Parenting
At Freeman Family Law we provide fathers, mothers, grandparents and step-parents across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula with comprehensive and practical advice to achieve the best outcome for their family.

Let us help get your parenting matters sorted

We can help if you need legal advice about a child that is important to you.

At Freeman Family Law we provide fathers, mothers, grandparents, and step-parents across Melbourne with comprehensive and practical advice to achieve the best outcome for their family.

What we offer to our clients

We frequently help clients and their families achieve successful outcomes in a variety of matters including:

Parenting disputes (‘custody’ and ‘access’).

Same sex parenting (and financial) disputes.

Paternity disputes.

Assisting with parenting plans.

Obtaining consent orders.

Dealing with the breach of an existing parenting order.

Child Support payments.

Parentage disputes.

Grand parents & other family members applications relating to children.

Relocation and travel.

‘Best interests of the child’

Under Australian law children have the right to maintain a meaningful relationship with both of their parents while being protected from harm. The Family Law Act 1975 requires that any arrangements that are made for a child during or following a separation are to be in their best interests.

Parental responsibility

Following a separation both parents maintain shared parental responsibility for any child of the relationship aged 18 & under, meaning that the child’s parents will share responsibility for major decisions including schooling, religion, and significant health decisions. Equal responsibility is not the same as equal time and there is no rule or presumption that children spend equal time with each parent.

Child ‘custody’ and time arrangements

The term ‘child custody’ is no longer in use in Australian law. Instead parents will make arrangements for ‘time’ for that child to spend with each of their parents.

Although parents share an equal responsibility for children, there is no rule that the child must spend equal time with each parent. There are no fixed rules as to who a child should live with or how much time they should spend with each of their parents. In many circumstances arrangements for children are made and agreed upon by the parents either independently, in mediation, or with the guidance of family lawyers. If the parents cannot agree, the Court can decide what arrangements that are in the child’s best interests and can make Orders accordingly.

Just as each family is different, each outcome relating to children is highly dependant on the individual circumstances of that family.

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

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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