Forte Family Lawyers Melbourne
Our Melbourne team of professional Family Lawyers give strategic advice and representation, drawing upon our extensive experience and knowledge. We provide pragmatic solutions and personalised service and care.
Our advice is accurate and up to date. Our Melbourne lawyers pride themselves in being at the forefront of changes in family law.
OUR EXPERIENCE
Forte Family Lawyers is a leading Melbourne family law firm. Its partners, Jacky Campbell, Wendy Kayler-Thomson, Jason Walker, Jemma Mackenzie and Kristy Haranas, are Accredited Specialists in Family Law. Our team of lawyers provide expert guidance and high quality services.
OUR APPROACH
Family Law Reforms
Australia’s family law landscape is undergoing significant changes that may impact separated parents. The Family Law Amendment Act 2023 (FLAA) is at the centre of these reforms, aiming to streamline and clarify certain aspects of family law.
These changes will impact parents, children, and legal professionals alike.
In this article, we are delving into the amendments, shedding light on what they mean for separated parents and families.
SERVICES
Forte Family Lawyers is experienced in all aspects of family and relationship law.
CHILDREN AND PARENTING
Reaching agreement on appropriate arrangements for the care of children after separation is a priority for separating parents.
PROPERTY AND FINANCIAL
SETTLEMENTS
Most separated couples need a property and financial settlement following the breakdown of their relationship.
To Learn more, click here
PRENUPTIAL AND OTHER FINANCIAL AGREEMENTS
Prenuptial and other Financial Agreements provide a couple with the comfort of knowing how their assets will be protected and divided.
DIVORCE AND SEPARATION
Divorce is only one aspect of family law. It is the process of finalising a marriage and is quite separate from sorting out future parenting arrangements and dividing up property.
FAMILY VIOLENCE
To Learn more about Family Violence
CHILD SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE
Child maintenance can be an important aspect of a financial settlement. We provide advice and options to help you achieve the best approach and outcome.
Learn more about Child Support
SAME SEX RELATIONSHIPS
INTERNATIONAL FAMILY LAW
To Learn more, click here
COMPLEX FINANCIAL STRUCTURES
BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY
Separation and bankruptcy often coincide, or one may follow the other. We act for trustees in bankruptcy and the spouse of a bankrupt or potential bankrupt.
SUPERANNUATION
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
There are many ways to resolve family law disputes. The options include negotiation, mediation, family dispute resolution, arbitration and litigation.
DE FACTO
The process of legal separation for de facto relationships can be confusing compared to divorce, as there is less information available and de facto status can be more ambiguous to interpret. Working with a de facto lawyer can help.
To Learn more, click here
SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE
We provide tailored advice on spousal maintenance to help you understand your rights and identify the best options for your situation. Our aim is to guide you toward an outcome that secures your future.
Learn more about Spousal Maintenance
THIRD PARTIES
Sometimes third parties become involved in the family law dispute between a separating couple. A person or a company might be owed money by the couple. Third parties might become involved in the dispute about a property settlement or about the future care of a child.
TEAM
Publications
Frequent Topics
Defending an application under the 1980 Hague (International Child Abduction) Convention – when a child objects
This article examines how recent amendments have changed the way a child's objection is determined in international child abduction cases in Australia and how those changes may impact the outcome of future cases. The purpose of the Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (the...
The Use of AI in Family Law Proceedings – 2026
The legal profession is embracing AI, but caution and accountability are paramount. In her recent article for Wolters Kluwer, Jacky Campbell, Founding Partner of Forte Family Lawyers, explores how the use of artificial intelligence is reshaping Australian legal practice, and why family lawyers need to proceed thoughtfully....
Jacky Campbell on ABC Law Report: How Legally Tight Are Prenuptial Agreements?
Forte Family Lawyers Partner, Jacky Campbell, recently joined The Law Report on ABC Radio National to discuss a question many couples ask: How legally enforceable are prenuptial agreements in Australia? In this episode, Jacky shares practical insights into the strengths — and limitations — of financial agreements, and what can...
What Is A Binding Financial Agreement?
A Binding Financial Agreement is a legal contract between partners or former partners that outlines how assets, property, and finances will be divided in the event of a relationship breakdown, thereby avoiding court involvement. Defining a Binding Financial Agreement In Australia, a binding financial agreement (BFA) is a...
