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A message from Leanne Abela & Joseph Schepis.

Our offices remain open for business. Know where you stand with your first appointment free.
For those experiencing financial hardship at this time, we offer payment plans and payment options*.
We have offices in Melbourne CBD, Caulfield, Geelong, Glenroy, Moonee Ponds, Point Cook, South Morang, Sunshine & More.

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Depth and Diversity

It takes a special kind of legal professional to be a Pearsons’ person – determination, empathy, professional excellence, and resilience are all givens. Each of our lawyers and paralegals also has uniquely individual skills and passions. Yet they are all united by a focus on achieving the quickest and most cost-effective outcome for you.

Across our eight Melbourne offices, we have a team of more than 30 staff who practice only in the area of Family Law. Our solicitors and support staff are from a diversity of cultures and backgrounds and are ready to stand strong for you. It is this diversity that provides a unique perspective on every family law problem, which our team is committed to solving.

Leanne Abela
Principal Director

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Joseph Schepis
Principal Director

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Helen Chetcuti
Managing Solicitor

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Benita Crocker
Managing Solicitor

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Bani Mishra
Managing Solicitor

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Jacqui Spry
Senior Associate Solicitor

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Anne Ariyaratnam
Senior Associate Solicitor

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Felicity Francis
Senior Associate Solicitor

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Natalie Potenza
Associate Solicitor

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Amanda Vella
Solicitor

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Breana Cilia
Solicitor

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Andrew MacDonald
Solicitor

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Cassandra Vannitamby
Solicitor

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Christina Papadopoulos
Solicitor

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Louis Horsley
Solicitor

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Bani, Suzan & Kim – thank you very much for assisting with this process over the past few years. It has been very much appreciated.
Adrian

Google Rating

4.4

Based on 76 reviews

Pearsons Lawyers

4.4

Secil Bozdogan

06:40 19 Jan 21

Joe Schepis…an amazing soul! provides great, prompt service. He is simply outstanding in his fast & direct dealings backed up by excellent in-depth industry knowledge.Joe has been kind and understanding during my difficult times. He always goes above and beyond and has always been there for anything that I need, a very responsive, caring, and devoted solicitor. Joe has exceptional communication, paired with professionalism! The constant update and communication, both emails and phone calls has been amazing. It has been an absolute pleasure to deal with and engage with my Family Law Specialist at all times.I just want to say a heartfelt Thank You for his professionalism, honesty, attentiveness, efficiency, and care throughout the time I have dealt with Joe and will continue dealing with Joe, highly recommend and refer anyone in need of Family Law Specialist for the foreseen future.BIG thank you, Joe..

Leanne Beattie

09:21 14 Jan 21

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 what was quite a traumatic time for 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 experience I’ve been through, 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. 😊

carrissa ibbott

22:48 10 Jan 21

After my father passed away mid-divorce and pending settlement of assets, Glenroy office was extremely helpful in ensuring the legal matters could continue under the Executor of his will and the division of assets was dealt with at mediation without the burden of court.They worked remotely through COVID restrictions and also dealing with an interstate Executor with ease.Highly recommended.

Truong P

02:44 03 Jan 21

The team at Pearsons is extremely knowledgeable, professional, hard working, and responsive. Their attention to detail is second to none. They know the law very well and have gone above & beyond to provide their top notch service. I would definitely recommend Pearsons to anyone who requires assistance with family law. If Google allows me to give Pearsons 6 stars, I would have done so!

Maria Barbon

07:41 02 Jan 21

I was referred to Pearsons specifically Ms Leanne Abela by a girlfriend who had used Leanne for her divorce with a very successful outcome. I had been to two other large city family lawyers however, I did not feel satisfied or at ease with the information they provided. Once having met Leanne who is such a good listener as well as a great talker, I felt totally happy and so relieved with the information she provided. Leanne along with her fantastic staff worked tirelessly with my divorce case for over three years. She was professional, patient, empathetic, dedicated to my case, provided strength along the whole court system to achieve an outcome that was so pleasing.Leanne - I thank you sincerely for the friendship, caring, professional way you helped me during one of the most difficult times in my life. MGB

Joanne Hislop

03:12 23 Dec 20

From the first appointment with Leanne to the last Court date, Pearsons Lawyers has been an incredible support for me all the way. Leanne is an ethical, no nonsense, professional who (in partnership) leads a team of similar minded lawyers. Andrew MacDonald who was responsible for handling my 18 month divorce, I will forever have the utmost respect for; with his integrity, thoughtfulness and being the best damn letter writer on this earth. It has been an extremely difficult time, but in the end it was worth it with the result we achieved....basically exactly what Leanne estimated in the very first, half hour, free appointment.

