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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.

Book your Free initial consultation with one of our team members today.

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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?

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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.

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Need a Family Law Firm?

“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

Professional. Helpful and very easy to deal with.
Luisa Modesti
Luisa M.
21:26 15 Feb 24
I was recommended to go to Pearsons Lawyers and speak to Leanne Abela about my family law matter. I was told that Leanne and her team will win your case! From my initial meeting to my very last court hearing Pearson’s Lawyers have provided exceptional professionalism and the highest level of compassion during one of the most challenging times in my life. Louis Horsley was appointed my solicitor and his expertise, knowledge and genuine care for me and my two young boys was unbelievable. We had a complex legal case and nothing thrown his way was left defeated. Louis is extremely committed he ensured I got the best outcome and kept me grounded and focused through the whole process. To come away with the win was an unbelievable feeling and to be able to trust a team of people who were fighting my battle with me, was truly remarkable! Thank you Louis, Kenny, Karen, Christine, and Leanne! You are amazing people to do the work you do and deal with the stress of your clients with such respect and grace! I am forever grateful! Louis you are an absolute legend and I wish you all the success in your career, you are amazing!
Dahnielle Fox
Dahnielle F.
12:16 06 Feb 24
I dealt with a difficult case where goal posts changed and an inconsistent and nasty approach from the other side dragged proceedings on for a long time. Kenny with great support from Joe lead me through the details and assured me of the process. Amanda was great closing out with a completely unexpected win for my children and I.The team at Glenroy as a whole is warm, welcoming, supportive and professional, I wasn't mislead in any way and prepped well for whatever situation we were facing, I applaud the team as they really do go along the journey with you.I hope anyone reading this doesn't face the same as I did but if you're looking for a good all round professional and experienced team, look no further than Pearson's Glenroy. Stay patient and listen to their advise.Thanks to Kenny, Joe, Amanda, Loriene, Jayne, Christine, Sam, Andrew, Venus and anyone else remotely associated with my case, life changing and appreciated.Regards,Nick E
Nicholas Eilers
Nicholas E.
00:04 07 Sep 23
Venus PhamI uldlike to express my most sincere thanks for the most professional representation. You have stuck by me through thos months in dealing with this very stressful case. I admire your composure, work ethic and most of all excellent representation, and I know that you will be on my side until the very end. And thanks Leanne for her unforgettable support.❤️
Edivania De Oliveira
Edivania De O.
23:50 26 Jul 23
I met with Jacqui Spry. She was the most down to earth and up front person I’ve ever come across. She never gave up on me. Jacqui always let me know what was happening and what could happen along the way. She kept the fees down as much as she could under the circumstances. It was the most traumatic time I’ve ever had in my whole life (a horrible domestic violence situation), although she helped me keep it together. She helped me to do what I thought was the undoable. Jacqui was fantastic and I’m so glad I had her to represent me. 😊
Leanne Beattie
Leanne B.
06:39 27 Jun 23
Thank you to Leanne and Louis and the team at Pearsons (Glenroy). The Pearsons team secured a great result for me and I am very grateful for their assistance and professionalism throughout our engagement. Thanks again
Iman G
Iman G
11:31 26 Apr 23
Very informative
Dobbie Porter
Dobbie P.
11:25 18 Apr 23
Exceptional service, guidance and professionalism. Highly recommended
meagan evans
meagan E.
05:37 06 Feb 23
Leanne, Anne and Deborah have been remarkable! These professional women are transparent, honest, hardworking and most importantly they remain child focused at all times without a doubt. They have gone well above and beyond expectations and they are respectful, understanding and empathetic. They were recommended to me by a highly regarded criminal Lawyer as being extremely well respected Lawyers within the Family Court system - this is accurate on every level as they have conducted themselves with professionalism. Anne, Deborah and Leanne are extremely knowledgable, most certainly ethical and absolutely fearless!I have experienced first hand that practising Family Law is not simply just a job for Anne, Deborah and Leanne, but rather a passion for enhancing family peace and security.
Sarah Halloran
Sarah H.
05:46 11 Nov 22
Joe your a gun, i cant thank you enough for your assistance. Considering the last min notice you and your team came through for me, i can only imagine what you could of accomplished on a much larger time frame. Straight to the point no bs i only wish I knew about you sooner. Family law specialist see Joe at Pearsons you wont be disappointed. I look forward to working with you in the future and once again i can't express my gratitude enough , better to have him on side than against thats for sure.🙏🙏 thank you, thank you! I'll definitely be recommending your firm and your services. 🙂
Elizabeth Zourkas
Elizabeth Z.
05:41 13 Oct 22
My Father recommended Pearsons Lawyers to me years ago Then recently another trusted referral. From Solicitors Leanne, Brenda, Vertiy, Karen at Reception. The team are fantastic. Understanding. Sincerely interested in protecting your welfare and have your best interests at heart. I feel safe with Pearsons Lawyers looking after me. Thankyou Pearsons Lawyers.
Birute Ohlmann
Birute O.
02:27 26 Sep 22
Cannot recommend Helen Le at pearsons lawyers enough! From the start til very end Helen was extremely helpful and put up with my constant calls annoying her with all the silly questions and worrying. Helen always listened to me and actually helped me come out with a lot better outcome then I expected. Once again can not recommend Helen enough!!
Aaron Tomkinson
Aaron T.
02:24 18 Jul 22
Pearsons Family Lawyers

