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 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 AND SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE
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
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
How To Get A Divorce In Australia: Essential Steps & Considerations
In Australia, the process of getting a divorce is governed by the Family Law Act 1975. It is designed to be clear and accessible, ensuring that individuals can navigate the legal system with ease, whether they're dealing with child-related issues, financial matters, or property settlements. If you are considering divorce, it's...
The new process for determining a family law property settlement is changing – What do you need to know?
The Family Law Amendment Act 2024 (the Act) was recently passed by Federal Parliament and most of the amendments will take effect on 10 June 2025. The Act amends the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (FLA) and primarily deals with the property settlement and maintenance provisions for married and de facto couples in Pts VIII and...
Pets in Family Law Proceedings: Who gets to keep Roxy? Why can’t we share the care of Charlie?
In Australia, pets are often treated as members of the family, and this is particularly obvious with dogs. The cost of, and demand for, designer dog breeds like cavoodles and labradoodles is high. They are given human names like Lucy and Max – not Rover and Fido - and are more likely to live indoors than outdoors as they did...
Cross-border Family Law: Advising Clients when Other Jurisdictions are in Play
Today’s increasing globalisation means that the numbers of couples and families who are temporary or permanent residents, own property, have property interests and/or run businesses in other countries is on the rise. While Australian lawyers cannot (and should not) provide advice to their clients about their legal entitlements...
Family Law Act Amendments & Parenting Arrangements: A New Pathway or Stuck on the Same Old Road?
INTRODUCTION : FAMILY LAW ACT AMENDMENTS 2024 Major changes to the parenting provisions in Pt VII of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (‘FLA’) came into effect on 6 May 2024 when the Family Law Amendment Act 2023 (Cth) (FLAA) commenced. These amendments have only been in effect for three months, but already some cases have been...
Have you been accused of family violence?
If you have been accused of family violence, the violence may be relevant to parenting orders you seek in a Family Law court, or to intervention orders which are sought against you in the Magistrates’ Court. Some of the questions you may have about these are answered below. If you requuire more clarification, we urge you speak...
Family Law Act Amendments Update – Parenting arrangements and property settlements
Introduction In the past, family lawyers often joked about the constancy of legislative reform, but it has been quiet recently. This is fairly unusual as family law is so tied up with societal changes – either leading them or following them. We have had nothing substantial since the commencement of the Federal Circuit and...
Proposed New Factors For Settlements – Key Insights Into Property Law Reform in 2024
Australia's family law landscape is in the midst of transformation, with the Family Law Amendment Act (No 2) 2023 (FLAA) standing as the focal point of these changes. These modifications will have repercussions for legal practitioners. Please note: This overview is derived from a detailed industry piece by Jacky Campbell,...
Resources
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 (ATSI) 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.
vacca.org/services/early-intervention-and-
family-services
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.
emhaws.org.au
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.com.au/services/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-support
CALD (CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE) SUPPORT 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.
Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service
Telephone service for women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds who are victims of domestic violence.
1800 755 988
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.
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.
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.
afp.gov.au/what-we-do/crime-types/family-law-kit
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.
relationshipsvictoria.com.au/services/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-support
CHILD PROTECTION (DHHS)
Child protection (DHHS)
This website provides information regarding the role and services provided by the Department of Health and Human Services Child Protection unit.
CHILD SUPPORT
Services Australia (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.
servicesaustralia.gov.au/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.
servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-support-forms
Child Support Guides
A parent’s guide to child support, containing a range of information to help parents understand the child support scheme:
servicesaustralia.gov.au/guide-for-newly-separated-parents
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:
guides.dss.gov.au/child-support-guide
COURTS
Family Court of Australia
Information available includes daily Court lists, online forms, downloadable brochures, Court filing fees, costs, judgements, legislation, contact details. Contains a wide range of useful information and resources for separated parents and couples, kids and young people and grandparents and other family members including issues arising upon separation, divorce, child related issues, family violence, property and financial matters and the Court process.
familycourt.gov.au
Federal Circuit Court of Australia
Information available includes daily Court lists, online forms, downloadable brochures, Court filing fees, costs, judgements, legislation, contact details. Contains a wide range of useful information and resources for separated parents and couples, kids and young people and grandparents and other family members including issues arising upon separation, divorce, child related issues, family violence, property and financial matters and the court process. Applications for divorce can be made online through the website.
federalcircuitcourt.gov.au
Commonwealth Courts portal
Access to your family law matter online. From this site you can see a list of documents filed and Orders made, file court documents online, see upcoming Court dates.
comcourts.gov.au
Magistrates’ Court of Victoria
Information available includes daily Court lists, online forms, legislation, contact details. Contains a range of information regarding intervention orders, personal safety intervention orders and Court support services.
mcv.vic.gov.au
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: 1800 050 321
familyrelationships.gov.au/home
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 on this website.
aiflam.org.au
FAMILY VIOLENCE
The Magistrates’ Court of Victoria can make intervention orders to protect people who have experienced violent or threatening or abusive behaviour.
mcv.vic.gov.au/intervention-orders
1800 RESPECT National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Service
National 24/7 phone and online referral, information and support service for men, women and children.
