Deciding to end a marriage — or being told it's over — is one of the most confronting moments in a person's life. Fear of the unknown is natural: Will I keep the house? What happens to the children? How much will this cost? How long will it take? Will I have to sit across a courtroom from my ex? These are real concerns, and you deserve honest answers.
At Freemont Family Lawyers in Melbourne, we understand that behind every separation is a real family — often with real assets at stake: a Melbourne home, a business, a family trust, superannuation, or investment properties. We guide you through every stage of separation and divorce with clear advice, realistic expectations, and a plan built around your circumstances — not a template.
We listen before we advise. Your fears, your priorities, and your family's particular circumstances shape everything — we take time to understand them before recommending a single step.
We explain your legal options in plain English — separation strategy, property entitlements, parenting rights, likely outcomes — and give you an honest assessment of cost and timeframes so you can make real decisions.
We pursue the most practical resolution — negotiation, mediation or family dispute resolution wherever possible, and strong court advocacy when needed. Always guided by what you actually want to achieve.
A confidential call to understand your full situation — separation, property, parenting, finances — and explain your options clearly.
A clear plan tailored to your circumstances, your timeline, your assets, and your goals — with honest cost estimates from the start.
We engage with the other party — by agreement wherever possible, firmly through the courts when necessary.
Orders sealed, agreements formalised. Financial and parenting certainty — so you can move forward.
Family home, business, trust, farm, investment properties, SMSF — we understand how each is treated in a Melbourne property settlement and how to protect your share.
We know the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne — the registry, the processes, the timelines, and what effective advocacy looks like here.
Separation is emotional. We remain measured and focused — giving you clear answers when the situation feels anything but clear.
We outline expected costs honestly from the first conversation — no surprise bills when you're already under financial pressure.
The 12-month separation requirement applies to the divorce application itself — not to property settlement or parenting arrangements. You can begin resolving property and parenting matters immediately after separation, which is often advisable given the time limits that apply. This is general information only.
Separation is the point at which you and your spouse decide the marriage is over — you can be legally separated while still living under the same roof. Divorce is the formal, court-granted ending of the marriage, available after 12 months of separation. Property and parenting matters can and often should be resolved before the divorce is finalised. This is general information only.
Not automatically. The family home forms part of the total asset pool and is not divided in isolation. Whether you keep the home depends on your contributions, your needs, the size of the overall pool, and the practicalities of the settlement. Many clients retain the home by offsetting its value against superannuation or other assets. This is general information only.
Business interests and investment properties form part of the asset pool and are included in property settlement. A business is typically valued by a forensic accountant. The settlement accounts for the business value — usually the business-owner spouse retains the business while the other receives a larger share of other assets. This is general information only.
Most matters — including property and parenting — are resolved without a contested court hearing, through negotiation, mediation or consent orders. Court is a last resort, not the default. This is general information only.
Cost depends on complexity and whether matters are contested. Simple, agreed separations can be resolved cost-effectively. Complex matters with business or trust assets, or where there is significant conflict, cost more. We outline costs honestly from the first meeting. This is general information only.
The information on this page is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Your situation is unique — please contact us for advice specific to your circumstances.
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