James Young

04:09 21 Dec 20

Joseph Schepis and the team at the Glenroy office were efficient, friendly and thorough. They responded to my emails and calls quickly and helpfully every time I contacted them, and followed through on everything discussed to the highest of standards. They gave me total peace of mind at the difficult time in my life.

Kathleen Harris

02:07 08 Dec 20

Dealing with the team at Pearsons was so easy and comforting. Coming from a situation that was completely unfamiliar, I felt secure with the team knowing exactly what I needed to do and why. They communicated clearly throughout the entire process and checked in on my well-being at every interaction. I would highly recommend them again.

A. Val

22:34 30 Nov 20

Pearsons Lawyers and all their support staff are professional, punctual and extremely knowledgeable. They can frankly tell you all possible outcomes of your case right at the beginning. At the hearings I noticed that judges respect their lawyers due to their long-lasting reputation and professionalism in the industry. You can't go wrong if you choose them : )

Sheen Oberoi

14:15 27 Nov 20

Pearsons lawyers are very experienced and professional. They helped me a lot in my case. Hellen and her team gave me very good advise at every step and helped me in achieving best outcome for my child and me in my situation. My case went though over a year which was difficult time for me but their constant guidance me helped me to clearly understand and decide. I highly recommend Pearson Lawyers for family law.

Steven Mustica

00:22 14 Nov 20

Thank you Christina Papadopoulos for your patience and professionalism during my divorce hearing. Fantastic service 100%.

Tina D'Alesio

01:48 17 Oct 20

My family law matter was complicated. Everyone I dealt with at Pearson’s Legal worked with the utmost professionalism and carried out their part with the attention to detail that my case needed. They clearly have many years of experience and are passionate about, and genuinely interested in, their field. Their advice was always informative, practical and realistic. Throughout the entire case nothing was sent without my consent and any correspondence received was promptly sent to me.I highly recommend Pearson’s Legal as their caring, genuine and thorough approach provides the clarity and support one needs in difficult times.

aditi chauhan

02:48 08 Oct 20

I wanted to write to let you know how much your help in quickly resolving my case meant to me. I am so grateful to have you by my side.Divorce is never easy, but with your help, I was able to get through it.I cannot thank you enough for your assistance, time, and effort. I wish you continued success in your practice. I would not hesitate to recommend you to any friends or family members.Special thanks to Cassandra Vannitamby & Bani Mishra.

Amanda Benson

08:53 05 Oct 20

Pearsons Lawyers acted for me over a 5 year period for property and child access matters. They are very experienced and highly knowledgeable of the Family Court legal system and well respected by the Court. Most particularly, they were pragmatic in advising me how to achieve the best outcome for my child within the existing system. I would recommend them without hesitation.

D M

00:33 26 Sep 20

I used Helen as my lawyer for both my property and children matters. From the first meeting with Helen I knew I had met the right person to represent me. At that first meeting she told me my most likely outcome and she was spot on. Along the way I had many letter from my exes lawyer most designed to just intimidate me. Helen worked through all of it and told me straight up if there was anything of importance. She also let me know straight away if I was asking for something that I was not going to achieve so I would drop it and not waste time or money on it. I was also impressed with how she would try and save me money and would email or ring me back promptly. Sometimes it gets exhausting to keep fighting that is why it is important to have a lawyer who will fight for you. Helen is genuine and hardworking, I would recommend her to anyone.DP

Joseph Kalamata

07:59 25 Sep 20

Highly recommend Pearsons Lawyers. I went through a messy divorce in 2019 and the advice I received from Pearsons resulted in me keeping my business and working out an amicable outcome with my ex partner. If you're looking for a firm that is on-the-ball, responsive and exceptionally knowledgeable about family law, then I highly recommend you speak to Pearsons. They really do go above and beyond.

Aaron Hand

07:22 24 Sep 20

Have used Pearsons for my family matter and could not fault them in any aspect of my experience. I have always felt I have received value for money and will always return if needed in the future.

