Family Lawyers Melbourne
Pearsons Lawyers
Whether you’re dealing with divorce or separation, parenting-related negotiations, property disputes or financial settlements, our Melbourne family lawyers are here to guide you through these challenging times.
Know where you stand. Book your Free initial consultation today.
Get Your First Appointment Free
All Family Law Matters
With a legacy of over 100 years, we have been supporting our clients in achieving favourable outcomes that serve their best interests. We are committed to offering expert guidance and unwavering support throughout your family law journey.
Get The Right Legal Advice
If you’re experiencing a relationship breakdown, our highly experienced Family Lawyers are ready to help successfully resolve your matter, assisting you in reaching a fair and equitable outcome for all parties involved.
Free Initial Consultation
Take the first step toward understanding your rights, obligations and entitlements by scheduling a complimentary initial consultation with our team. It’s a no-obligation opportunity to gain clarity on your unique situation.
Specialist Family Law Firm
Why Work With Pearsons Family Lawyers?
Awards & Memberships
Know Where You Stand
Easily Navigate the Complex Landscape of Family Law
The Family Law Act 1975 can be incredibly confusing and stressful to understand, and for many, it’s absolutely overwhelming when paired with a significant family dispute.
Family Law matters can affect things we hold dear in our hearts – our relationship with current and former partners, our parents, children, grandchildren, the family home and the stability of our financial future.
At Pearsons Lawyers, we understand the challenges you may face and are dedicated to helping you navigate the complex legal maze. Our team are skilled negotiators who will be on your side, every step of the way, to deliver a personalised outcome that reflects you and your family’s best interests.
Pearsons is a specialist Family Law firm located in the Melbourne CBD with 16 other conveniently located offices.
“The thing about having over 35 years of experience in Family Law is that you do not panic. In a crisis you stay calm and remain courageous so that you do not lose focus on what is important, namely the clients’ needs.” – Leanne Abela (Principal Director)
See What Our Clients Say
Client Reviews & Testimonials
Pearsons Family Lawyers
Latest Articles on Family Law
Thriving Together at the Pearsons Lawyers Conference!
On July 19, 2024, the Pearsons Lawyers team gathered for a day of inspiration, learning, and connection at our annual conference! We were thrilled to have the esteemed Barrister Cath Devine share her expertise on drafting and editing Binding Child...
Binding Financial Agreements (2024)
Protect your Financial Future with a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) Whether you're entering a relationship, navigating its complexities, or ending one, a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) offers you peace of mind by clearly outlining the...
What Can A De Facto Spouse Claim?
The word “de facto” means that although not intended, legal or accepted, something exists in fact. In other words, in the case of a de facto relationship it means that although parties are not married or the relationship is not registered, the...
We Help You Get a Fair Outcome
How Can Our Family Lawyers Help?
Family Matters
Hidden FIeld
Family Mediation & Family Dispute Resolution
Family Mediation and Family Dispute Resolution are highly effective ways to sidestep the stress of the Family Court system. While some disputes may ultimately require court intervention, most of our clients find these methods provide a much faster and more constructive path to negotiate and resolve issues.
Not only do they minimise stress, but they also significantly reduce the legal costs associated with divorce, separations, and other family law matters. It’s an approach that prioritises cooperation and negotiating both parties’ needs, putting everyone’s wellbeing at the forefront.
Family Court Representation
If your matter cannot be resolved out of court, or if one party is pursuing that avenue, we can help. However, navigating the family court process can be daunting, especially without experienced legal representation. When dealing with The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, having the best Family Lawyers can make all the difference.
It’s crucial to seek advice well before your court appearance to ensure you are fully prepared and aware of your rights and options. Having skilled representation can be the key to a smoother and more successful legal journey. You can rest assured that by working with us, you’ll have access to some of the most highly skilled and experienced family lawyers Melbourne offers.
Collaborative Family Law Services
Our specialised Collaborative Law services are designed to address family law issues exclusively. This approach emphasises teamwork and open communication, aiming to foster amicable resolutions. By prioritising cooperation, we work with you to navigate the complexities of family law, ensuring that your unique circumstances are considered while seeking fair and mutually beneficial solutions.
An Accredited Specialist in Family Law
An Accredited Family Law specialist is more than a highly professional family lawyer – they are a lawyer who has studied and been assessed in their area of expertise and must have practised in their area for a set timeframe. Our Accredited Family Lawyers can help you resolve family disputes with their exceptional knowledge of the Family Law Act and dedication to their practice.
Domestic Violence & Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIO)
If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.
We understand the urgency and sensitivity of these situations and provide support to ensure your safety. Our legal team can assist you in obtaining the necessary orders to safeguard against any form of abuse, creating a safe environment for you and your loved ones.
There are two main intervention orders in Victoria, Personal Safety Intervention Orders (PSIO) and Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIO). For family violence matters, we can assist with issuing an FVIO on your behalf.
Family violence intervention orders (FVIO)
A family violence Intervention order (FVIO) may also be referred to as a domestic violence order (DVO), intervention order, protection order, family violence order (FVO), or violence restraining order (VRO) in different states and territories.