Codification and companion animals: important elements of the family law reforms
Published in Law Society of NSW Journal Snapshot Significant changes to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) come into effect 10 June 2025. The changes focus on the financial and property aspects of relationship breakdown. The reforms explicitly address the economic ramifications of family violence in determining property...
The Role of Superannuation in Family Law Property Settlements
First published 21 July 2021, updated 27 November 2025 and June 2026. Introduction Superannuation splitting is an important aspect of family law property settlements under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (FLA). This paper looks at some of the technical aspects of superannuation splitting so as to ensure that a superannuation...
Breaking the Chains: The Impact of Family Violence on Financial Agreements
The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (FLA) does not expressly provide an avenue for victims of family violence to rely upon the family violence as a ground to “escape” from the terms of a financial agreement. Financial agreements made under the FLA are used to oust (or at least limit) the jurisdiction of the court to make...
Liability of Lawyers for Faulty Pre-Nups
Pre-nups or pre-nuptial agreements are becoming increasingly popular and are far more socially and legally acceptable in 2025 than in 2000 when they were first introduced. The High Court of Australia in R Lawyers & Daily and Another (2025) FLC 94-276 considered financial agreements for the first time since Thorne v...
Resources
LGBTQIA+ support services
These websites offer general information about family law and link to support services which may be useful to separating couples.
They are for convenience only. Forte Family Lawyers does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of the information on the websites.
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SUPPORT SERVICES
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
An Aboriginal child and family welfare organisation offering numerous programs to strengthen families, provide parenting support, and respond to family violence.
Elizabeth Morgan House Aboriginal Women's Service Inc
A service for Aboriginal women experiencing family violence. Services include counselling, court support, and a high security refuge.
Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Services
Information about the range of services offered by RAV to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities about family relationships.
relationshipsvictoria.org.au/services/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-support
TRANSLATING & INTERPRETING SERVICES
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
Telephone and onsite interpreting and document translation services. Telephone interpreting can often be provided immediately without a booking.
inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence
A state-wide service for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people in response to family violence. Services include crisis support, phone service, therapeutic counselling, men's behaviour change program, group work, children's groups, women's groups, family camps, and holiday programs.
Ph: 1800 755 988
CHILD ABDUCTION
Attorney General’s Webpage
This website contains information about international child abduction, steps to prevent a child being removed from Australia, guide for applying for the return of a child taken from Australia under the Hague Convention and contact details.
ag.gov.au/international-parental-child-abduction
Australian Federal Police (AFP) – Family Law Watch List
This website includes information about the police and family law, the Family Law Watch List (airport watch list), how to place your child on the Family Law Watch List and what to do if your child is on the watch list.
International Social Service (ISS) Australia
An independent, not for profit organisation that provides assistance to families experiencing international parental child abduction. Includes downloadable general information brochure about international parental child abduction.
Australian Passport Office – Child Alert
This website includes information about making a Child Alert request with a link to the child alert request form.
CHILD PROTECTION (DFFH)
Child protection (DFFH)
This website provides information regarding the role and services provided by the Department of Fairness, Families and Housing Child Protection unit.
CHILD SUPPORT
Department of Human Services (Child Support)
Information on this website includes the child-support assessment process, child-support online estimators, options for the payment and collection of child support, issues when children or parents lived outside Australia and support for people affected by family violence.
New applications for child support can be made online from this page.
humanservices.gov.au/individuals/separated-parents
Child Support Forms
This page provides links to child support forms including Application to Change your Assessment – Special Circumstances, Application for Post Separation Income to be Excluded, Child over 18 in full-time secondary education, Child Support Agreement form, Estimate of Income for use in child support assessment, Non-agency payment details.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-support-forms-for-individuals?context=64107
Parent’s guide
A parent’s guide to child support, containing a range of information to help parents understand the child support scheme: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/guide-for-newly-separated-parents?context=60015
Technical guide
A technical guide to the Australian child support system containing information about the scheme, child support assessments, registrable maintenance liabilities, the rules relating to objections, reviews, appeals and Court applications under the child support legislation, and options for collection of child support payments:
https://guides.dss.gov.au/child-support-guide
COURTS
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Since 1 September 2021, all family law proceedings (except those in Western Australia) are carried out in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA).
