Same-Sex Relationship Lawyers Melbourne 

Under Australian law, same-sex couples have the same rights to property settlement, parenting orders, spousal maintenance, and divorce as any other couple. The complexity for same-sex families tends to arise in areas like surrogacy, donor conception, and parentage, including matters involving assisted reproductive technology (ART), and these are areas where specific legal advice is essential.

Is This the Right Service for You? 

You may need same-sex relationship legal advice if: 

• You are separating from a same-sex spouse or de facto partner and need advice on your property and financial rights 

• You are building a family through assisted reproductive technology, donor conception, or surrogacy and want your legal position protected from the start 

• You need to establish or formalise legal parentage for a child born through ART or surrogacy 

• You have a known sperm donor and want a donor agreement in place to clarify the rights and responsibilities of all parties 

• You want to enter a binding financial agreement before or during your relationship 

• You are married overseas in a same-sex marriage and want to understand your rights in Australia 

• You are separating and have children together but only one of you is a legal parent 

Our Same-Sex Relationship Legal Services 

Property settlement and consent orders: We act for same-sex couples in negotiating and formalising the division of assets, liabilities, and superannuation after separation, by agreement or through the courts. 

Binding financial agreements: We draft financial agreements for same-sex couples before, during, or after a relationship to define how property and finances will be handled if the relationship ends. 

Parenting arrangements: We assist same-sex couples in reaching, documenting, and formalising parenting arrangements for their children, including consent orders and contested parenting proceedings. 

Parentage advice and orders: We advise on establishing legal parentage for children born through ART or surrogacy, and apply for parentage orders where required to secure both partners' legal recognition as parents. 

Donor agreements: We draft donor agreements for same-sex couples using known sperm or egg donors. While these agreements are not legally binding, a carefully drafted agreement records the intentions of all parties and reduces the risk of future disputes. 

Surrogacy advice: We advise on the legal framework for altruistic surrogacy in Victoria and other states, the steps required after birth to obtain parentage orders, and the risks of arrangements that are not properly documented. 

What to Expect When You Work With Us 

Step 1: Tell us your situation.  

You speak with one of our lawyers about your relationship, your family, and what you need. Whether you are separating, planning a family, or dealing with a parenting dispute, we give you an honest picture of where you stand and what the law supports. 

Step 2: We identify the right approach.  

Depending on your circumstances, that may mean negotiating a property settlement, applying for parentage orders, drafting a donor agreement, or preparing parenting consent orders. We explain each option, its likely outcome, and its cost before you commit to anything. 

Step 3: We act on your behalf.  

We prepare your documents, negotiate with the other party or their lawyer where required, and represent you at any court proceedings. We handle the legal complexity so you can focus on your family. 

Step 4: You have certainty.  

Once your agreement, orders, or parentage documents are in place, you know exactly where you and your family stand legally. We advise you on what to do if circumstances change. 

Why Choose Family Lawyer AU for Same-Sex Relationship 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

Same-sex families are not all the same. Whether you are married or de facto, whether your children were born through ART, surrogacy, or a previous relationship, and whether you are separating or planning ahead, we give you advice built around your specific circumstances. 

Costs and Timeframes 

Costs depend on what you need. Property settlements and consent orders for same-sex couples follow the same cost structure as any other property matter. Parentage applications and donor agreements involve specific legal work and we provide a written estimate before we begin. 

Surrogacy matters are more complex because they involve both state-based ART legislation and federal family law. We advise on costs at the first consultation once we understand your specific arrangements. 

For property settlements resolved by agreement, most matters take six to sixteen weeks from first instruction to finalised orders. Parentage order applications vary depending on the complexity of the arrangements involved. 

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

Related Services 

Property and Financial Settlements — Dividing assets and liabilities after separation by agreement or through the courts. 

Children and Parenting — Parenting arrangements, consent orders, and parenting order applications. 

Prenuptial and Other Financial Agreements — Binding financial agreements for same-sex couples before, during, or after a relationship. 

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

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

Speak With a Same-Sex Relationship Lawyer Today 

Whether you are separating, planning a family, or protecting your legal position, we give you direct, accurate advice based on your specific circumstances. 

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.