Family Lawyers in Melbourne
We protect what matters most: your children, your home and your future, with practical agreements where possible and firm representation when a matter has to be decided in court. Discreet and steady, from the very first call.
From our Melbourne office, Spencer Alexander Lawyers act for people through separation, divorce and every issue that follows, including parenting and custody arrangements, property and financial settlements, child support, and the binding agreements that put matters beyond doubt.
Separation is rarely simple. We work to resolve things sensibly and keep you out of court where that serves you, and we represent you firmly when a matter has to be decided by a judge. Sensitive issues are handled with discretion throughout.
We appear in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and act for clients across Melbourne and regional Victoria — in person, by phone and by video.
Advice & settlement
Practical agreements that settle things and let you move on.
- Binding financial agreements
- Pre-nuptial & cohabitation agreements
- Divorce applications
- Consent orders
- Parenting plans
- Property & financial settlement
- Child support agreements
- De facto & surrogacy advice
Litigation & urgent matters
Firm representation when matters can't be agreed.
- Parenting & custody disputes
- Property settlement litigation
- Relocation & recovery orders
- Spousal & de facto maintenance
- Family violence & intervention orders
- Urgent applications & injunctions
- Child support disputes
- Family dispute resolution
In detail
Family law services in Melbourne.
Divorce & separation
Divorce formally ends a marriage and is available after 12 months of separation. It does not deal with parenting or property — those are separate steps. We prepare divorce applications and advise on what separation means for your finances, your children and your will.
Parenting arrangements & custody
The law asks one question: what is in the children's best interests? We help you agree on living arrangements, time and decision-making, record it in a parenting plan or consent orders, and put your case firmly when agreement is not possible.
Property & financial settlement
There is no automatic fifty-fifty split. Contributions and future needs both matter, and you do not need to wait for a divorce to settle. We explain how property is actually divided, then secure a settlement that binds.
Binding financial agreements
A binding financial agreement can be made before, during or after a relationship, settling how property would be divided. Strict formalities apply — each person needs independent legal advice — so we draft and review them to hold up when it counts.
Child support & maintenance
Beyond the standard child support assessment, parents can make binding child support agreements, and a former spouse or de facto partner may seek maintenance. We advise on making, reviewing and responding to both.
Family violence & intervention orders
Where safety is at risk we act immediately — applying for or responding to intervention orders and urgent parenting orders, and advising how they affect the rest of your matter. In immediate danger, always call 000 first.
What to expect
How a family matter unfolds.
Every family is different, but the shape of a matter is usually the same. Here is how we guide you through it.
Costs, agreed before we start.
Every matter begins with a letter of engagement and a written fee estimate, and defined steps such as a divorce application or consent orders can often be quoted as a fixed fee. If anything changes the scope, you hear it from us first — with a revised estimate, not a surprise invoice.
Good to know
Common questions in family law.
Is there a time limit on property settlement?
Yes. Married couples generally have 12 months from the day a divorce becomes final. De facto couples have two years from separation. Outside those limits you need the court's permission to bring a claim, so it pays to get advice early, even if you are not ready to act.
Do we have to attend mediation before going to court?
Usually, for parenting matters. Most parents must attempt family dispute resolution, a structured form of mediation, and obtain a certificate before applying for parenting orders. Exceptions apply where a matter is urgent or where there is family violence. We advise which path applies to you.
What should I bring to a first appointment?
Whatever you have to hand: any court documents or letters from the other side, a rough list of assets and debts, and your questions. If you have little on paper, that is fine too. The first conversation is about understanding your situation, not testing your paperwork.
My safety, or my children's safety, is at risk. What can be done quickly?
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. Beyond that, the law can move quickly: intervention orders, urgent parenting applications and recovery orders can be sought at short notice. Tell us the matter is urgent and we will treat it that way from the first call.
Do the same rules apply to de facto couples?
Largely, yes. De facto couples, including same-sex couples, generally have the same parenting obligations and similar property entitlements as married couples once the relationship has lasted two years, there is a child of the relationship, or substantial contributions have been made. The main difference is the time limit: property claims must generally be made within two years of separation.
How long does a property settlement take?
When both people are ready to resolve it, most settlements are agreed within a few months and formalised through consent orders. Contested matters take longer, and a case that runs to a final hearing can take well over a year. The earlier the full financial picture is on the table, the faster things move.
Speak with a family lawyer.
One call tells you where you stand: your options, what to expect, and the best path forward for you and your family.