Separation is rarely just one thing. The moment a relationship ends, questions flood in all at once — Where will the children live? What happens to the house? How do we deal with the business? What am I actually entitled to? If we can't agree, do we have to go to court? — and you have to answer them while managing one of the most stressful periods of your life.
Melbourne family lawyers at Freemont are trusted by separating people who have something significant at stake — a family home in Melbourne's inner suburbs, a business or company, a family trust, a farm, investment properties, or an SMSF. We see your whole picture. Our advice on parenting is always informed by your property position, and vice versa. When you choose family lawyers Melbourne residents have trusted for years, that integrated approach is the difference between a good outcome and a great one.
We listen to your whole story — not just the legal question on the surface. The way your divorce, parenting arrangements and property interact is unique to your family. We take time to understand it fully before we advise.
We give you an integrated, plain-English view of your legal position across all relevant areas — divorce, property, parenting, business interests, trusts and superannuation — explaining honestly how each decision affects the others.
We build a coordinated strategy — whether that means resolving everything by consent order, representing you in mediation, or advocating firmly in the Federal Circuit and Family Court — always with one team holding the full picture.
A confidential call to map your full situation — property, parenting and financial matters — so you leave with clarity, not more questions.
A clear plan that addresses all relevant areas together, with honest timeframes and cost estimates from the outset.
We pursue agreement wherever possible — it saves time and money. When court is necessary, we advocate with precision and purpose.
Orders formalised, agreements sealed. A stable legal and financial foundation for your next chapter.
Family home, business, trust, farm or SMSF — we understand how each asset class is treated under the Family Law Act and how to protect your position.
Melbourne CBD (Level 19, 180 Lonsdale Street) and St Kilda Road (Suite 117, 566 St Kilda Road) — accessible from anywhere in Melbourne.
Family law matters intersect. Your property outcome affects your parenting strategy. Our advice always accounts for the full picture.
No jargon, no surprises. We explain every step — including cost — so you stay in control of your own matter.
Speak with a family lawyer confidentially — ideally before you separate, or as early as possible after. Understanding your legal position from the outset protects your rights on property, parenting and finances. A free 30-minute phone assessment with Freemont Family Lawyers is a good first step. This is general information only.
The family home forms part of the total asset pool. It is not automatically split 50/50 — the court considers both parties' financial and non-financial contributions, future needs, and what is just and equitable overall. One party may keep the home and offset the other's share against other assets (super, savings, etc.), or the home may be sold. This is general information only.
Business interests — including shares in a company, a partnership, or a sole trader business — form part of the asset pool. The business is valued (usually by a forensic accountant), and the settlement accounts for that value. The business usually stays with the owner-partner; the other party receives a larger share of other assets to compensate. This is general information only.
Family trusts are complex. Trust assets don't automatically form part of the pool, but courts look at economic reality — particularly who controls the trust (as trustee or appointor). Where one party effectively controls the trust, its assets can be treated as their property or taken into account in the settlement. Early advice is essential. This is general information only.
Most family law matters — including property settlement and parenting — are resolved without a contested court hearing, through negotiation, mediation or consent orders. Court proceedings are a last resort and are pursued where agreement cannot be reached. This is general information only.
Cost depends on complexity and whether the matter is contested. Simple matters resolved by consent orders are significantly cheaper than contested court proceedings. At Freemont, we outline costs honestly from the outset and offer fixed-fee options where possible. 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.
No obligation · Confidential · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm AEST