1800respect.org.au
Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria
Not-for-profit state wide resource centre that provides training, publications, research and other resources of those experiencing (or who have experienced) family violence, and practitioners and service organisations who work with family violence survivors.
dvrcv.org.au/help-advice
Safe Steps
Emergency accommodation, 24 hour crisis line, referral, information and support services for women and children.
safesteps.org.au
No To Violence – Men’s Referral Service
Confidential telephone service provided for men by men.
1300 766 491
ntvmrs.org.au
Mensline
Telephone and online support, information and referral for men with family and relationship concerns.
1300 78 99 78
mensline.org.au
FINANCIAL MATTERS / PROPERTY SETTLEMENT
Family Court Website
This website of the Family Court 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.
familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/family-law-matters/property-and-finance
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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.
familycourt.gov.au
FINANCIAL COUNSELLING
Family Mediation Centre
Financial difficulties arise for a whole range of reasons including separation or inability to manage figures or face conflict. FMC’s financial counselling service is free, confidential and delivered by professionals.
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT (HELPLINES)
Beyond Blue
This website includes information and support to help members of the community to achieve their best possible mental health. It provides contact information for targeted national helplines and websites as well as support groups and online forums.
beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites
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 tool kits and referrals to online peer support forums.
lifeline.org.au
LEGISLATION
Austlii
This website provides access to legislation and Rules, including:
- Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) – the main legislation covering family law disputes
- Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth) – rules governing the court process in the Family Court of Australia
- Federal Circuit Court Rules 2001 (Cth) – rules governing the court process in the Federal Circuit 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
LGBTIQ 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
Drummond St – Queerspace
Services provided include individual, couple, and whole of family counselling, relationship and parenting support services, and assistance to victims of family violence for LGBTIQ people.
ds.org.au/our-services/queerspace
Qlife
A national counselling and referral service for LGBTIQ 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 – Family Law Page
Containing articles about law related issues. Jacky Campbell has contributed articles to this site and is a consultant author for Wolters Kluwer.
walterkluwercentral.com.au/en-au/expert-insights
Legal Aid Victoria
This website provides general information about family law and eligibility for legal aid funding in Victoria.
legalaid.vic.gov.au
The Australia 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.
ato.gov.au
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
Victorian Family Law Pathways Network
This website provides information regarding appropriate referral pathways for separating families in the family law system.
vicflpn.org.au
Centrelink
This website provides general Centrelink information including the Centrelink calculator, payment and service finder, and the facility to lodge reporting statements.
servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrelink
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.
familylawsection.org.au
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.
liv.asn.au
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.
aicvic.com.au
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.
api.org.au
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.
iafl.com
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.
vicbar.com.au
SUPERANNUATION AND
SUPERANNUATION INFORMATION
REQUEST FORMS
These website pages provide access to the Superannuation Information Kit, which provides the forms you need, being the Form 6 Declaration, Superannuation Information Request Form and the Superannuation Information Form, to obtain information from the Trustee of an eligible superannuation plan in order to value a superannuation interest.
Family Court of Australia website
familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/family-law-matters/property-and-finance/superannuation/
Federal Circuit Court website
federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/family-law-matters/property-and-finance/superannuation/superannuation
Note: many superannuation funds provide their own version of these forms and/or online fact sheets and booklets regarding the valuation and splitting of superannuation for family law purposes.
Link here to some specific funds
pss.gov.au/your-scheme/family-law
pss.gov.au/storage/FORM6-PSS.pdf
css.gov.au/your-scheme/family-law/
css.gov.au/storage/FORM6-CSS.pdf
australiansuper.com/tools-and-advice/forms-and-fact-sheets
(Request family law information)
firststatesuper.com.au/content.dam/ftc/digital/pdfs/member/forms/super/FSS062_FamLawReqInfo.pdf
telstrasuper.com.au/information-hub/find-a-form?uid=d117bcc3-c4ea-43e7-9d82-5a7b28308809&Catergory=%7B48CBBB02-FCD1-43DF-A99B-4E4587131322%7D&Division=-
(Request for family law information)
Industry Super Funds
Link to a variety of industry funds. Undertaking a “family law” search on most sites will provide you with information regarding the valuation and splitting of superannuation in family law matters
industrysuper.com/choose-a-fund
SURROGACY
Family Court Website
This website of the Family Court 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.
familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/family-law-matters/property-and-finance
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.