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Highly Experienced Domestic Violence Lawyers Melbourne

Book Your First Appointment with our expert family lawyers today and know where you stand.

Expert Support & Advice

Since 1922, Pearsons have been listening, advising and guiding people through the difficult maze of divorce and separation.  We understand what you’re going through and our team is standing by ready to help.

Get A Fair Outcome

We’ll work towards getting you a fair and equitable outcome whilst minimising your stress, cost and time.

Know Where You Stand

Book Your First Appointment and get all your questions answered, discuss your options, understand your entitlements &  know what your divorce will cost.

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Experienced Family Lawyers

Trusted Domestic Violence Lawyers Melbourne

If you, a family member or someone you know is experiencing family or domestic violence, help is available. Pearson Lawyers are highly experienced and compassionate Family and Domestic Violence Lawyers Melbourne, who always prioritise the best interests of their clients. Domestic violence can have a devastating effect on everyone involved and can take many forms. Family violence constitutes any type of violence that occurs between people in a family unit, intimate partnership or dependant care relationship. It is also commonly interchangeable with the term domestic violence.

“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)

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Domestic Violence, Family Court Proceedings and Parenting Plans

If you are currently facing Family Law proceedings, and there are also intervention orders or family violence charges to navigate, matters can become more complicated for victims and respondents. When children are involved, and a parent has committed family violence or requires protection from another person in the family, it’s essential to speak to an experienced lawyer. Getting the right advice before attending court can make a world of difference to the outcomes of parenting and court orders.

Dividing assets, leaving the family home or deciding what to do with property, and the best interests of your child, or children, is generally difficult at the best of times. If one party has safety concerns, or there are intervention orders in place, a lawyer with a solid working knowledge of family law and family violence will protect your needs and rights. Please speak to our team today if you have an upcoming court case or require immediate help navigating property or parenting matters.

We are well-equipped to handle any family violence matters you may be facing, and here to support you with your upcoming matters.

Get started with Pearson’s Lawyers today by booking in your appointment.

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Client Reviews & Testimonials

Margaret was very friendly & explained everything we needed to of doing our Wills
Susan Cremona
Susan C.
05:10 17 Feb 25
Margaret was very informative and did a great job.
Mia Calvo
Mia C.
05:04 13 Feb 25
Margaret was extremely helpful. Took the time to explain the ins and outs of everything that we didn’t understand. Leading the way, answering all questions that we had and completed the work in a professional manner. Couldn’t ask for a better solicitor. No hesitations in recommending her.
Veronica Jandula
Veronica J.
07:48 03 Feb 25
Margaret is so professional and a pleasure to work with.
Rosa Pangallo
Rosa P.
00:53 03 Feb 25
Thank you Margaret Stockdale, it was a pleasure and wonderful working with you. Your knowledge and quick responses made me feel very taken care of and I appreciate your time.
Lisa Colombo
Lisa C.
07:57 30 Jan 25
Excellent work, highly recommend
Brendan Chiller
Brendan C.
02:55 23 Jan 25
I am very grateful and happy with the assistance received by Pearsons. Margaret Stockdale has extremely professional, provided great advice and demonstrated genuine care and understanding whilst assisting my Mum and I.Most appreciated.Highly recommend.
Debbie Mazzotta
Debbie M.
05:35 16 Jan 25
Good. Well on top of their area of expertise.
frank manti
frank M.
06:59 25 Dec 24
Margaret was very helpful and prepared when organising the wills and power of attorney’s for myself and my partner. The process was straightforward and easily understood, and we feel confident having approached Pearsons for this service.
Xav Ryan
Xav R.
02:19 19 Dec 24
We couldn’t have asked for a better solicitor than Margaret to assist with organising our mother’s Will and Power of Attorney. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care made the entire process seamless and stress-free. Margaret took the time to explain every step clearly, ensuring that we fully understood and felt confident in the decisions being made. We are incredibly grateful for her guidance and highly recommend her to anyone in need of expert legal assistance.
Than Gotovac
Than G.
02:14 11 Dec 24
Margaret is lovely. She made me feel comfortable from the minute I met her. She explained things very well and checked that I understood. Very happy with the services.
Rubina White
Rubina W.
23:28 10 Dec 24
Professional. Helpful and very easy to deal with.
Luisa Modesti
Luisa M.
21:26 15 Feb 24
Pearsons Family Lawyers

Latest Articles

What happens to the Pets when you Separate?

What happens to the Pets when you Separate?

When parties separate it is not unusual for clients to ask “who gets the family dog/cat/rabbit/bird etcetera”  Currently, the family pet is treated as property and not as a member of the family. In...