Information available includes daily Court lists, online forms, downloadable brochures, Court filing fees, costs, judgments, legislation and contact details. The website contains a wide range of useful information and resources for separated parents and couples, children and young people, grandparents and other family members, including issues arising upon separation, divorce, child-related issues, family violence, property and financial matters, and the court process. It also includes helpful videos explaining what to expect if your family law matter proceeds to court.
Magistrates' Court of Victoria
Information available includes daily Court lists, online forms, legislation and contact details. The website also contains a range of information regarding intervention orders, personal safety intervention orders and court support services.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Parties involved in family law disputes are encouraged to resolve their disputes, if it is safe to do so, before making an application to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
For more information on family dispute resolution in Australia, visit:
fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/family-dispute-resolution
Family Relationship Centres
This website provides general information about ways you can reach agreement about your parenting and property issues without attending court. The Advice Line also provides phone information and referrals.
Ph: 1800 050 321
Arbitration and Mediation
AIFLAM – The Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators
An independent body that promotes and offers training in both family law arbitration and mediation. Jacky Campbell is a member of AIFLAM and is an arbitrator listed on this website.
FAMILY VIOLENCE
Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), family violence means violent, threatening or other behaviour that coerces or controls a member of the person's family, or causes them to be fearful.
Federal Circuit and Family Court
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia provides many resources and information sheets on family violence, help and support, safety at court and frequently asked questions.
Intervention Orders
The Magistrates' Court of Victoria can make intervention orders to protect people who have experienced violent, threatening or abusive behaviour.
mcv.vic.gov.au/intervention-orders
Reporting Family Violence to Police
If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.
You can make non-immediate reports of family violence to police in your state or territory by visiting a police station or calling the non-urgent police assistance line.
Ph: 131 444
Support Services
A wide range of services are available to offer information and support for those experiencing or who have experienced family violence.
1800RESPECT National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Service
National 24/7 phone and online referral, information and support service for men, women and children.
Ph: 1800 737 732
Safe and Equal
Not-for-profit statewide resource centre that provides training, publications, research and other resources for those experiencing (or who have experienced) family violence, and practitioners and service organisations who work with family violence survivors.
Family Advocacy and Support Service (FASS)
Support at court for those affected by family violence. FASS support workers can offer assistance in a number of areas, including planning for safety at court.
Safe Steps
Emergency accommodation, 24-hour crisis line, referral, information and support services for women and children.
Full Stop Australia
National, not-for-profit organisation that provides support for people affected by sexual, domestic and/or family violence. Counsellors are available 24/7 via phone and online, with a directory of local and state-based support services.
Ph: 1800 385 578
No To Violence – Men's Referral Service
Confidential telephone service provided for men by men.
Ph: 1300 766 491
MensLine Australia
Telephone and online support, information and referral for men with family and relationship concerns.
Ph: 1300 78 99 78
FINANCIAL MATTERS / PROPERTY SETTLEMENT
Federal Circuit and Family Court Website
This court’s website provides information regarding financial matters, including reaching agreement without going to Court, spousal maintenance and steps to be undertaken if you agree, or don’t agree, about property and finance matters.
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/fp/overview
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia website
This page on the website of the Family Court provides information regarding a party’s obligation to provide full and frank disclosure of their financial circumstances and how to complete a Financial Statement, which must be filed with the Court if a party is seeking a property settlement, spousal maintenance, child support or financial enforcement.
https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/forms/financial-statement-kit
FINANCIAL COUNSELLING
Better Place Australia
Free, independent and non-judgmental financially counselling service.
https://www.betterplaceaustralia.com.au/financial-counselling/
Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA)
Options for free and paid financial counselling.
https://www.afsa.gov.au/i-cant-pay-my-debts/debt-help/where-find-help-managing-debts
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT (HELPLINES)
Beyond Blue
This website includes information and support to help members of the community achieve their best possible mental health. It provides contact information for targeted national mental health helplines and support groups, as well as online forums.
beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-mental-health-helplines-and-support-groups
Lifeline
This website provides information for those experiencing a personal crisis and gives access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. It also provides toolkits and referrals to online peer support forums.
Suicide Call Back Service
This service provides support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts and people concerned that someone they know is at risk. It offers a free professional 24/7 telephone service, as well as free professional 24/7 online chat and video counselling.
Ph: 1300 659 467 (24/7 support service)
Additional Support
For support services for children and young people (under the age of 25), please see the Child Related Matters section.
