specialist advice and valuation. 

What to Expect When You Work With Us 

Step 1: Tell us your situation.  

You speak with one of our lawyers about your assets, your liabilities, your superannuation, and your separation. We give you an honest assessment of your likely entitlements and the options available to you. 

Step 2: We work toward agreement first.  

Where it is possible, we negotiate a settlement directly with your former partner or their lawyer. Most property matters are resolved by agreement, and that is almost always faster and less costly than going to court. 

Step 3: We formalise the outcome.  

If you reach agreement, we prepare consent orders that make the settlement legally binding. If court proceedings are necessary, we prepare and file your application and represent you at every stage. 

Step 4: You have a clean financial break.  

Once orders are in place, the division is final and enforceable. We advise you on any steps needed to implement the orders, including property transfers, superannuation splitting notices, and refinancing requirements. 

Why Choose Family Lawyer AU for Property and Financial Settlements? 

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  

Every client comes to us with a different asset position, a different relationship history, and different risks. We give you advice built around your specific situation. 

Costs and Timeframes 

Where parties reach agreement, the cost of preparing and filing consent orders for a property settlement starts from approximately $2,000 to $4,000 in legal fees, plus the court filing fee of $205. Contested property proceedings vary significantly depending on complexity, the size of the asset pool, and how far the matter proceeds before resolving. 

Most agreed settlements take six to sixteen weeks from first instruction to finalised orders, depending on how quickly both parties provide financial disclosure and reach agreement. Contested matters take longer and depend on the court's listing availability. 

Time limits apply. Married couples have 12 months from the date their divorce order becomes final to commence property proceedings. De facto couples have two years from the date of separation. Acting before these limits expire protects your position. 

Call 1300 717 173 or book online for a cost estimate based on your specific circumstances. 

Related Services 

Asset Protection — Protecting your assets before, during and after a relationship through binding financial agreements and strategic advice. 

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

Superannuation — Splitting superannuation interests as part of a property settlement or financial agreement. 

Spousal Maintenance — Advice on ongoing financial support obligations after separation. 

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

Speak With a Property Settlement Lawyer Today 

Your financial future after separation deserves the right legal advice from the start. We are here to help you reach a fair outcome as efficiently 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.