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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Domestic Violence?

Family violence is still sadly common and can occur across many relationship dynamics. It frequently occurs in intimate partnerships, such as marriages, de facto relationships and other relationships with a partner or family member. Any family members can be involved in this type of violence- mothers, fathers, siblings, uncles or aunts, grandparents, guardians and foster carers. There are even times when the abuse occurs by a child, in cases of parental and elder abuse.

Many types of abuse can occur, which are defined in the Family Violence Protection Act, including :

  • Financial or economic abuse – This is when someone controls finances or is economically abusive towards a family member or partner.
  • Physical violence – This includes all forms of physical violence, physical cruelty and physical harm and also considers threats of other particular behaviours.
  • Sexual violence – Any sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual coercion and other inappropriate or unlawful forms of sexually violent crime.
  • Emotional, mental, verbal and psychological abuse – Emotionally, mentally, verbally or psychologically abusing a partner or family member can take many forms, including using threats. These types of abuse include coercive control or actions that make another person fear something happening, including harming loved ones, pets or damaging property.

 

“The Family Law Act of 1975 states that – “Violent, threatening or other behaviour by a person that coerces or controls a member of the person’s family, or causes the family member to be fearful”, is domestic or family violence.

If you are currently experiencing Domestic or Family Violence, we recommend you get in touch for a confidential discussion about your options. We can work with you if you are an affected family member seeking help or a respondent to a Family Violence Intervention Order and handle all matters with sensitivity.

What is a Family Violence Intervention Order?

An FVIO is a protective order that is put in place to prevent certain people from attending certain places or engaging in certain types of behaviour. These orders are granted by a court, and are similar to a PSIO (Personal Safety Intervention Order), but apply to members considered part of a family unit or in an intimate or dependent relationship. The police may grant them on behalf of an affected person or persons. This can happen for instance, if the police attend a home and feel that the circumstances indicate a reasonable need for one party to be protected from another.

These orders are called Interim Orders and have an effect while a Magistrates Court hearing is organised. An Interim Order stays in place until the hearing date. A final order will be made on that day if the court is satisfied it is needed. A respondent to a PSIO is not facing a criminal charge if an order is granted. Criminal charges can be laid if the order is breached and the respondent is found guilty. If you have an upcoming court date, it’s wise to enlist a lawyer. Pearsons can support you and act on your behalf if you have an upcoming family violence case.

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Is Domestic Violence A Criminal Offence in Australia?

Yes, domestic and Family Violence Offences can be treated as Criminal matters in Australia. A protective intervention order, such as an FVIO, is not a criminal matter, though – it is a civil order that seeks to prevent a person from taking specific actions. Family violence intervention orders are heard in a Magistrates Court and can result in family violence charges if they are breached. Pleading guilty to a breach in court can result in criminal charges and a criminal record, making the matter a Criminal Law matter.

If you have committed family violence or are facing a family violence charge, it’s important to seek legal advice. Pearson’s Lawyers have extensive experience navigating the intricacies of family violence cases and can ensure you receive the right advice before attending court.

Are Domestic and Family Violence Discussions Confidential?

If you are experiencing family violence from a partner or family member or responding to family violence orders or charges, getting the right advice and support is crucial. We offer a confidential discussion and will handle your matters with sensitivity.

We understand it can be hard to seek assistance in these circumstances and the truly devastating effect Family Violence can have. That’s why it’s necessary to enlist the help of the Domestic Violence Lawyers Melbourne known for their empathetic approach and highly professional approaches to Family and Domestic Violence matters – Pearsons Lawyers.

If you or someone you care about is in danger and needs immediate help, please contact 000.

Pearsons Family Lawyers

Let’s Work Together

Step 1: Book Your First Appointment

No strings attached. No hidden costs. Just a confidential, one-on-one consultation with an expert family lawyer.

Step 2: Talk To An Expert

Get all your questions answered, discuss your options, understand your entitlements & know what your divorce will cost.

Step 3: Know Where You Stand

You’ll get the advice you need to move on with your life and find the happiness you deserve whilst getting a fair and equitable split.

Know Where You Stand

Book Your First Appointment

During your first appointment we will:

  • Discuss your circumstances.
  • Answer any questions about the divorce process.
  • Discuss your options.
  • Advise you of your entitlements.
  • Provide you with information about the cost of a divorce and separation.

Call our office or fill in the contact form to book your first appointment.

Office Hours

Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm
(Please note we are closed between 1-2pm)

> Office Locations

> Call 1300 699 688

Book Your First Appointment