Divorce & Separation
Navigating the legal dissolution of marriage, including the 12-month separation requirement and sole or joint applications under the Family Law Act 1975.
Family Law
Guiding families through difficult transitions
When family matters become legal matters, you deserve a firm that balances expert advocacy with genuine compassion.
When family matters escalate to the point where legal intervention becomes unavoidable, the path forward is rarely straightforward. Australian family law is intricate and deeply nuanced. Every decision carries weight, and a single misstep, often made in the absence of proper guidance, can mean forfeiting rights that should rightfully be yours.
At Lexcord Lawyers, we bring extensive experience and in-depth knowledge to this sensitive area of practice. We understand the critical moments — when to act, when to hold back, and how each decision can shape the outcome. Drawing on years of practical insight, we guide our clients through every interaction with their partner, ensuring that their legal rights are preserved at every turn.
Wherever possible, we work towards amicable resolutions, helping clients reach settlements with their former partners to avoid the emotional and financial toll of prolonged litigation. In matters where family, rights, and finances intersect, we strive to maintain a careful balance between all three, protecting what matters most, and helping our clients move forward.
Practice Area
Every dimension of family law
Our practice covers the full spectrum of family law. From sensitive parenting disputes to complex financial matters across multiple jurisdictions.
Property Settlement
Achieving fair division of assets, superannuation, and liabilities. We advise on the four-step court process and your 12-month window after divorce.
Parenting Arrangement
Drafting parenting plans and consent orders that prioritise the best interests of your children — collaboratively or, where necessary, through the court.
Family Violence Orders
Urgent intervention orders under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic). We act quickly to ensure the safety of you and your children.
Child Support
Assistance with Child Support Agency assessments, private child support agreements, and variations where circumstances have changed.
De Facto Relationship
Establishing whether a de facto relationship legally exists is not always straightforward and the financial consequences can be significant.
Spousal Maintenance
Advising on eligibility, interim and final maintenance orders, and the factors the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia will consider.
Relocation & International
Matters involving relocation with children interstate or overseas, international child abduction, and the Hague Convention on parental rights.
Your legal team
Family Law
The solicitors who handle these matters. Book a consultation to get started.
Related insights
Family Law
Plain-language guidance on this area — articles pending the firm's real publications.
Family LawPhoto placeholder
Placeholder 1Article title goes here
A short standfirst summarising the article will appear here once content is supplied.
Family LawPhoto placeholder
Placeholder 2Article title goes here
A short standfirst summarising the article will appear here once content is supplied.
Family LawPhoto placeholder
Placeholder 3Article title goes here
A short standfirst summarising the article will appear here once content is supplied.
Q&A
Answer to what you are wondering
These are the questions we hear most often
Under the Family Law Act 1975, you must have been separated for at least 12 months before you can apply for divorce. This period can include time you lived under the same roof, provided you can satisfy the court you were genuinely separated. If you have been married less than two years, you may also need to attempt counselling.
No — the majority of property settlements are resolved by agreement and formalised through consent orders or a binding financial agreement (BFA), without any court appearance. We strongly encourage this approach as it is faster, less costly, and less adversarial. Court proceedings are generally a last resort.
In most respects, yes. Victoria opted in to the federal property and maintenance regime for de facto couples under the Family Law Act. This means de facto partners (including same-sex couples) who separated after 1 March 2009 have essentially the same property and maintenance rights as married couples, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
Costs depend significantly on the complexity of your matter and whether it resolves by agreement or proceeds to court. We provide a cost estimate at your initial consultation and offer fixed-fee arrangements for certain services. We are committed to costs transparency and will update you if the scope changes.
Begin your journey