Family Law
Family Court Lawyers
Our family court lawyers represent separating individuals throughout court proceedings, ensuring they are fully prepared and their legal rights are protected at every stage of the process.
Our family court lawyers will represent you with skill and tenacity
Our family lawyers prioritise resolving issues through negotiation and mediation, helping you prepare thoroughly, understand your rights, and explore fair, practical agreements on parenting, property, and financial matters. We structure proposals, anticipate challenges, and ensure your voice is heard, aiming to formalise agreements without the stress of litigation.
However, if your matter cannot be resolved through mediation, our experienced family court lawyers will represent you with strength and commitment, protecting your interests and working to achieve the best possible outcome in court.
How our family court lawyers can help
Family disputes can be complex, emotionally taxing, and at times, difficult to resolve through mediation or negotiation alone. While we always encourage mediation as a first step, we realise that there are matters where a court outcome is necessary to protect your rights and secure a fair resolution.
Our experienced family court lawyers will guide you through every stage of the legal process with skill and professionalism. We ensure you are fully prepared, your voice is heard, and your best interests remain at the centre of every decision.
Our court representation services include:
- Advising on your rights and obligations under the Family Law Act
- Representing you in parenting disputes, property settlements, child support and spousal maintenance matters
- Preparing persuasive submissions and evidence to strengthen your case
- Advocating strongly on your behalf in hearings and trials
- Engaging expert witnesses and financial specialists when required
- Negotiating interim arrangements while proceedings are ongoing
- Assisting with the enforcement or variation of existing court orders
Our family court lawyers are committed to resolving disputes respectfully and efficiently wherever possible. But when litigation is unavoidable, we will stand beside you with determination, professionalism, and the expertise to attain the best possible outcome.
Comprehensive support for family court proceedings
At Eliza Legal, we see court as a last resort, but if your family law matter requires a hearing, we ensure you are fully supported every step of the way. We understand how overwhelming and stressful court appearances can feel, and our role is to make the process as clear and manageable as possible.
Our family court lawyers prepare you thoroughly in advance, explaining what to expect, helping you gather evidence, and guiding you through procedural requirements. On the day, we stand beside you, advocating strongly for your interests while also offering steady, reassuring support. From the first preparation meeting to the final outcome, our team is committed to protecting your rights and helping you manage the court process with confidence and dignity.
When is court involvement necessary?
While most family law matters can be resolved through mediation or negotiation, there are situations in which court proceedings may become necessary.
Court may be required when:
- Negotiations or mediation have broken down without agreement
- There are urgent issues requiring immediate intervention, such as the safety or welfare of children
- Family violence or abuse makes mediation inappropriate or unsafe
- One party refuses to participate in mediation or is unwilling to negotiate in good faith
- There are contested property settlements or complex financial arrangements that cannot be resolved outside court
- Relocation disputes or international parenting matters require a formal determination
In these circumstances, the court provides a structured process to resolve disputes, protect children and vulnerable parties, and deliver enforceable outcomes. While it can feel daunting, having experienced family lawyers by your side ensures your interests are strongly represented and your case is managed with care and professionalism.
How we can assist:
Family Court Services
Our family law team provides expert representation in family court matters, supporting clients when family law disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation. Whether the issue involves parenting arrangements, property settlements, spousal maintenance, or urgent family law matters, our family court lawyers guide clients through the legal process with clarity, care and strategic advocacy.
Our family law services include:
- Preparing you for court proceedings, including filing applications and court documents
- Advising on rights and obligations under the Family Law Act for children, property and financial matters
- Representing you in hearings for contested parenting arrangements, relocation disputes or urgent orders
- Negotiating settlements where possible to minimise stress and delay
- Identifying issues of non-disclosure, financial imbalance, or unfairness
- Coordinating with experts such as accountants, valuers and child specialists
- Advocating on your behalf to achieve equitable outcomes for property and financial matters
- Providing guidance on court etiquette, procedures and realistic expectations for each stage
With a practical approach and extensive family law experience, our lawyers support clients throughout the entire court process, ensuring your rights are protected while providing clear, calm guidance during a challenging time.
