Family law · Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne family law firms, solicitors and barristers, with their Doyle’s Guide rankings, links to the official registers and a direct way to review each one. Start with who to call first.
Your first call for a family law matter. Runs the matter from the first meeting — advice, negotiation, the paperwork, and court if it comes to that — and briefs a barrister when one is needed.
Contact the firm directlyA solicitor a law institute has accredited in a field after formal assessment. We show it only where the listing says so. Shown on the Victorian register.
Ask the firm, or check the registerAn advocate for hearings, trials and hard points of law. Some accept direct briefs from the public; most work comes through a solicitor.
Usually through your solicitor101 solicitors, 36 law firms and 52 barristers, with Doyle’s Guide rankings where they exist and a register note on every listing. We group lawyers by what Doyle’s Guide published and what we have checked ourselves. Inside a group the order is alphabetical, and no lawyer here is rated above another by us.
See the full Doyle’s-ranked lists: Melbourne family lawyers and family barristers.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Partner · Lander & Rogers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Market Leader 2026 · Family & Divorce Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Principal · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Founder and Managing Partner · Coote Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Principal · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Founding Partner · Kennedy Partners
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Principal, Head of Family Law · Harwood Andrews
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Partner · Kenna Teasdale Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Director · Cahill Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Principal · Hargreaves Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 13 Sep 2026
Principal Partner · Arkadia Family Law
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Leslie Family Law · Principal
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Barrister · Holmes List
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Principal · Mitchell Family Law
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Director and Head of Family & Relationship Law · Coulter Legal
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Partner and co-founder · Sayer Jones
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Partner · Forte Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
King's Counsel · Holmes List
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Solicitor · Agar Singh Legal
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Solicitor · Coote Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Forte Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Cahill Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Lander & Rogers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Doyle's Family Law & Mediation
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Elsum Family Law
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Sally Field Mediations
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Lander & Rogers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Clancy & Triado
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Sayer Jones
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Forte Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Kennedy Partners
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Lander & Rogers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Christine Lethbridge Conciliation & Mediation Services
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · marshalls+dent+wilmoth
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Coulter Legal
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Mediation Victoria
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Barry Nilsson
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Stuart Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Mediation Victoria
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Sterling Walters
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Arkadia Family Law
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · marshalls+dent+wilmoth
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · OFRM Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Lighthouse Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Solicitor · Kenna Teasdale Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Coulter Legal
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Dwyer Legal
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · CE Family Law
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Coote Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Lander & Rogers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Mediation Matters Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Clancy & Triado
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Creative Family Law Solutions
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Forte Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Spectrum Law & Mediations
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Heinz Law
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Hargreaves Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Canterbury Family Law
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Sage Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Cargill Family Law
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Harwood Andrews
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Barry Nilsson
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Umbrella Family Law
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Kenna Teasdale
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Coulter Legal
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · OFRM Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Kenna Teasdale Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Nambiar Hogg Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Harwood Andrews
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Westminster Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Sayer Jones
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Allison Rowe Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Kennedy Partners Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Toner & Associates
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Special Counsel · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Rising Star · Family Law Rising Stars, Victoria, 2026
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Special Counsel · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Special Counsel · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Lawyer · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Special Counsel · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Consultant · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Associate · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Senior Associate · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Associate · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Senior Associate · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Lawyer · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Special Counsel · Taussig Cherrie Fildes
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide First Tier · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide First Tier · Town Planning & Development
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide First Tier · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide First Tier · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide First Tier · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide First Tier · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Second Tier · Professional Indemnity
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading · Agribusiness
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Second Tier · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Second Tier · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Second Tier · Insolvency & Restructuring
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading · Agribusiness
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Third Tier · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Third Tier · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Third Tier · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Third Tier · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Third Tier · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Funded by Lawyer Reviews
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Law firm
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Market Leader · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Foley's List · Barrister, Aickin Chambers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent · Family Law
Register checked 15 Sep 2026
Foley's List · Owen Dixon Chambers East · King's Counsel, Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent · Parenting & Children's Matters · Senior Counsel
Register checked 24 Sep 2026
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Preeminent · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Leading · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Barrister, Victorian Bar (Bar Roll 1990) · Holmes List Barristers · on the regis
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Parenting & Children's Matters · Junior Counsel
Register checked 24 Sep 2026
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Barrister at the Victorian Bar · Aickin Chambers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Within this group the order is alphabetical. It is not a ranking.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Barrister at the Victorian Bar · Owen Dixon Chambers West
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Barrister at the Victorian Bar · Owen Dixon Chambers East
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Barrister at the Victorian Bar · Owen Dixon Chambers East
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Independent barrister practising from the Victorian Bar
Melbourne, VIC
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Funded by Lawyer Reviews
Solicitor · Trapski Family Law
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Clancy & Triado
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
Solicitor · Coote Family Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
Doyle’s Guide Recommended 2026 · Family Law
We have not checked anything on this listing yet. That is about our coverage, not about this lawyer.
