Separation Lawyers Melbourne 

The steps taken in the early stages of a separation have a direct bearing on property, parenting, and financial outcomes. Getting the right legal advice at the outset gives you the clearest picture of your options and the best opportunity to reach a fair resolution.

Is This the Right Service for You? 

You may need separation advice if: 

• You have recently separated and want to understand your legal rights and obligations from the start 

• You are considering separation and want to know what to expect before you take any steps 

• You are unsure when your separation date is legally established and why it matters 

• You have separated but are still living under the same roof as your former partner 

• You want to protect your financial position before negotiations begin 

• You need to put interim parenting arrangements in place for your children 

• You and your former partner want to reach an agreement without going to court 

Our Separation Services 

Separation advice: We advise you on your rights and obligations from the moment you separate, including what steps to take, what to avoid, and what decisions cannot be undone. 

Date of separation advice: We advise on how the separation date is established, why it matters legally, and what evidence supports your position if it is disputed. 

Interim financial advice: We advise on protecting your financial position immediately after separation, including bank accounts, joint liabilities, superannuation, and asset preservation. 

Interim parenting arrangements: We assist in putting workable, interim arrangements in place for children as quickly as possible after separation, by agreement where possible. 

Separation under one roof: Where you and your former partner are still living in the same home, we advise on your rights and obligations, and what evidence is needed to establish a genuine separation. 

Pathway to resolution: We map out the steps from separation to finalised property settlement and parenting arrangements, and advise on the most efficient route to reach a fair outcome. 

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 assets, your children, and where things stand right now. We give you an honest picture of your rights, your obligations, and the steps that matter most immediately. 

Step 2: We identify your priorities.  

For most clients, the immediate priorities are financial protection, interim parenting arrangements, and establishing the separation date. We advise on each and help you take the right steps in the right order. 

Step 3: We put the foundations in place.  

We assist with any urgent steps required — protecting assets, documenting the separation, putting interim arrangements in place for children, and ensuring you meet your disclosure obligations from the start. 

Step 4: We map your path forward.  

Once the immediate steps are in place, we advise on the full process ahead — property settlement, parenting orders, and any other matters that need to be resolved — and what each will involve. 

Why Choose Family Lawyer AU for Separation? 

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 separations are the same. Your assets, your children, your living situation, and your relationship with your former partner all shape what the right first steps look like. We give you advice built around your specific circumstances from the very first conversation. 

Costs and Timeframes 

The cost of separation advice depends on the complexity of your circumstances and what immediate steps are required. An initial consultation to understand your position and map your options is the logical first step, and we provide a written estimate for any further work before we begin. 

Where matters are resolved by agreement, costs are significantly lower than where court proceedings are required. The earlier you obtain advice, the more options you have and the less likely it is that matters will become contested. 

Time limits apply from the moment you separate. Married couples have 12 months from the date their divorce order becomes final to commence property proceedings. De facto couples have two years from separation. Acting within these limits is essential. 

Call 1300 717 173 or book online to speak with one of our lawyers about your situation. 

Related Services 

Divorce — The formal legal process for ending the marriage after 12 months of separation. 

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 after separation. 

Asset Protection — Protecting your financial position through binding financial agreements and strategic advice. 

Spousal Maintenance — Financial support obligations between former partners after separation. 

Speak With a Separation Lawyer Today 

When you are ready to take the next step, we are ready to move with you. We handle the advice, the paperwork, and the process so you can focus on what matters. 

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.