Family violence is defined as harmful behavior that is used to control, threaten, force, or dominate a family member through fear. This includes physical acts like hitting or pushing, sexual abuse such as pressuring someone into unwanted sexual activities, emotional or psychological abuse like controlling who they interact with or where they can go, and financial abuse such as controlling their finances.
It is important to note that children are also protected under the law if they are exposed to family violence. This includes situations where a child assists an abused family member, witnesses property damage in the family home, or is present during a family violence incident when the police arrive.
Victoria Police are required to respond to all reports of family violence, irrespective of whether the victim wants them to intervene. This is because the safety of the person and their children is of utmost importance.
Learn more about Family Violence Intervention Orders (FVIO).
Child Matters
Hidden FIeld
Child Custody & Parenting Arrangements
Child Support & Agreements
Navigating child support matters can be complex. Our family law team can help you create a binding child support agreement, calculate child support payments and understand Child Support assessment via the Child Support Scheme. We can assist with private agreements at the same time as property settlement occurs.
We provide guidance and support, ensuring the financial wellbeing of your children is protected. Whether you’re responsible for child support or receiving it, our legal experts help you understand your rights, obligations, and options, ensuring that agreements and child support payable are both fair and sustainable for all parties involved.
Child Protection & Child Safety Matters
We will work to ensure your child’s best interests are protected, and our legal team can provide guidance and representation to secure the safety and welfare of your child, whether through negotiations, court proceedings, or intervention orders.
Child Abduction & Recovery
Matters involving child abduction can be highly distressing for those involved. We can help you negotiate your child or children’s return, whether within Australia or internationally. If this is an urgent matter, please get in touch with the relevant authorities immediately, and our team of family lawyers in Melbourne can assist you from there.
Independent Children's Lawyer
An Independent Children’s Lawyer is a legal representative who advocates for children’s best interests in family law matters, ensuring their voice is heard and their welfare is prioritised throughout the process.
Relationships
Hidden FIeld
Divorce & Separation
Our divorce lawyers will help you to navigate the complex legal landscape of divorce and separation for a smoother transition into a new chapter of life. Our experienced family lawyers provide support to help you through these challenging times. They can assist you with complicated divorce orders and ensure you obtain advice regarding further considerations, such as children’s matters or family law disputes that arise after your relationship breaks down.
De Facto Relationships
When it comes to family law, understanding your rights and responsibilities in de facto relationships is crucial. Our legal experts offer valuable advice on financial and property matters, ensuring your interests are protected. Whether entering or exiting a de facto relationship, our team can guide you through the legal complexities, ensuring that your financial security is upheld and any potential disputes are resolved with clarity and fairness.
Same-Sex & LGBTIQ+ Relationships
Pearsons Lawyers specialises in providing comprehensive legal assistance and guidance for same-sex couples. We address various issues, such as property rights, parenting arrangements, and financial agreements tailored to the unique dynamics of same-sex relationships. Our experienced team of family lawyers is committed to safeguarding your rights and interests, providing you with the necessary legal support to navigate these matters smoothly.
Spousal Maintenance
Surrogacy & Adoption
Property, Finance & Estate
Hidden FIeld
Property and Financial Settlements
Efficient and equitable division of property and assets during separation is our expertise. We ensure you receive a fair settlement, considering your financial interests and security. Our team works diligently to assess and divide assets, including real estate, investments, and personal property, to help you secure your financial future while resolving any disputes that may arise.
We can also help you with more complicated property settlement matters, such as complex companies and trust structures, splitting self-managed superannuation funds, or having previous financial agreements overturned.
Binding Financial Agreements
Binding Financial Agreements after a Divorce Order or relationship breakdown can be sorted out without attending court in most cases. Still, it’s vital to get expert advice before signing anything.
Our experienced and highly professional family lawyers can help you sort out your financial future so you can move forward by negotiating and formalising legally sound, binding financial agreements.
Whether entering a new relationship, considering marriage, or looking to protect your assets, our team can help you draft comprehensive and legally binding financial agreements that provide clarity and security.
Wills & Power of Attorney (POA)
Protect your loved ones and assets by creating a personalised will. Our team of legal experts can help you draft a will that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are taken care of in the event of your passing. We can also assist you in setting up Power of Attorney arrangements for personal, financial, or medical decision-making.
International & Cross-Jurisdictional Matters
Our team understand that relationship breakdown and parenting disputes can be even more complex when parties live in different countries or work with cross-jurisdictional legal frameworks. They will skillfully guide you through your matter, ensuring you have the right advice, legal services and support to resolve your situation.
Support in Many Languages
Our team of Melbourne Family Lawyers can help you resolve your family law matters in several languages, including:
- Arabic (العربية).
- Chinese Cantonese (粤语)
- Chinese Mandarin (普通话)
- Italian (Italiano)
- Korean (한국어)
- Maltese (Malti)
- Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)
Please let us know when you contact our office if you have language needs not listed above – we may still be able to help.
You can also Meet Our Team here for more information about what we do and what languages we can offer you legal advice in.