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Family Lawyers Melbourne

Resolving Family Law Matters with Compassion, Strength and 50+ Years of Experience.

Supporting Melbourne Families Through Life’s Toughest Legal Challenges

Family law is one of the most personal and emotionally charged areas of legal practice. At Kelly & Chapman Lawyers, we understand how deeply these matters affect your family, your wellbeing, your finances and your future. Whether you’re facing separation, dealing with parenting disputes, or need clear legal guidance during a family breakdown, our experienced family lawyers in Melbourne are here to help — with empathy, professionalism and strategic clarity.

Since 1966,

we’ve served the southeast Melbourne community with dependable legal support. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with families across generations and delivering practical, outcome-focused advice. Our mission is to make your legal pathway clear, fair and as stress-free as possible.

Family Law Services

• Covers matters including divorce, child custody, spousal maintenance, domestic violence and property division.

• Is a specialised area of law that governs relationships, parenting, separation and financial obligations.

• Focuses on the best interests of the child in all parenting arrangements and dispute resolution processes.

• Applies to married, de facto, same-sex and blended families, ensuring legal recognition of modern family structures.

• Can be resolved through mediation, negotiation, or litigation, depending on the complexity and willingness of the parties to reach an agreement.

Why Choose Our Family Lawyers

We combine legal excellence with a genuine commitment to personal service. Every family law matter is different, and we tailor our approach to your specific needs, goals and circumstances. Our lawyers have the depth of experience to manage complex financial disputes, sensitive parenting issues, and urgent matters involving domestic violence or child safety.

We act with:

  • Sensitivity: Your well-being matters. We offer clear advice in plain English and handle your case with discretion and care.
  • Skill: We are seasoned family lawyers with extensive litigation and mediation experience in the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court of Australia.
  • Service: We keep you informed at every step and work hard to reduce delays, stress and unnecessary conflict.
  • Accessibility: We speak Greek, Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian, and welcome clients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Signs You Need a Family Lawyer

1. You Are Separating or Divorcing

Divorce can be simple or deeply complicated. Our lawyers ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. From preparing and filing divorce applications to resolving parenting and property matters, we provide strategic support every step of the way.

2. You’re Facing a Dispute Over Children

We assist with:
• Parenting plans
• Consent orders
• Sole or joint custody arrangements
• Relocation disputes
• Grandparent access
We prioritise the well-being of your children and work toward solutions that promote stability, care and positive long-term outcomes.

3. There’s Family Violence or Risk of Harm

We take immediate steps to protect you and your children. We can apply for:
• Family Violence Intervention Orders (IVO)
• Urgent parenting orders
• Supervised contact arrangements
We act quickly and respectfully, with strict confidentiality.

4. You Need to Divide Property or Finances

Property settlements can include:
• The family home
• Business interests
• Investments and superannuation
• Inheritance
• Debt and liabilities
We ensure financial disclosure is complete and pursue outcomes that are fair, legally sound, and sustainable.

5. You Need Certainty About Financial Agreements

We draft and advise on:
• Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs)
• Prenuptial agreements
• Post-separation settlements
• Cohabitation agreements
These documents protect your assets and reduce the risk of future conflict or litigation.

Our Family Law Process

Initial Consultation

We begin with a confidential consultation to understand your situation, discuss your goals, and explain your legal options. You’ll walk away with clarity and next steps.

Legal Advice & Planning

We provide a tailored strategy based on your unique family structure, property holdings, and children’s needs.

Resolution Pathway

Where possible, we resolve disputes through:
• Negotiation
• Mediation
• Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)
These methods can avoid the cost, delay and stress of court.

Court Proceedings
(if needed)

If agreement can’t be reached, we file and manage your case in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. We prepare all documents, appear at all hearings, and advocate for your interests at every stage.

Final Orders and Ongoing Support

We ensure that final orders are implemented correctly and provide further advice if your circumstances change, such as enforcement, variation, or appeal.

Why Kelly & Chapman for Family Law in Melbourne

Since our founding over five decades ago, we’ve earned a strong reputation for our integrity, accessibility and results. We serve families across Melbourne’s southeast suburbs with honesty, dignity, and practical know-how. We are proud to be part of the local community and to have helped generations of clients through life’s most difficult legal transitions.

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Over 50 years of experience in family law and litigation

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Home visits are available for clients in sensitive circumstances

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Local, approachable solicitors who speak your language

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Strong referral relationships with family counsellors, financial advisers and mediators

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Free parking and wheelchair-accessible offices

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Clear costs, no hidden fees

Areas We Handle in Family Law

• Divorce & Separation
• Parenting Plans & Child Custody
• Child Support & Financial Support
• Family Violence & Intervention Orders
• Property Division & Superannuation Splits
• Prenups & Binding Financial Agreements
• Spousal Maintenance
• De Facto Relationship Disputes
• Court Applications & Hearings
• Grandparent Rights
• Mediation, Consent Orders & Collaborative Law

We take on both simple and high-conflict cases, providing steady, confident guidance even when circumstances are complex or emotionally difficult.

What Our Clients Say

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Excellent communication and attention to detail made our experience pleasant and efficient. I would definitely recommend Kelly and Chapman.

Barbie Steel
Barbie Steel
21-03-2022

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law

How long does a divorce take?

The minimum time is 12 months after separation, followed by a court application. We help prepare and lodge everything for you.

Can I get a parenting order without going to court?

Yes. If both parties agree, we can draft a Consent Order and file it with the court — no hearings required.

Do I need to disclose all my assets?

Yes. Full and frank financial disclosure is required by law in all family law property matters.

What if the other parent won’t cooperate?

We apply for court orders to enforce contact, decision-making, or relocation arrangements.

Can same-sex couples access the same rights?

Yes. Australian family law applies equally to all couples — married, de facto, same-sex or otherwise.

Speak With a Family Lawyer Today

If you’re navigating a relationship breakdown, child custody concern or any other family law matter, we’re here to guide and support you.

Contact Kelly & Chapman Lawyers

Available for in-person, phone or video consultations
We serve clients across East Brighton, Brighton, Cheltenham, Hampton, Highett, Caulfield, Oakleigh, Chadstone, Clayton, Carnegie, Bentleigh, and Melbourne’s southeast.