For support services for family violence survivors, please see the Family Violence section.
LEGISLATION
AustLII
This website provides access to cases, legislation and rules. Forte is a proud sponsor of AustLII.
austlii.edu.au/austlii/contributors
Links to the relevant legislation and rules are below.
- Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) – the main legislation covering family law disputes.
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (Cth).
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Family Law) Rules 2021 (Cth) – rules governing the court process in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) Rules 2021 (Cth) – rules governing the court process in Division 2 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
- Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989 (Cth) – legislation about the calculation of child support.
- Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1989 (Cth) – legislation about the collection of child support.
- Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic) – legislation dealing with family violence and intervention orders.
Further Information
For more information, visit:
LGBTQIA+ SUPPORT SERVICES
Gender Help for Parents
Website to help parents find information and services for issues relating to children’s gender identity.
genderhelpforparents.com.au
Queerspace (part of Drummond Street Services)
Services provided include individual, couple, and whole of family counselling, relationship and parenting support services, and assistance to victims of family violence for LGBTQIA+ people.
https://www.queerspace.org.au/
Qlife
A national counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people. It offers a support line as well as web-counselling through an online chat.
qlife.org.au
OTHER USEFUL LINKS
Wolters Kluwer Expert Insights
Containing articles about a broad range of legal issues, including family law related issues. Jacky Campbell has contributed articles to this site and is a consultant author for Wolters Kluwer.
wolterskluwer.com/en-au/legal#ExpertInsightsLegal
Legal Aid Victoria
This website provides general information about family law and eligibility for legal aid funding in Victoria.
Australian Taxation Office
This website includes taxation information for individuals and businesses, booklets and the tax calculator. It also provides information about superannuation and changes to superannuation law, forms and downloadable brochures.
Australia Post – Verification of Identity (VOI)
This website provides general information regarding identity checks for property transfers if you are purchasing or selling a property and need to complete a VOI check.
auspost.com.au/id-and-document-services/identity-checks-for-property-transfers
Justice of the Peace
This website provides information with respect to Justices of the Peace who provide document witnessing and certification services to the community, including where to locate one near you.
justice.vic.gov.au/home/justice+system/legal+assistance/justice+of+the+peace
Centrelink
This website provides general Centrelink information including the Centrelink calculator, payment and service finder, and the facility to lodge reporting statements.
PROFESSIONAL BODIES
Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
The Family Law Section is a professional association for family law practitioners. Their website provides general information for the public about family law and family lawyers.
Law Institute of Victoria
The Law Institute of Victoria is the peak body for the Victorian legal profession. Their website includes general information for the public about the law and lawyers in Victoria.
Australian Institute of Conveyancing
The Australian Institute of Conveyancing is the peak professional body representing licensed conveyancers in Victoria. Their website provides information regarding where to locate the services of an AIC member near you.
Australian Property Institute
The Australian Property Institute is the leading membership organisation for property professionals. Their website provides information with respect to qualified and experienced property professionals who can assist in your matter, for example by valuing your property.
International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL)
The IAFL is a worldwide association of lawyers who are recognised as the most experienced and skilled family law specialists in their respective countries. This website can help you find an experienced family lawyer in Australia or overseas.
Victorian Bar
The Victorian Bar is the professional association of barristers in Victoria. The website provides information about the role of a barrister and includes profiles for all Victorian barristers.
SUPERANNUATION AND SUPERANNUATION INFORMATION REQUEST FORMS
FCFCOA Superannuation Information Kit
The Superannuation Information Kit provides the forms required to obtain information from the trustee of an eligible superannuation plan in order to value a superannuation interest. This includes the Form 6 Declaration, Superannuation Information Request Form and Superannuation Information Form.
fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/pubs/superannuation
Links to Specific Funds
Many superannuation funds provide their own versions of these forms and/or online fact sheets and booklets regarding the valuation and splitting of superannuation for family law purposes.
Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSS, DFRDB, MilitarySuper and PSS)
Information regarding separation and divorce.
csc.gov.au/Defined-benefit-members/Manage/Separation-and-divorce
Forms and documents:
csc.gov.au/Defined-benefit-members/Resources/Forms-and-documents
Australian Retirement Trust
australianretirementtrust.com.au/advice/life-events/separation-or-divorce
AustralianSuper
Request family law information.
