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International Family Lawyers Melbourne

Our experienced team of international family lawyers in Melbourne provide legal support for cross-border divorce, international parenting disputes, relocation issues and complex overseas property matters.

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A Century Handling Family Law Cases

With decades of experience in family law, our team has helped countless clients address the challenges of international relationships, providing outcomes that prioritise family stability and long-term legal security.

Legal Support In Many Languages

Pearsons is a specialist family law firm offering exceptional support across cultures and borders, with support in many languages, including in Cantonese (粤语), Mandarin (普通话), Maltese (Malti), and Italian (Italiano).

Personalised Legal Advice

Our skilled lawyers will help you understand your rights, entitlements, and obligations, including those related to divorce, parenting and property settlement across jurisdictions.

International Family Law Specialists

Supporting Clients in Complex International Family Law Matters

Awards & Memberships

Family Law Accredited Specialist
ALPMA – Australasian Legal Practice Management Association
Law Institute Victoria
Family Law Section – Law Council of Australia
JustFund
eBrief Ready
AABWA – Australian Asian Business Women's Association
CPA Australia
Western Suburbs Law Association Inc
Northern Suburbs Law Association Inc
Doyle's Guide Recommended – Parenting Law 2019
Doyle's Guide Recommended – Family Law 2019

Melbourne's Family Law Specialists

Australian Family Lawyers For International Family Law & Divorce Matters

International family law can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves cross-border relationships, parenting disputes, or property held overseas. Our Melbourne-based international family lawyers are here to clarify your rights and guide you through every step of the process with confidence and care.

Whether you’re facing a recent separation, an international custody matter, or a complex dispute involving multiple jurisdictions, our experienced legal team ensures you understand where you stand and how to move forward. At Pearsons Family Lawyers, we focus on simplifying complex legal issues and delivering outcomes that support your future, both legally and personally.

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Do you need assistance with cross-border family law disputes or international divorce?

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We'll Fight For Your Rights

We Simplify the Legal Process - Even Across Borders

Family law matters are complicated enough without trying to manage legal documents and court proceedings that need to meet the criteria for different countries. We have extensive experience helping our clients meet both Australian family law requirements and those of overseas jurisdictions. We can help you with:

  • Cross-border divorce & separation
  • International parenting arrangements & relocation
  • International parental child abduction (Hague Convention matters)
  • Overseas property division or property interests
  • Child support assessment & child support payments
  • International spousal maintenance
  • Family dispute resolution & mediation
  • Binding financial agreements
  • Family violence & intervention orders
  • ICL involvement in international parenting cases

You can rest assured that when you work with us, you'll be working with a team with legal expertise across all family and relationship law matters.

See What Our Clients Say

Client Reviews & Testimonials

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Andrea Guy profile picture
Andrea Guy
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I had an extremely messy divorce, a husband that was difficult at every turn and lots of companies and property. I had been elsewhere and had want of a better word been screwed over by the previous law firm. Then I found Leanne and Deb. I was a mess during the 4 years it took to finally get the matter settled. Leanne, Deb, Jen and team were supportive, professional and would often advise what to be concerned about and what would just be wasting time and money. I gained exactly what I originally offered the ex and paid about 150K less than the law firm my ex went with. I could see the other firm were milking him for fees, but where possible Deb saved me money. So in the end, I got what I wanted, the EX did not. Very professional team and highly recommended
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Emma Rowe profile picture
Emma Rowe
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My lawyer was Venus Pham. Venus was excellent. Thank you Venus!
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Sandra Pott profile picture
Sandra Pott
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Louis Horsley guided me throughout my divorce and financial separation over several months. He was always prompt, professional and very clear in his communication. All my questions were addressed and clearly explained throughout the process so that I could decide what was and wasnt worth pursuing. He was always accomodating scheduling our telephone meetings which was appreciated. It was an efficient process facilitated by his fast communication turnaround, despite the lack of agreement between parties. I'm relieved its completed!!
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Kathy Sun profile picture
Kathy Sun
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I highly recommend Pearsons Lawyers for family law matters. Deborah Sim is exceptionally professional, knowledgeable, and strategic in her approach. She provides clear, practical advice and quickly understands the key issues and priorities. Her guidance is well-balanced, combining strong legal insight with a calm and considered approach, which gives clients confidence throughout the process. I also appreciated her thoughtful approach to managing costs, ensuring work is handled efficiently and appropriately across the team without compromising quality. Cheree Qiao and Jen Lamb were also excellent to work with. They were responsive, attentive, and consistently detail-oriented, making communication smooth and efficient. Overall, the team is highly professional, well-organised, and client-focused. I would confidently recommend Pearsons Lawyers to others seeking reliable family law support.
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Yi Zhang profile picture
Yi Zhang
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Jeffrey Hung profile picture
Jeffrey Hung
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I highly recommend Brenda Ling at Pearsons Family Lawyers. She has demonstrated exceptional knowledge in my family law matters and at the same time listening to understand with empathy and compassion. Her advice has given me a clear insight which ultimately resolved my situation without much complications.
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Paul Leone profile picture
Paul Leone
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I recently worked with Sam Dzeladin‑Elez through my separation and divorce settlement, and I couldn’t have asked for better support. Sam was consistently approachable, understanding, and willing to listen to every concern I raised. He guided me through each stage of the process with clarity and patience. While legal matters are always a significant investment, Sam’s fees were clearly explained, transparent, and communicated openly throughout. I always felt informed and confident in the decisions being made. I highly recommend Sam to anyone needing reliable and compassionate legal representation.
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Lynsey Gough profile picture
Lynsey Gough
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Thank you to Lisa Wise and the team at Pearsons lawyers. I cannot recommend enough how important it was to have a well established, highly knowledgeable and experienced team of legal professionals advocating for me, whilst dealing with my family matter and financial settlement. I saw first hand the difference it makes to have the right lawyers on my side. I am so grateful for Lisa, Sara Taylor and the entire team at Pearsons for guiding me through this challenging time in my life.
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Riyaz Abdul profile picture
Riyaz Abdul
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Five stars! I highly recommend Pearson's Lawyers for anyone needing legal representation. Andrew McDonald has been absolutely excellent from day one. He looked after our matter with incredible expertise and experience, resolving everything in just one to two sittings. Andrew made a highly stressful process completely stress-free. He was helpful with drafting paperwork, providing court representation, and following up with the registry office. we have never experienced a single issue throughout the entire process. We couldn't expect anything better. Offering the best results at an affordable cost. Thank you, Andrew and the Pearson's team!
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No Name profile picture
No Name
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I had a really positive experience working with Venus. She was consistently prompt, efficient, and professional, and communicated clearly throughout the entire process. What stood out most was her ability to provide practical, well-considered guidance. She demonstrated strong foresight and strategy, and worked very effectively with the other parties to keep things moving toward resolution. Venus also approached everything with a genuine customer-focused mindset. She was mindful of my time, effort, and cost, and was honest about what was and wasn’t worth pursuing - which I really appreciated. That level of transparency and care goes above and beyond. More broadly, I was very impressed with the firm. Their assessments were accurate, and the outcome aligned closely with what was anticipated, which speaks to their experience and capability. I’d confidently recommend Venus and Pearsons Lawyers to anyone needing family law support.

