Family Law Guides & Resources

Navigate your family law journey with confidence. Access comprehensive guides, calculators, and resources designed to help you understand your rights and options.

Essential Family Law Resources

Child Support Calculator

Estimate child support payments using Victoria's guidelines. Get a clear understanding of potential obligations.

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Property Settlement Guide

Understand how assets are divided in divorce. Learn about the four-step process and factors considered.

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Legal Aid & Support

Find out if you qualify for legal aid and access free legal resources available in Victoria.

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Comprehensive Family Law Guides

Divorce & Separation

Getting Started with Divorce in Victoria

A step-by-step guide to the divorce process, including eligibility requirements, documentation needed, and timeline expectations.

  • • 12-month separation requirement
  • • Filing for divorce online or in court
  • • Costs and fee waivers
  • • What happens after divorce is granted
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Separation Without Divorce

Understanding your options when separating without formal divorce, including separation agreements and living arrangements.

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Children & Parenting

Child Custody Arrangements in Victoria

Complete guide to custody types, parenting plans, and the best interests of the child principle.

  • • Types of custody arrangements
  • • Creating parenting plans
  • • Court considerations
  • • Modifying existing orders
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Child Support Explained

How child support is calculated, payment options, and what to do if circumstances change.

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Property & Financial Matters

Property Settlement: The Four-Step Process

Detailed explanation of how courts divide property and assets in divorce proceedings.

  • • Step 1: Identifying the asset pool
  • • Step 2: Assessing contributions
  • • Step 3: Future needs considerations
  • • Step 4: Just and equitable review
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Superannuation Splitting

How retirement savings are handled in divorce, including valuation and splitting orders.

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Legal Process & Court

Family Court vs Federal Circuit Court

Understanding which court handles your matter and what to expect in proceedings.

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Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Options for resolving family disputes outside of court, including family dispute resolution.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does divorce take in Victoria?

The divorce process typically takes 4-6 months from filing to finalization. You must be separated for at least 12 months before filing, and there's a mandatory one-month waiting period after the hearing before the divorce becomes final.

Do I need a lawyer for family law matters?

While you can represent yourself, having a lawyer is recommended for complex matters involving children, significant assets, or disputes. Many people use lawyers for advice even if they handle some aspects themselves.

What's the difference between separation and divorce?

Separation is when you stop living together as a couple, while divorce is the legal ending of marriage. You can be separated without getting divorced, but you need to be separated for 12 months before you can apply for divorce.

How is property divided in divorce?

Property division follows a four-step process considering the asset pool, contributions (financial and non-financial), future needs, and whether the division is just and equitable. There's no automatic 50/50 split.

Need Professional Legal Advice?

While these guides provide valuable information, every situation is unique. Connect with experienced family lawyers in Melbourne for personalised advice.