PAUL COOTES

21:00 21 Sep 20

Without doubt Joe and his team protected our family through the most challenging periods we have had on two occasions. My case was first then my sisters. I did not hesitate in contacting Joe to help my sister once her situation arose. Even though the time we had not been in contact was over five years it was like talking to an old friend. Joe was working hard on the file within 24 hours of me contacting Pearson's. His direct fair approach has saved a fortune in time and fees as Joe in particular ensured a trial did not occur where significant assets were at stake and avoided a potential fire sale. Now the entire family including my ex wife are in a strong financial position and the children's financial future is solid. My sister has also had a fantastic outcome and given the complexity around her case we are delighted with the outcome. Most of the communication was conducted by telephone hook up even on weekends allowing me to continue running my business and putting valuable time into my Business and my two daughter's. Thankyou again Joe, Lorien and the Parsons's team.

John Romano

09:05 21 Sep 20

Thank you to Pearson lawyers Glenroy my experience with you was so reassuring and comfortable, there I was thinking my life was falling apart when Pearson represented me they saw a good father just trying to get his life in order with his children and property and that’s exactly what they delivered. I am greatful of a excellent outcome with Pearson’s lawyer Glenroy winning my family law case and property 60/ 40 my way, unheard of apparently. For all you fathers out there or mothers who have been cheated on or ripped of your integrity and honesty this law firm is the answer for justice.

Sam C

06:17 21 Sep 20

Thank you Joe and your amazing team for guiding us through a terribly difficult time. Your expertise, support and care means we now have freedom and a chance of a much better life. We highly recommend you to anyone who finds themselves in need of a family lawyer.

Breana Cilia

04:01 21 Sep 20

I am currently employed as a Solicitor at Pearsons Lawyers and can say that the Solicitors and support staff at Pearsons are dedicated to providing the best possible service and outcome for their clients.As a firm we take pride in working as a team and alongside our clients to provide legal advice and support during a difficult time in their lives.On a personal note, I thoroughly enjoy working at the firm.

Lisa Wise

23:46 20 Sep 20

Pearsons gave me an opportunity to join their support staff 20 years ago. So many changes over this period but not the fact that Joe and Leanne and their team always strive to get the best results for their clients.

Deborah Vella

21:57 18 Sep 20

The team at Pearsons are exceptional. They are hardworking and go above and beyond to help.

Donna O'Brien

08:42 18 Sep 20

Pearsons navigated me through my divorce and settlement with absolute care and professionalism. Joe was always candid, efficient and upfront about costs and expectations. I knew where I stood from the onset with both Joe and Leanne. I have recommended Pearsons to my friends and family and they cannot speak highly enough of the service and support they received.

Kayla Kettle

07:56 18 Sep 20

Joe and the team at Pearsons were extremely helpful in dealing with our family matter. Their service and experience is second to none!I highly recommend them.

Chris N

07:45 18 Sep 20

My experience with Pearsons Lawyers was second to none! Professional, trustworthy and with the client always their priority! Joe and his team made a difficult time that much easier by providing clear options and delivering a fantastic result! Thanks for the advice and support throughout the entirety of the process!

S Motio

23:24 10 Sep 20

Joe Schepis and his team at Pearsons Lawyers represented me in my separation, settlement and divorce in 2019. They were extremely professional whilst being sensitive to my situation through their honesty, transparency and vast experience in family law matters.With two young boys in the mix, it was important to me that the legal matters were handled discretely and as swiftly as possible so we could get on with our new lives. This is exactly what I received.The flow of information and valuable advice was key to the successful settlement of the property and parenting matters.I highly recommend to have the team at Pearsons Lawyers in your corner.

Sarah Halloran

12:20 10 Sep 20

Leanne and Anne 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 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 and Leanne, but rather a passion for enhancing family peace and security.

Maurizio Walker

06:14 09 Sep 20

Terrific representation and advice from Amanda Vella and her team at Pearsons.The strategy was well thought out and well executed in court to achieve a great outcome.There are no winners in a divorce, but the team at Pearson’s helped achieve a fair result.

Phil Collings

03:26 07 Sep 20

Leanne and Andrew at Pearsons have been amazing. They have navigated a truly complex situation with professionalism, empathy, and genuine concern for providing an outcome in the best interests of all parties involved. I can not recommend Pearsons highly enough and they came highly recommended to me from an ex Primary School principal.

