# The Family Lawyer > The Family Lawyer is a Victorian law firm. This index maps every current, indexable public page on the website, including services, articles, resources, locations, people and public firm information. This file is generated from the public Hugo build. Use the canonical page links for the source context. The companion `llms-full.txt` contains the rendered public page content, including public FAQ blocks. ## Articles and guides - [Family Law Articles & Legal Advice | Family & Divorce Lawyers](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/): Read family law guidance from our family and divorce lawyers covering divorce, separation, parenting arrangements, child custody, mediation and property settlements. - [100 Points of ID for Family Law Appointments](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/100-points-of-id-guide/): Learn what identification and documents to bring to a family law appointment in Melbourne, and when a formal 100-point identity check may apply. - [Family Law Airport Watchlist: What You Need To Know About](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/airport-watchlist/): A parent who holds concerns about a child’s travel can apply for a child to be listed on the Family Law Watchlist. Learn how to obtain Family Law Watchlist. - [Applying For Divorce In Australia - Things To Know](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/applying-for-divorce/): An individual may choose to apply for a divorce independently or request a divorce lawyer’s assistance to ensure the accuracy & completion of the application. - [Australian Overseas Assets Property Settlement Proceedings](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/are-overseas-assets-included-in-australian-property-settlements/): If you have assets overseas, Australian Family Courts will take those into account for property settlement. Learn how it should be divided upon separation. - [Separated But Still Living Together in Australia](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/are-you-separated-but-still-living-together/): Separated under one roof can still count as separation. Learn what evidence may be needed for divorce and early family law steps. - [Becoming A Legal Guardian in Melbourne - The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/becoming-a-legal-guardian-melbourne/): Learn the steps to become a legal guardian in Victoria, Australia, ensuring your children's care in the event of your passing. - [Setting Aside a Binding Financial Agreement in Australia](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/can-a-binding-financial-agreement-be-set-aside/): Understand when a Binding Financial Agreement may be challenged or set aside, including legal advice, disclosure, pressure, duress and unconscionable conduct. - [Can My Ex-Partner Limit My Access To Our Child?](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/can-my-ex-partner-limit-access-to-my-child/): If your ex-partner has been denying you access to your child, you can attend family dispute resolution. Explore how you can do it here. - [Can My Spouse Refuse a Divorce in Australia?](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/can-my-spouse-refuse-to-obtain-a-divorce/): Learn whether your spouse can stop a divorce, what proof is needed, how service works, and what happens if the other party refuses to cooperate in Australia. - [Child Custody and Parenting Orders in Australia](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/child-custody/): Understand child custody, parental responsibility and parenting orders after separation, including current best-interests law and practical next steps. - [Child Support in Australia: Assessments and Agreements](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/child-support-guide-australia/): Understand child support assessments, private agreements, expenses and practical options for separated parents in Australia. - [Christmas Parenting Arrangements After Separation](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/christmas-orders/): Practical guidance for Christmas, school holidays and special occasion parenting arrangements after separation. - [How to Contest an Intervention Order? | Melbourne Family Lawyers](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/contest-an-intervention-order/): Intervention Order FAQs and legal assistance for Respondents in Melbourne. Understand the process of contesting a Family Violence Intervention Order. - [Contravention of Parenting Orders in Australia](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/contravention-of-parenting-orders/): What happens when parenting orders are not followed, including reasonable excuses, evidence and practical next steps. - [How Emotional Decision Making Can Impact Family Law Matter](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/emotion-and-decision-making-in-family-law-matter/): Allowing these emotions to dominate can significantly impact the quality of decisions one makes, often leading to outcomes that are less commercially sound. - [Solicitor Websites: Risks & Protection | Melbourne Family Lawyers](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/fake-solicitor-websites-risks-protection/): Discover how to identify fake solicitor websites and protect yourself from legal scams and fraudulent legal services across Melbourne & Glen Iris. - [Family Law Matters: Every Case Is Unique | Family Lawyers](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/family-law-matters/): Every family law matter is shaped by different relationships, risks, finances and priorities. Learn what can affect the path forward and how to prepare. - [Choosing the Right Family Lawyer in Melbourne](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/family-lawyer-melbourne/): A practical guide to choosing a family lawyer, preparing for a first appointment and managing legal costs. - [Guide to Family Violence Intervention Orders Victoria](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/family-violence-intervention-orders-fvio/): Family violence intervention orders explained for Victoria, including safety, court process, conditions and family law interaction. - [Relevance of Family Violence on Family Law Property