Aware Super
Family law fact sheet.
aware.com.au/.../M3.15-EFA-SuperFamilyLaw.pdf
CareSuper
Form 6 Declaration / Super Information Request Form.
Family Law Request for Super Information Form
Fact sheet:
Super and Family Law Fact Sheet
HESTA
Information regarding divorce, separation and your super.
hesta.com.au/members/your-superannuation/divorce-separation-and-your-super
Industry Super Funds
This website provides links to a variety of industry super funds. Searching for "family law" on most fund websites will provide information regarding the valuation and splitting of superannuation in family law matters.
SURROGACY
Federal Circuit and Family Court Website
This court website provides information regarding a child born under a surrogacy arrangement (including in Australia and overseas).
fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/pd/fam-surrogacy
Donor Conception Register Services
Website with information on and access to both the Victorian Government’s Central Register of donor conception treatment details and the Voluntary Register.
health.vic.gov.au/patient-care/donor-conception-register-services
County Court of Victoria
This County Court website provides information on adoptions, parentage and name changes in Victoria, including relevant forms and information sheets.
countycourt.vic.gov.au/going-court/adoptions-parentage-and-name-changes
Patient Review Panel
The Patient Review Panel is an independent statutory body. This website provides information on the Panel, including on the role of the Panel, applications to the Panel, hearings before the Panel and outcomes of the Panel.
Customer Reviews
Contact Forte Family Lawyers Melbourne
CONTACT
Our professional Family Lawyers in Melbourne are ready to listen.
Level 15
600 Bourke Street
Melbourne 3000 Victoria Australia
PO Box 13172
Law Courts
8010 Victoria Australia
Telephone
+61 3 9248 5800
Email
enquiries@fortefamilylawyers.com.au
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Family Lawyers Melbourne
Frequently Asked Questions
Hidden First Field
How long do family law matters take to resolve?
Timeframes for resolving family law matters vary, depending on many factors. If both parties agree in most areas, it can be a simple and straightforward process, avoiding the need for family law proceedings. Each family law matter has unique factors, but most parenting problems and property settlements can be negotiated between parties and their lawyers to achieve a fair and equitable outcome.
It’s always helpful to seek legal advice before committing to parenting arrangements or binding financial agreements, as both have long-term consequences. Forte Family Lawyers in Melbourne is a specialist family law firm. Talk to us today about how we can help you to resolve your matter.
What is family mediation?
Family mediation is often offered as a part of family law services, to find common ground between parties. This may be done to resolve specific issues, avoid the court process, and minimise legal costs associated with lengthy negotiations or extended Federal Circuit Court and Family Court of Australia proceedings.
Mediation may involve just the parties or may be lawyer assisted. We can advise you on the various options and services including Family Dispute Resolution and private mediation.
As Family Law specialists, we can give you practical advice before Mediation and act on your behalf during the Mediation process.
How much does a family lawyer cost in Australia?
The costs for a family lawyer in Australia can vary greatly, depending on the matters being dealt with. Law firms generally charge on a time basis.
Choosing the best family lawyers for your matter can seem daunting. Still, it is best to look for a professional family lawyer who has an interest in any particular areas that are relevant to your case. All family lawyers understand the Family Law Act, but different practitioners specialise in different areas. Forte Family Lawyers have 6 accredited specialists in Family Law and handle all family law matters from the simplest to the more complex, including international disputes, complicated financial structures, bankruptcy and intractable parenting disputes.
Whether you are looking for skilled divorce lawyers or a lawyer experienced in domestic violence matters, we can help. As highly regarded Melbourne Family Lawyers, many families trust us to work with them due to the experience and compassionate approach of our highly skilled team.
How are child support disputes usually resolved?
Generally, the best way to resolve a dispute relating to child support payments is to come to an agreement with the other party. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done. The amount of child support payable will depend on whether a Services Australia Child Support Assessment is in place or there is a binding child support agreement.
Private collection is an agreement between two parties, whether through the Child Support Scheme, or two individuals, and disputes will need to be resolved by mutual agreement or court order. If a Services Australia assessment is in place, disputes on non-payment will generally be determined by Child Support but may require engaging legal services if one or both parties want to depart from the assessment with the child support system or with a Binding Child Support Agreement or if there is a Binding Child Support Agreement which is no longer appropriate.