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Whether you're in Melbourne or overseas, we offer expert family law support via phone, video, or in-person across our Melbourne offices. Book your first appointment today.

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We’ll listen to your concerns, outline your legal options, and give you clear, practical advice about your rights, entitlements, and likely legal costs upfront.

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Our experienced team will guide you through complex cross-border family law issues, helping you move forward confidently towards a fair and lasting resolution.

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During your free appointment with one of our experienced lawyers, we will:

  • Discuss your circumstances and concerns.
  • Answer any questions about the legal process.
  • Explain your options and potential pathways.
  • Provide information about your legal rights, obligations and entitlements.
  • Outline the likely costs and timeframes involved.

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

Office Hours

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

> Office Locations

> Call 1300 699 688

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Is a family law matter decided under the Australian Family Law Act if one person lives somewhere else?

Yes, it can, depending on both parties' wishes. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia can decide matters under the Family Law Act 1975 if one party is an Australian citizen, ordinarily resident, or domiciled (living permanently) in Australia. However, if the other partner wants the matter heard in their country, this may lead to a jurisdictional dispute.

If a case is pending overseas, a party may apply to stay or dismiss the Australian proceedings, arguing that the overseas country is more appropriate. The issue becomes one of jurisdictional conflict or forum non conveniens (i.e., which is the most appropriate forum).

Can I get a divorce in Australia if I wasn't married there?

Yes. You can apply for divorce in Australia if you or your spouse is an Australian citizen, ordinarily resident, or has lived in Australia for at least 12 months. The marriage must be legally recognised in Australia. Seeking legal advice to ensure proper process and avoid legal complexities when attending court.

How are parenting arrangements and child custody determined for divorced parents who want to live in different countries?

The courts prioritise the best interests of the child and consider international relocation carefully. If relocation affects the child’s relationship with the other parent, the court may refuse it. An Independent Children's Lawyer may be appointed. Chat to our Melbourne family lawyers today to find out more about how we can help with your international family law journey.

What is the Hague Convention?

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a global treaty that aims to protect children from wrongful removal or retention across international borders. It enables the prompt return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence. Australia and many other countries are signatories, and the Australian Federal Police may assist. It's essential to contact the police and seek legal advice immediately if child abduction is suspected.

How is international child abduction prevented or stopped in parenting matters in Australia?

The Australian Federal Circuit and Family Court, working with the Australian Federal Police, can issue orders to prevent travel, seize passports or place children on the airport watch list. Australia follows the Hague Convention to recover abducted children from other countries. Seek urgent legal advice if you have any concerns regarding protecting your children from unlawful removal.

What happens with property settlement if only one party is in Australia?

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia can make property settlement orders if it has jurisdiction over either party. Foreign assets, self-managed superannuation funds or assets in an overseas country may be included.

Enforcement abroad depends on reciprocal recognition. Always seek advice regarding international issues as early as possible to ensure a fair and equitable outcome.

How are financial agreements made and enforced in separate legal jurisdictions?

Financial agreements made in Australia after a marriage, same-sex relationship, or de facto relationship end must comply with the Family Law Act. Recognition overseas depends on the other country’s laws. Cross-border agreements require legal advice from both jurisdictions. Seeking advice will ensure agreements are valid and enforceable.

Is child support still paid if parents live in different countries?

Yes. Under Australia’s Child Support Scheme, child support arrangements can apply internationally if the overseas country has a reciprocal agreement, and a Child Support Assessment is in place. Binding child support agreements can also be enforced across borders. Child support payable depends on income and care arrangements. Get in touch with our international family law team for advice on managing international child support agreements properly.

Book A Free Chat With Our International Family Lawyers Today

If you are ready to speak to someone, please get in touch today and book your first appointment. Our international family lawyers will be there for you.