Divorce
The breakdown of a relationship can be a complicated time for all parties involved. At Freeman Family Law we have been assisting Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula clients with their family law matters including divorce & parenting from one of our eight locations.

Let us help get your divorce sorted

The breakdown of a relationship can be a complicated time for all parties involved.

At Freeman Family Law we have been helping Melbourne clients with their family law matters including divorces for over 30 years. Our team of divorce lawyers will guide you through each step of the process, while providing you with expert legal and practical advice to give you peace of mind that you are doing the right thing to protect yourself, your family, and your assets.

What we offer to our clients

We our clients with a range of services including:

Sole applications

Joint applications where the parties are in agreement

Drafting, serving, filing, and court appearances

Complex applications including those where the other party resides overseas or is avoiding service of the divorce papers

Complex applications where there is disagreement as to the date of separation

Can I apply for a divorce?

There are certain criteria that must be met before you are able to apply for a divorce.

To apply for divorce in Australia either you or your spouse must:

  • Be an Australian Citizen, or
  • Live in Australia and with the intention to do so for the indefinite future, or
  • Ordinarily reside in Australia, including for the 12 months immediately before filing for the divorce.

When will the Court grant a divorce?

To grant a divorce the Court must be satisfied that the parties have been living separately and apart for a minimum of 12 months, and that there is no reasonable likelihood of the parties reconciling. Parties who have continued to live at the same property following separation can still satisfy this requirement, however may be required to produce additional evidence to do so.

In sole applications the Court must also be satisfied that the other party has been properly served with the required documents. This is where it pays to use an experienced and specialised family lawyer, as the intricacies of these requirements can be confusing and in our experience often ‘trip up’ lawyers who do not specialise in family law.

Where the parties apply together evidence of service is not required.

Speak to a divorce lawyer about which application best suits your unique personal circumstances.

Property and children

A common misconception is that the Court will make decisions about the couple’s property and children when the couple’s divorce is granted. A divorce signals the end of the marriage. Property and childrens matters are separate to this.

Your divorce lawyer will be able to provide you with advice regarding your rights, responsibilities, and entitlements in relation to property and childrens matters.

TESTIMONIALS

See why our customers knew that they had made the right choice for their Family Lawyers.

Graeme Freeman made a very difficult de-facto settlement process not only bearable, but manageable. He was consistently professional, calm, and patient, taking the time to explain each step clearly so I could understand my options and feel supported in my decisions. His experience and thoughtful approach gave me the confidence I needed to get through the process. I highly recommend Graeme, he is an exceptional lawyer with extensive expertise and a reassuring manner.

Nelly Phelan

I was recommended to Graham Freeman, Brad Jones, James Story and barrister Nick Ellis by my original solicitor Lily Safarewicz who prepared the history and facts of my case. At Freeman Family Law, I spent the early days with Brad who was friendly and extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and well versed on my case. I felt confident that I was in the right hands during this emotional time in my life.

I was also very comfortable and grateful to have Graham and especially barrister Nick Ellis at mediation and thank them from the bottom of my heart, for their professional efforts and work at mediation. I will recommend Freeman Family Law in the future and thank them all for the outcome which allows me to move ahead and live again, it was a pleasure to have you by my side.

Peter Cullen

Graeme and his team went above and beyond to ensure a great result for a family settlement for me. Always taking a calm, sensible but firm route meant I never felt out of control of the situation and always had my options clearly explained. Graeme was very personable, always available when needed and very generous fee-wise. I would highly recommend him and his team. Certainly one of the best family lawyers I’ve ever worked with!

Quan Quansen

Graham was recommended to me by an acquaintance on an outstanding successful custody case. Brad is an exceptional family lawyer, he restored my faith in the justice system.

Brad was extremely knowledgeable, honest and realistic which instilled a confidence and peace in me knowing I was in the right hands in such a stressful important time. Brad was highly sensitive to the trauma I had previously been through in the system. His communication was outstanding along with his experienced recommendations.

I cannot thank you enough for achieving an outcome that exceeded all of expectations. I would highly recommend Freeman Family Lawyers, it was an absolute pleasure working with everyone.

Rochelle Pettit

From the moment I reached out to Lauren under stressful circumstances involving my family, my mind was put at ease. The support and guidance she provided me through the legal process along with the strong advocacy shown was able to get my matter travelling in the right direction from day 1. Brad, with his direct and no-nonsense approach, then kept the ball rolling through the system until the matter was finally resolved.

I appreciated his ability to tell it how it is without sugar coating anything which inturn was able to keep my expectations realistic. No one expects going to court will be stress free, especially when children are involved, however with Brad and Lauren in my corner, we were able to achieve the desired outcome. Whilst I hope I never need legal representation in these circumstances again, I wouldn't hesitate returning to Freeman Family Law. Thanks again to Graeme Freeman and his team!

Ty

Graeme Freeman and Lauren are exceptional, empathetic and tireless advocates for their clients. Over a long period, we engaged a number of firms before finding the perfect support in Freeman Family Law, and they led us to an outstanding result. Thank you Graeme and Lauren for all you have done for our family. We appreciate it!

Christopher Benz

I contacted Graeme and Brad at the beginning of the process, which was a very stressful one. They were very empathetic, professional, calm and did put lots of efforts to make this process easier and amicable. They have been providing great advices, direction, support and stayed positive. The outcome is the one that I have been fitting for. Thank you so much for your work Graeme and Brad.

Nicolas Photiou

TELL US HOW WE CAN ASSIST YOU
BY SUBMITTING THIS FORM 24/7

Please be as specific as you can, and we will assist you in getting things moving ASAP.


Case Studies

At Freeman Family Law, we have helped countless clients through what is one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

No one gets married or enters a de facto relationship looking to get divorced and separate, but when the relationship is untenable, sometimes going your separate ways is the best outcome for all parties.

Freeman Family Law prides itself on its compassionate handling of these cases with the best interests of our clients at heart to ensure their needs are looked after to the full extent of their rights.

Relocation

Relocation

How Freeman Family Law helped a mother of twins successfully relocate with the children following divorce.

read more

Freeman Family Law has been assisting clients in Melbourne CBD, Yarraville, Caroline Springs, Hillside, Keilor, Albert Park, Taylors Lakes and the Mornington Peninsula for decades.

Servicing the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne and surrounds with 7 conveniently located offices.

Family Law Melbourne City Office | Yarraville | South Melbourne| Caroline Springs | Taylors Lakes | Essendon | Mornington | Dromana | Sorrento