Latest Articles on Family Law

How Does Child Support Work in Australia?

How Does Child Support Work in Australia?

Before 1989, child maintenance issues were dealt with by the Family Court. This was cumbersome and expensive and often the amount of child support obtained, did not justify the financial and emotional costs involved. Also, the amounts awarded were...

read more
Simple Questions To Ask Your Family Lawyer

Simple Questions To Ask Your Family Lawyer

Family law is complex, and can be made even more complex if there are emotional, psychological or other issues such as mental health, substance abuse and/or domestic violence. In the complex maze some answers to some basic questions may give you...

read more
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

Our team of family lawyers provide specialist family law advice to assist in achieving fair and practical parenting arrangements that prioritise the best interests of your children. We understand the importance of maintaining strong parent-child relationships while ensuring the child’s wellbeing. Our legal expertise helps you establish suitable parenting plans, facilitating effective co-parenting and minimising disputes so your children can thrive in a stable and nurturing environment.

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

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your child or children is paramount. Our lawyers can assist in child protection cases involving family members, relatives or, the Department of Families Fairness and Housing (formerly known as DOCS), foster care or any other matters pertaining to children’s safety.

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

Understanding and obtaining spousal maintenance can be vital in ensuring financial stability post-separation. Our legal experts will guide you through this process, helping you determine if you are eligible for paying or receiving spousal support as a part of your financial settlement. We will assist in the negotiation of financial matters or any legal proceedings required to maintain or secure financial stability after the end of a marriage or de facto relationship

Surrogacy & Adoption

It’s important to seek legal advice and have a clear roadmap in place before proceeding with surrogacy or adoption. Our family law specialists take a compassionate and thoughtful approach to our work in this area and are here to guide all parties to an agreement that best meets the needs of those involved.

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.

Pearsons Family Lawyers

Let’s Work Together

1. Book Your Free Consultation

Your first consultation with our experienced Family Lawyers in Melbourne won't cost you anything. There are no hidden charges or obligations - just a private, one-on-one chat to discuss your unique situation.

2. Consult with a Family Law Specialist

Explore your options and get your questions answered by one of our legal experts. You'll gain a clear understanding of your rights, entitlements and potential expenses involved.

3. Attain Clarity and Confidence

With the necessary guidance and legal solutions, you can move forward with your life, knowing you're equipped with the information and support to secure a fair and equitable resolution.

“I wanted to show my appreciation for all you have done for me over the last twelve months plus, not just for the final outcome, but the support & kindness you have shown me. You & your team have been amazing.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jill – Melbourne