Settlement](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/family-violence-on-family-law-property-settlement/): Discover how the Australian courts treated family violence in property settlements. We examine several cases to assess how the property pool is divided. - [Fathers' Rights After Separation in Australia](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/fathers-rights-when-separating/): Understand fathers' rights after separation, including parenting orders, time with children, decision-making and current Australian family law for parents. - [Financial Disclosure for Property Settlements Explained](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/financialdisclosure/): Financial disclosure explained for property settlement, including hidden assets, cryptocurrency, documents and practical next steps. - [Understanding Genuine Steps Certificate | The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/genuine-steps-certificate/): The Genuine Steps Certificate is one form required to be filed by the Applicant and the Respondent. Learn its purpose and importance in court proceedings. - [How an FVIO Affects Parenting Arrangements](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/how-does-my-fvio-affect-my-parenting-matter/): Understand how a Family Violence Intervention Order can affect parenting orders, child safety, communication, changeover and time with children in Victoria. - [How Long Does Divorce Take in Australia? (2026 Guide)](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/how-long-does-divorce-take-in-australia-2026-guide/): When starting the divorce process, it is important to understand the legal timeframes, procedural steps, and common causes of delay. - [How Long Does A Property Settlement Take In Australia](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/how-long-does-property-settlement-take-in-australia/): Our experienced family lawyers are here to explain the process & assess circumstances to help you understand your entitlements for a property settlement. - [Tips On Urgent Family Violence Intervention Order Application](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/how-to-apply-for-an-urgent-family-violence-intervention-order/): A family violence intervention order is a court order to protect a person. Learn how you can apply for an urgent family violence intervention order. - [Inheritance, Gifts and Loans in Property Settlement](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/inheritances-and-impacts-on-property-settlement/): How inheritance, family gifts and loans may be treated in an Australian family law property settlement. - [Is An Australian Will Valid Overseas? | The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/is-an-australian-will-valid-overseas/): Explore if Australian Will holds overseas validity. Learn about international recognition & its key prerequisites. Seek legal advice for a seamless estate plan. - [Legal Name Change Services & Advice | Melbourne Family Lawyers](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/name-change/): Get family law advice on legal name changes after marriage, divorce or separation, application requirements and family law considerations in Australia. - [Pets in Family Law Proceedings | Melbourne Family Lawyers](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/pets-in-family-law/): Learn how pets are treated in family law after separation, including companion animal orders, family violence, children and practical options. - [Preparing for FDR and Mediation in Family Law](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/preparing-for-family-dispute-resolution-fdr/): How to prepare for family dispute resolution, mediation or a round table conference in a family law matter. - [Do I Automatically Get Half in Property Settlement?](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/propertysettlement/): Property settlement is not automatically 50/50. Learn how the asset pool, valuations, contributions and future needs are assessed. - [Defending Against Will Contestations - The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/protecting-the-family-will-defending-against-will-contestations/): Discover how to defend against will contestations and ensure a loved one's final wishes are upheld by seeking guidance from a family lawyer. - [Same Sex Marriage in Australia | Family Law Guide](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/same-sex-marriage-australia/): Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since December 2017. Discover the changes brought by the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act. - [Separation vs Divorce: Key Legal Differences](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/separation-vs-divorce-key-legal-differences-in-victoria/): Understand the family law differences between separation and divorce, including timelines, parenting arrangements and property rights. - [How To Deal With Separation When Children Are Involved](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/separation-where-children-are-involved/): Separation is never easy, especially when there are children involved. Learn how to deal with separation and things to consider for your children. - [Superannuation in Divorce or Separation: What Happens](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/superannuation/): Managing superannuation after separation is crucial. Discover ways to handle superannuation and other assets during divorce or separation. - [Best Interests of the Child: Current Law](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/the-best-interests-of-the-child-what-it-means-to-the-court/): Understand the current best interests of the child test, what the Court considers, and how safety and practical evidence affects parenting orders in Australia. - [Stages of Family Court Proceedings in Australia](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/understanding-stages-of-the-family-court-proceedings/): A practical guide to the main stages of family court proceedings in the FCFCOA, from pre-action steps to final hearing. - [What Am I Entitled to After Separation?](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/what-am-i-entitled-to-after-separation-in-australia-2026-guide/): Understand