No lawyers match those filters.
Doyle’s Guide tiers are Doyle’s, from its peer survey, reproduced with attribution. Google ratings are ratings of the firm, not of an individual lawyer. Sponsored placements are labelled. Nobody pays to be listed.
Family law in Australia is governed by the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), administered by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The same federal framework applies in every state — but how it’s resolved in practice varies significantly by registry, with different waitlists, court culture, and local Family Dispute Resolution capacity.
Melbourne is the second-largest legal market in Australia with substantial commercial and equity practices. The Supreme Court of Victoria, Federal Court (Melbourne Registry), and Federal Circuit and Family Court (Melbourne Registry) all sit here. The Law Institute of Victoria regulates solicitors; the Victorian Bar regulates barristers.
Regulators: Law Institute of Victoria (liv.asn.au) and the Victorian Bar (vicbar.com.au)
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia — Melbourne Registry (305 William Street). Second-largest family-law registry. Strong Family Dispute Resolution infrastructure through Relationships Australia and accredited FDR practitioners.
Indicative fees drawn from published cost data. Confirm in writing with any firm before engaging — written costs disclosure is mandatory under the Legal Profession Uniform Law.
| Pathway / matter type | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consent orders (uncontested) | $1,500–$3,000 combined | Sealed by FCFCOA Melbourne Registry |
| Negotiated property settlement | $7,000–$20,000 combined | Strong FDR culture in VIC reduces costs |
| Contested final hearing | $45,000–$130,000+ combined | County/Supreme Court if jurisdictional |
For the full family law cost breakdown across Australia, see our Family law cost guide.
Matter types we see most often in our intake from Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.
The four-step process under s79 — identifying the asset pool, assessing contributions, assessing future needs, and applying the just-and-equitable test. Most matters resolve through consent orders or mediation; only ~30% reach a contested hearing (AIFS 2024).
Live-with, spend-time and parental-responsibility arrangements. The 2024 amendments removed the equal-shared-parental-responsibility presumption — the court now decides on the child’s best interests with no statutory starting point.
Pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and separation BFAs under Part VIIIA. Used to provide certainty without court involvement, though both parties must take independent advice and the agreement can be set aside in narrow circumstances.
Filed after 12 months of separation. Sole or joint application, $1,170 filing fee (concession $390). Usually a 1–3 month process and rarely requires personal court attendance.
Spousal maintenance under Part VIII; child support administered separately through Services Australia. Property and parenting orders frequently include maintenance terms.
Apprehended Violence Orders, Intervention Orders and equivalent state-based protective orders. Often run concurrently with parenting and property matters.
Five questions that determine whether the lawyer in front of you is the right fit for your matter.
Doyle’s Guide Market Leader · 2025 and 2026Peer-survey ranking published by Doyle’s Guide; editorial, not a paid placement. All Doyle’s-ranked Melbourne family lawyers, by tier →
Most people start with a family law solicitor or firm. The solicitor runs your matter from the first meeting: advice, negotiation, mediation, the paperwork and, if it comes to it, court. The barristers listed further down this page are specialist advocates, usually briefed by your solicitor.
Your first call for separation, parenting or property. Handles the whole matter and briefs a barrister if one is needed.
Contact the firm directlyA solicitor the Law Institute of Victoria has accredited in family law after formal assessment. Shown on the Victorian register.
Ask the firm, or check the registerAdvocate for hearings, trials and advice on difficult points. Some accept direct briefs from the public, but most work comes through a solicitor.
Usually through your solicitor| First Tier | Coote Family Lawyers · Kenna Teasdale Lawyers · Kennedy Partners · Lander & Rogers · Taussig Cherrie Fildes |
|---|---|
| Second Tier | Forte Family Lawyers · marshalls+dent+wilmoth |
| Third Tier | Arkadia Family Law · Barry Nilsson · Clancy & Triado · Hargreaves Family Law · Mitchell Family Law · Sayer Jones |
First Tier is Doyle’s highest tier for firms. Doyle’s also lists 13 Recommended firms. Tiers are Doyle’s Guide’s, from peer, client and referrer surveys, reproduced with attribution and checked against the published list on 19 September 2026. We do not rank firms ourselves.
Doyle’s Market Leader tier sits above Preeminent in this list and holds one name. Doyle’s also lists 30 Recommended practitioners (full list). Reviews: a Google rating on a profile belongs to the firm unless the review names the individual lawyer, and we keep the two apart. If one of these lawyers acted for you, the Review link takes you straight to the form on their profile; every review is checked before publication under our review policy.
Same practice · other cities
Other practice areas in Melbourne
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