Mike Church

04:33 06 Sep 20

At last after 2 years my divorce is finalized a big thanks to Joe Schepis, Amanda Vella, Lorien voss ,and the rest of the team who helped achieve this great result.

Andrew MacDonald

11:39 03 Sep 20

I have worked at Pearsons for a little over 12 months and I can honestly say that it is the most enjoyable family law I have worked in. The staff are professional, incredibly dedicated and genuinely concerned about achieving the best outcome for their clients. The business has an incredible array of knowledge and experience meaning that no matter what your issue is they will know how to manage it efficiently and in a cost effective manner.

Christine Kennedy

03:24 03 Sep 20

I am one of two staff members who have been working at Pearsons Lawyers for over 35 years an achievement for which I am very proud of. For the majority of those years I have worked with the Directors Leanne Abela & Joe Schepis whose expertise and professionalism is second to none. All the Lawyers at Pearsons work as a team in striving to achieve a cost effective and the best result possible for their clients whilst providing their upmost care, reassurance and support ensuring that their journey with Pearsons is a smooth one during a time which can be quite overwhelming for them. Most importantly, all the people at Pearsons are down to earth, friendly and we all enjoy our social events together. I couldn’t work with a better bunch of people!

Tiani Willison

02:42 03 Sep 20

We transferred firms to Pearsons Lawyers part way through our family law case. We previously dealt with both Sara and Amanda at a another firm and decided to make the transition in order to continue dealing with them.Our transition to Pearsons was handled in a professional manner that made the transition smooth and simple.Throughout our tough and unusual proceedings both Amanda and Sara were supportive, proactive, professional and helpful.We always felt as though our case really mattered and that they and the team at Pearsons were in it for the long haul and wanted to help us achieve our goal.

Lorien Voss

00:25 03 Sep 20

I have worked at Pearsons Lawyers for the past 14 years. Pearsons has a very professional team of Family Lawyers who are both passionate about what they do and are committed to achieving great outcomes for their clients. Great place to work with great camaraderie amongst the lawyers and support staff.

Frances Mete

00:00 02 Sep 20

Would HIGHLY recommend Pearsons Lawyers. Not only did Leanne and Breana act professionally throughout our dealings but they treated me as a person not a number. Going through a Divorce is such an emotional time but they made me feel at ease and helped me tremendously emotionally throughout the whole process achieving a great result! From Anna at the front desk, to Christine in accounts and Lisa in Conveyancing back to Leanne and her team, it has been an absolute pleasure having them represent me. Thank you for everything!

Rosamaria Bennett

02:14 01 Sep 20

When I first separated I was completely overwhelmed and confused. The staff at Pearsons were reassuring and calm, and made me feel supported and comfortable as we worked together to manage the settlement. Their professional knowledge and skill in advocating for me was of the highest standard and this helped me to trust in their advice. It is evident that they apply a team approach to the work that they do, and at all times I felt that the tasks and issues that arose were done in a respectful and timely manner and that their communication with me was regular, open and transparent. At the end of the process I felt like I was a person and not just a client ID number. Thank you Pearsons.

Nathan Harding

23:48 30 Aug 20

Pearsons have been a client of ours for almost a year now and during that time we've found them to be highly professional, knowledgable and great to work with.I highly recommend Pearsons Lawyers if you're looking for an expert family lawyer in Melbourne.

Benita Crocker

10:16 28 Aug 20

I am a Senior family law solicitor with over 20 years experience who has recently started work with Pearsons. I can honestly say that Leanne and Joe genuinely care about achieving pragmatic and cost effective outcomes for their clients and the other members of the team are enthusiastic, hardworking and skilled family lawyers.

Melissa V Donovan

13:10 27 Aug 20

After divorcing my husband of 27 years, I sought legal assistance from Pearsons, and can safely say that this firm goes above and beyond to meet the needs of their clients. I am grateful to my amazing solicitor Helen, who I cannot recommend enough to anyone seeking family legal services, as well as the rest of the staff at Pearsons.

angela pavone

11:47 27 Aug 20

Surrogacy - I met Leanne Abela and the team a few years ago and they represented me and my husband to obtain legal rights and parental orders for the birth of our daughter through Surrogacy in Victoria. Although it is altruistic in Australia it’s very complicated BUT can be done with success for the Intended Parents. Leanne and the team guided us through a very difficult and emotional time in our lives - she let us know our legal rights after our daughter was to be born and what could have happened - there was no sugar coating BUT there was complete transparency, honesty and trust! Leanne reassured me during the long journey that it was her job to sort out the details and as her clients we just had to have a positive outlook and look forward in being parents - which we are! Pearsons handle a variety of family law - Surrogacy included and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them.

