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Family Lawyers

Melbourne | FREE Consultation

They're Claiming Half. You Built Everything. Get a FREE strategic assessment before you agree to anything. Partner-led representation on family law matters of all complexities.

About family law

The Reality of Family Breakdown

When your relationship ends, everything changes. Your home. Your children's routine. Your financial security. The decisions you make in the next 90 days will impact your life for years—possibly decades.

Most people facing family law matters feel overwhelmed by three questions:

  • What am I entitled to? The law isn't as simple as 50/50. Your contributions matter. Your future needs matter. The structure of your assets matters.
  • How do I protect my children? Parenting arrangements need to be safe, practical, and enforceable. Vague agreements fall apart within months.
  • What will this cost me? Not just in legal fees—but in time, stress, and lost opportunities if you don't act strategically.

That's where we come in.

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FREE Strategic Assessment

Before you make any decisions or before agree to any settlement, understand your actual legal position. Our FREE consultation gives you clarity on what you're entitled to and the strategy to get there.

No obligation. Complete confidentiality.

Where does it start?

Your First Consultation: Total Clarity

Your First Consultation: Total Clarity

This isn’t a 'get to know you' meeting where we talk in circles. Your first consultation is a strategic planning session where we:

  • Review your complete situation (assets, parenting, safety concerns)
  • Assess your legal rights under the Family Law Act
  • Identify your realistic best-case outcome—not false promises
  • Map the strategy to get you there (negotiation, mediation, or court)
  • Give you transparent cost estimates for each pathway

You leave with a clear roadmap. Even if you decide not to engage us, you’ll understand your position better than when you walked in. Most clients make a decision to proceed on the spot. Not because we pressure them—but because they finally have clarity.

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The Negotiation Phase: Strategic Pressure

The Negotiation Phase: Strategic Pressure

85% of family law matters settle before going to trial. But settlement doesn’t mean rolling over.

We negotiate from strength:

Your case is built from day one as if it’s going to court—comprehensive disclosure, expert valuations, strong evidence. When the other side knows we’re prepared to litigate, they negotiate seriously.

We draft strategic proposals that protect your position while creating pathways to agreement. When mediation occurs, you’re represented by lawyers who understand leverage points and know when to push and when to compromise.

Most importantly: We don't settle just to settle. Every agreement must meet your core objectives or we continue to the next step.

Court Litigation: Robust Advocacy When Required

Court Litigation: Robust Advocacy When Required

When negotiation fails—when the other party is unreasonable, dishonest, or putting children at risk—we litigate decisively.

  • Interim applications for urgent orders (property preservation, parenting time, safety)
  • Comprehensive evidence preparation (financial records, witness statements, expert reports)
  • Strategic court advocacy in Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
  • Cross-examination that exposes weaknesses in the other party’s case
  • Final hearings where we present your case persuasively to achieve the best possible outcome

You’ll always know what’s happening, what it costs, and the realistic range of outcomes. No surprises.

Getting Divorced

Divorce ends your marriage legally. That's it. It doesn't divide your property. It doesn't determine parenting arrangements. It doesn't resolve child support. Those are separate legal matters that run on their own timelines.

What you need to know:

  • 12-month separation required: You must be separated for at least 12 months before applying for divorce. This includes separation under one roof if you can prove it.
  • The court hearing: If you have children under 18, a brief court hearing is usually required. We handle this for you—in most cases, you don't even need to attend.
  • After the divorce order: It takes effect one month and one day after being made. At that point, your marriage is legally ended.

Common Questions:

Q: Do I need my spouse's consent to divorce?
A: No. Divorce can be granted on a sole application. Your spouse will be notified, but their consent isn't required.

Q: How much does divorce cost?
A: Court filing fee is $1,125. Our fixed fee for divorce applications starts at $3,500 including preparation, filing, and court attendance if required.

Q: Can I remarry after divorce?
A: Yes, 31 days after the divorce order is made. Many clients have new partners and need certainty about remarriage timing for planning purposes.

Why coordinate divorce with property and parenting:

Smart timing matters. While divorce is separate from property and parenting, coordinating all three often produces better outcomes:

  • Property leverage: Some clients delay divorce until property settlement is finalised to maintain negotiating pressure.
  • Remarriage planning: New relationships create urgency to finalise divorce, which can motivate property settlement.
  • Tax considerations: Divorce timing can impact capital gains tax treatment on property transfers.

We map the strategic sequence that best serves your goals.

Discuss Your Divorce Timeline
Divorce

Frequently Asked Questions

Testimonials

Social Proof

Google Review

Natalie Greenberg and Seren Yalaz helped me navigate through my Family Law matter with the upmost courtesy and professionalism. Would definitely recommend their services for any Family Law matters!

— Katia Mercuri

We are very grateful for the exceptional service provided by Joseph and his dedicated team at DSA Lawyers and Consultants. They went above and beyond for us, delivering truly amazing work that resulted in a fantastic outcome and settlement.From the very beginning, the team was incredibly diligent and thorough. They worked tirelessly and persevered, ensuring we achieved the best possible result we could have ever hoped for. We are so grateful for their expertise, tenacity, and unwavering commitment. We highly recommend their services to anyone seeking a team that will genuinely fight for the best possible outcome.

— brenton ward

Fantastic service. With all staff so helpful and polite even the lovely girl at reception. And my Lawyer Mitchell Fuller was nothing but helpful and professional and got me the best deal. Highly recommended and would never go anywhere else thank you so much .

— Sharon Bending

Highly recommended...Joseph and Benjamin, professional, putting customer needs above their own profits, hard to find this quality in lawyers..they helped and guided us even though we weren't their clients...hats off..all success to them..

— W R

Natalie Greenberg and Seren Yalaz helped me navigate through my Family Law matter with the upmost courtesy and professionalism. Would definitely recommend their services for any Family Law matters!

— Katia Mercuri

We are very grateful for the exceptional service provided by Joseph and his dedicated team at DSA Lawyers and Consultants. They went above and beyond for us, delivering truly amazing work that resulted in a fantastic outcome and settlement.From the very beginning, the team was incredibly diligent and thorough. They worked tirelessly and persevered, ensuring we achieved the best possible result we could have ever hoped for. We are so grateful for their expertise, tenacity, and unwavering commitment. We highly recommend their services to anyone seeking a team that will genuinely fight for the best possible outcome.

— brenton ward

Fantastic service. With all staff so helpful and polite even the lovely girl at reception. And my Lawyer Mitchell Fuller was nothing but helpful and professional and got me the best deal. Highly recommended and would never go anywhere else thank you so much .

— Sharon Bending

Highly recommended...Joseph and Benjamin, professional, putting customer needs above their own profits, hard to find this quality in lawyers..they helped and guided us even though we weren't their clients...hats off..all success to them..

— W R

Why Choose DSA Law?

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Why Choose DSA Law?

Experienced & Accredited

Our team has extensive experience across all areas of family law, with a track record of achieving strong outcomes for clients.

Client-Focused Approach

We take the time to understand your priorities and explain your options clearly – no jargon, no confusion.

Melbourne & Mornington Locations

Face-to-face consultations that make a real difference.

Practical & Direct

We tell you what's achievable and focus your energy on what matters most – your future and your family.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're just starting to think about separation or need urgent legal support, we're here to help.

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