what you may be entitled to after separation in Australia, including property settlement, spousal maintenance, children and key time limits. - [Parenting Orders in Australia: Who Can Apply?](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/what-are-parenting-orders-and-who-can-apply/): Learn what parenting orders can cover, who may apply, how orders are changed and how the current best-interests test works. - [Understand De Facto Relationship In Australian Law](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/what-is-a-de-facto-relationship/): A de facto relationship is when a couple lives together on a genuine domestic basis. Speak to our family lawyers to understand your position. - [Prenups vs Binding Financial Agreements in Australia](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/what-is-a-prenup-and-do-i-need-one/): Understand prenups, binding financial agreements, disclosure, legal advice and when a financial agreement may be useful. - [What is Adult Child Maintenance? | Melbourne Family Lawyers](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/what-is-adult-child-maintenance/): Adult child maintenance can be sought if needed for education or disability. Learn the conditions under which this support can be requested. - [What is an Advance Care Directive? | Melbourne Family Lawyers](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/what-is-an-advance-care-directive/): An advance care directive details your future care preferences and appoints a decision-maker, guiding medical decisions when you're unable to. - [Independent Children's Lawyer: Role & Responsibilities](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/what-is-an-independent-childrens-lawyer/): Independent Children's Lawyers explained, including their role, child meetings, family reports and what parents should expect. - [Spousal Maintenance and De Facto Maintenance](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/what-is-spousal-maintenance-and-de-facto-partner-maintenance/): Learn when spousal maintenance or de facto partner maintenance may be available, how need and capacity are assessed, and what time limits apply. - [Standard Will vs Testamentary Trust Will | Family Lawyers](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/articles/wills-and-testamentary-trusts/): Effective estate planning for personal and business assets, focusing on tax changes, family law property division, and superannuation fund wealth. ## Firm and contact - [Family Lawyers Melbourne | Divorce, Parenting & Property](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/): Get clear advice from Melbourne family lawyers on divorce, parenting, property settlement and family violence. Arrange a confidential appointment. ## Firm and information - [About The Family Lawyers Across Melbourne | The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/about/): Meet our family law team delivering trusted family law advice on divorce, child custody & property settlement. Consult our family lawyers across Melbourne now! - [Cancellation Policy | The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/cancellation-policy/): The Family Lawyer (Vic) cancellation policy covers consultation fees, the 48-hour notice rule, late arrivals and how to reschedule or cancel appointments. - [Careers at The Family Lawyer | Melbourne](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/careers/): Discover a collaborative and supportive family law career in Melbourne, with specialist-led learning, genuine teamwork and room to progress. - [Contact Family, Divorce & Parenting Lawyers Across Melbourne](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/contact/): Consult our divorce and family lawyers in Melbourne and Glen Iris for advice on divorce, separation, parenting arrangements, child custody and property settlements. - [Privacy Policy | The Family & Divorce Lawyers Across Melbourne](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/privacy-policy/): The Family Lawyer's Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal information under the Australian Privacy Principles. - [Our Professional Network | The Family Lawyer Melbourne](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/professional-network/): Explore The Family Lawyer's professional network across property, finance, accounting, wellbeing and complementary legal services. ## Locations - [Family Lawyers Melbourne, Glen Iris, Boronia | The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/locations/): Get family and divorce lawyer advice across Melbourne, Glen Iris and Boronia. We assist clients with divorce, parenting, child custody and property law advice matters. - [Family Lawyers Boronia | Separation & Family Law Advice](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/locations/boronia/): Speak to our experienced family lawyers in Boronia for divorce, child custody, violence & property settlement. Serving best family law services in Boronia, Melbourne. - [Dandenong Family Lawyers | Divorce, Property & Family Law](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/locations/dandenong/): Family lawyers in Dandenong for separation, divorce, parenting, child custody and property matters. Family law support across Dandenong Melbourne. - [Family Lawyers Glen Iris | Divorce & Family Law Firm](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/locations/glen-iris/): Our family lawyers in Glen Iris offering divorce, separation, custody, family violence & property legal services. Get Family law support in Glen Iris & Melbourne. - [Melbourne CBD Family Lawyers | Practical Family Law Advice](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/locations/melbourne/): Meet Melbourne CBD family lawyers for practical advice on separation, parenting, property and family violence. Arrange an appointment in the city or online. ## Our people - [Alexandra Monti | Practice Manager at The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/team/alexandra-monti/): Alexandra Monti, Practice Manager at The Family Lawyer. People leadership, client experience, service standards and culture-building. - [Betty | The Family Lawyer's Chief Happiness Officer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/team/betty/): Meet