Rebecca Russo

05:46 27 Aug 20

Leanne Abela and the team at Pearson’s lawyers came very highly recommended and my experience has been extremely positive.Leanne is genuine and knowledgeable. She was open and honest with me from the start and guided me through a very complicated case, going out of her way to truly help me and answer any questions that I had.I appreciated Leanne and her team for keeping me informed, the options I could take, the steps involved and the progress throughout.I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking legal advice.

Nicole Yeung

07:29 18 Aug 20

My divorce is a very messy one and it took me about 20 months to go through all the hurdles. I was with a law firm in Balwyn North for a while but then my lawyer left to NZ and someone recommended me to Benita. When I first met with her, I knew she is the one who will fully understands what I need and want and gave me the best advice on what we can do to close the case. That is why I went with her since December last year.I am so happy to have her alongside with me. She is very responsive, if I want to talk to her about the case, she will be there for me. She always tries to help me to save my money to avoid the needs of going to trial. She is well communicated with my barrister John to help me to get the best outcome.I am really thankful to have Benita and my barrister John on my side. Yes, messy divorce costs a lot but then without them, I need to say I am going nowehere.I am very happy everything is finished now and I can't thank you enough for all that you guys have done for me.

Emma Nicol

07:41 11 Aug 20

It’s been a roller coaster but Pearson’s have been by my side the entire way - yes it’s cost money - but no matter who I went through, it would’ve cost me.Pearson’s equiped me with my rights - that I thank them for.

Vicky Zilellis

12:36 19 May 20

Mario Mucilli

12:02 06 Apr 20

I went to Leanne Abela at Pearsons after procrastinating for quite some time as to what to do after the separation from my wife. It was years before I was able to bring myself to obtain legal advice. When I came to Pearsons it was explained to me on my initial consultation what my best and worst case scenario would look like. I knew immediately l was in safe and capable hands.Leanne and her team of lawyers and support staff fought my case hard, strong and fairly at all times. I was kept in the loop with every telephone call, letter and strategy in my case. I was successful in retaining the family home and most importantly my children. Thank you to everyone at Pearsons for your hard work and effort.Mario Mucilli

Mary-jane Ashton

05:03 21 Jan 20

Where do I start I never thought in my life that I will get a divorce I thought I will grow old with the man I married. I went online looking for lawyers who can represent me and understand what I was going through I was scared but I knew it was the right thing for me. I found Pearson lawyers in Glenroy I have checked other law firm around but Pearson stood out for me I read their testimonials and I was very impressed. I called to make a appointment for consultation and was fortunate to meet Helen. My first impression was of Helen kind, warm and also have great sense of humour. All the staff are just amazing and they went above and beyond with their service. I would highly recommend Pearson lawyers to family and friends. I can say that I’m very happy with my outcome and move on with my life, all thanks to Helen and their team of solicitor and staff.

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OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE – READ HERE

Depth and Diversity

Leanne Abela Principal Director

Joseph Schepis Principal Director

Helen Chetcuti Managing Solicitor

Benita Crocker Managing Solicitor

Bani Mishra Managing Solicitor

Jacqui Spry Senior Associate Solicitor

Anne Ariyaratnam Senior Associate Solicitor

Felicity Francis Senior Associate Solicitor

Natalie Potenza Associate Solicitor

Amanda Vella Solicitor

Breana Cilia Solicitor

Andrew MacDonald Solicitor

Cassandra Vannitamby Solicitor

Christina Papadopoulos Solicitor

Louis Horsley Solicitor

Leanne Abela
Principal Director

Joseph Schepis
Principal Director

Helen Chetcuti
Managing Solicitor

Benita Crocker
Managing Solicitor

Bani Mishra
Managing Solicitor

Jacqui Spry
Senior Associate Solicitor

Anne Ariyaratnam
Senior Associate Solicitor

Felicity Francis
Senior Associate Solicitor

Natalie Potenza
Associate Solicitor

Amanda Vella
Solicitor

Breana Cilia
Solicitor

Andrew MacDonald
Solicitor

Cassandra Vannitamby
Solicitor

Christina Papadopoulos
Solicitor

Louis Horsley
Solicitor