Our team helps families in Mt Eliza, Mornington & Frankston
Family Law Experience
Our family lawyers bring extensive experience in financial support and mediation matters, ensuring your rights are protected.
Personal Guidance
We provide personalised advice on family law matters, suited to your individual circumstances and financial situation.
Practical, Strategic Support
We focus on clear, actionable guidance to help you reach fair agreements and minimise future disputes.
Local Expertise
A trusted firm serving clients across Mount Eliza and the Mornington Peninsula, familiar with the local legal landscape and resources.
Our Process
Step 1: Free 20-Minute Call
Connect with one of our family court lawyers to discuss your situation and determine whether mediation, dispute resolution, or court proceedings are the best pathway for your circumstances.
Step 2: Fixed-Fee Initial Consultation ($440)
During a 90-minute session, we carefully assess your circumstances, clarify your rights and obligations, and outline potential mediation options, consent orders, or parenting arrangements relevant to your case.
Step 3: Preparation & Review
Complete a pre-consultation form so we can provide personalised advice and accurately draft or review parenting plans, consent orders, spousal maintenance agreements, or other family law documentation ahead of your next steps in family law proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question that hasn't been answered? Get in touch with our team and we'll help answer all your questions.
What options exist to avoid going to court?
Family dispute resolution, mediation, or negotiation are often attempted before a matter goes to court. These approaches can efficiently resolve family law issues, reduce legal costs, and provide a fair and equitable outcome without entering formal legal proceedings. If you are unsure of our options, seek legal advice regarding the best way to proceed with your matter.
When do family law matters end up in court?
Matters typically go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia when disputes cannot be resolved through other methods. This may include complex property and financial settlements, parenting disputes, or allegations of domestic violence, family violence, or child protection concerns.
How should I prepare for a family court hearing?
Preparation involves gathering financial statements, records of child support payments, evidence of parenting arrangements, or details of family violence intervention orders if relevant. Specialist family law advice ensures documents and arguments align with your personal circumstances and intended outcomes, supporting a fair and equitable outcome in court proceedings.
What types of family court hearings are there?
Family courts in Australia conduct directions hearings, interim hearings, final hearings and trials. Matters may involve divorce processes, child support assessments, property and financial settlements, or parenting disputes. Our specialist family law firm guides clients through family and relationship law hearings to achieve the best outcome.
Which courts hear family law matters in Australia?
Family law matters, including complex property and financial settlements and international family law matters, are primarily heard in the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia. Some family lawyers Melbourne handle related issues in the Magistrates Court, such as domestic violence orders or child protection proceedings, and also in the Supreme Court.
What is the difference between a hearing and a trial in family law?
A hearing is usually shorter and addresses specific issues, such as parenting arrangements or child support payable. A trial is longer and more formal and resolves complex disputes like high-conflict parenting matters, financial settlements, business splitting, or self-managed superannuation funds. Professional family lawyers can guide clients through both processes.
How long do family court matters usually take to resolve?
The family law journey can range from months for straightforward consent orders through to years for complex property and financial settlements or parenting disputes. Timing depends on legal complexities, court availability, and the parties’ willingness to engage in family dispute resolution.
Can I represent myself, or should I have a family court lawyer?
While individuals can self-represent, specialist family law advice ensures rights are protected and fair outcomes are pursued. Family law specialists help resolve all sorts of legal complexities, including child support assessments, financial abuse matters, allegations of child abuse, and domestic violence matters. They provide independent advice and assist clients in making informed decisions throughout the family law journey.
Book your free 20-minute discovery call with a family court lawyer.
Book online using the button below, and one of our family court lawyers will contact you to discuss your circumstances, explain your options, and provide initial guidance tailored to your situation.