Betty, our Chief Happiness Officer, bringing comfort, calm and support to clients and staff while helping create a welcoming environment. - [Christian Bolog | Principal | The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/team/christian-bolog/): Christian Bolog is a principal at The Family Lawyer, assisting with parenting, separation, property and high-conflict family law matters in Melbourne. - [Eloise Pearce | Family Law Legal Support Specialist](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/team/eloise-pearce/): Eloise delivers legal and administrative support across family law matters, ensuring clients receive responsive and compassionate assistance at The Family Lawyer. - [Eunice Huang | Legal Assistant at The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/team/eunice/): Eunice Huang, Legal Assistant at The Family Lawyer. Currently in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Laws / Arts at Monash University, with a major in psychology. Studying Family Law an - [Evan Gainsford | Family Lawyer & Mediator](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/team/evan-gainsford/): Family lawyer and mediator Evan Gainsford assists Melbourne clients with divorce, separation, family disputes, parenting matters and property settlement issues. - [Jenny Nguyen | Lawyer | The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/team/jenny-nguyen/): Jenny Nguyen offers family law advice, divorce support, parenting matter guidance, property settlement support and wills planning in Melbourne. - [Kristdel Bolog | Family Law Specialist Lawyer & Legal Advisor](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/team/kristdel-bolog/): Accredited family law specialist Kristdel Bolog provides expert legal advice on separation, divorce, parenting disputes and property settlements in Melbourne. - [Rebecca Heng | Family Lawyer | The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/team/rebecca-heng/): Rebecca Heng is a family lawyer helping clients with divorce, parenting disputes, separation and property settlements in Melbourne. ## Resources - [Family Law Resources & Client Downloads](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/resources/): Download practical family law guides and official resources for separation, parenting, property settlement, disclosure, court process and legal costs. ## Services - [Family & Divorce Lawyers Across Melbourne & Glen Iris](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/services/): Get family law services from best family & divorce lawyers in Melbourne, Glen Iris & Boronia, including separation, child custody, mediation & property settlements. - [Binding Financial Agreement Lawyers Melbourne | Legal Advice](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/services/binding-financial-agreements/): Get advice on prenuptial, relationship and post-separation binding financial agreements from experienced Melbourne family lawyers. Arrange an appointment. - [Child Support Lawyer Melbourne | Family Law Firm](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/services/child-support/): Melbourne child support lawyers provide child support advice on financial arrangements. Get legal advice from family lawyers in Glen Iris, Boronia and Dandenong. - [Consent Orders Lawyers Melbourne | Parenting & Property Orders](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/services/consent-orders/): Make your agreement legally binding with consent orders. Melbourne family lawyers draft and file parenting and property orders, usually without a court visit. - [Conveyancing Lawyers Melbourne | Property Transfer Advice](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/services/conveyancing/): Melbourne conveyancing for buying, selling or transferring property, including after a family law settlement. Clear advice from contract to completion. - [Urgent Family Law Advice Melbourne | Court Documents Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/services/court-documents-urgent-advice/): Served with family court documents? Get urgent Melbourne family law advice on deadlines, responses and hearings. Act sooner and keep more options open. - [Will & Estate Planning Lawyers Melbourne | The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/services/estate-planning/): Melbourne wills and estate planning lawyers offering advice on family, legal documents and future planning. Family lawyers serving Glen Iris, Boronia and Dandenong. - [Intervention Order Lawyers Melbourne | Urgent Advice](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/services/intervention-orders/): Get urgent advice from Melbourne intervention order lawyers for applications, responses, conditions and court dates. If safety is at risk, call 000. - [Family Mediation Lawyers Melbourne | Settlement & FDR Advice](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/services/mediation-and-settlement/): Resolve parenting and property disputes without court. Melbourne mediation, negotiation and Family Dispute Resolution - faster and far less stressful. - [Parenting Arrangements Lawyers Melbourne | Clear Advice](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/services/parenting-arrangements/): Get child-focused advice on parenting arrangements, parenting orders and disputes after separation from Melbourne family lawyers. Arrange an appointment. - [Property Settlement Lawyers Melbourne | Clear Advice](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/services/property-settlement/): Get clear advice on property division, superannuation, disclosure and time limits from Melbourne property settlement lawyers. Arrange an appointment. - [Separation & Divorce Lawyers Melbourne | The Family Lawyer](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/services/separation-and-divorce/): Speak with our family lawyers and separation lawyers in Melbourne. Get legal advice on divorce, parenting and property. Serving Glen Iris, Boronia and Dandenong. - [Spousal Maintenance Lawyers Melbourne | Family Law Advice](https://thefamilylawyer.com.au/services/spousal-maintenance/): Melbourne spousal maintenance lawyers. Understand eligibility, how financial support is assessed after separation, and how to claim or respond to a claim.