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5 Best Family Lawyers in Melbourne

Updated 22 September 2026 · How we rank law firms

Compare the 5 highest-rated family lawyers in Melbourne, ranked by Google rating across 1,167 client reviews (average 4.9 stars). Family law matters from Melbourne are filed with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and heard at the Owen Dixon Commonwealth Law Courts Building, 305 William Street. Filing is done online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal, and the Melbourne registry also receives filings for the Court's regional Victorian circuits.

Best family lawyers in Melbourne

1

Family Lawyer Associates Editor's pick

Appears in Google's top search results for this search

Melbourne VICFamily law practice
2

Pearce Webster Dugdales Editor's pick

★★★★★ 4.6 54 Google reviews

Southbank VIC · Geelong VICLaw firm
3

Doyle's Family Law & Mediation Editor's pick

★★★★★ 4.0 4 Google reviews

Hawthorn VIC · Lorne VIC (by appointment)Family law firm
4

AM Legal Editor's pick

★★★★★ 5.0 5 Google reviews

Aldinga SALaw firm and notary public
5

Unite Legal

★★★★★ 5.0 135 Google reviews

Melbourne VICFamily law attorney

4.89score
6

Seitz & Pepper Family Lawyers Melbourne

★★★★★ 5.0 128 Google reviews

Melbourne VICFamily law attorney

4.89score
7

Aston Legal Group

★★★★★ 4.9 354 Google reviews

Melbourne VICFamily law attorney

4.86score
8

Blackwood Family Lawyers

★★★★★ 4.9 324 Google reviews

Melbourne VICFamily law attorney

4.86score
9

Saundh, Singh & Smith Lawyers

★★★★★ 4.9 226 Google reviews

Melbourne VICFamily law attorney

4.84score

Editor's picks are chosen by our editors and labelled; the firms below them are ordered by score. Source: Google Maps business listings for “family lawyer melbourne”, checked 22 September 2026. Ordered by a review-weighted rating. How we rank law firms

Standouts among family lawyers in Melbourne

Highest weighted score

Unite Legal: 5.0 stars from 135 reviews.

Most reviewed

Aston Legal Group: 354 Google reviews, rated 4.9.

Highest rated with 100+ reviews

Unite Legal: 5.0 stars from 135 reviews.

Where are family law matters heard for Melbourne?

Melbourne's family law registry is in the Owen Dixon Commonwealth Law Courts Building at 305 William Street, where the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia hears divorce, parenting and property cases. Matters listed at Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and other Victorian circuit locations are also filed through this registry or the Commonwealth Courts Portal. Family violence intervention orders go to the Magistrates' Court instead.

What Victoria-specific rules apply?

Separation, divorce, parenting and property matters in Victoria, including de facto property claims, are decided under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). State law still governs family violence intervention orders, made by the Magistrates' Court under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), and child protection cases, heard by the Family Division of the Children's Court of Victoria. The Law Institute of Victoria accredits family law specialists in the state.

How much does a family lawyer cost in Melbourne?

Fees for family lawyers in Melbourne depend on the matter, the lawyer's seniority and the fee model (hourly, fixed fee or conditional). Before any work starts, a law firm must disclose its costs in writing when they are likely to exceed the disclosure threshold. See How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Australia? for typical ranges and fee models.

Free and low-cost legal help in Melbourne

Victoria Legal Aid has its main office in Melbourne and a duty lawyer office inside the Owen Dixon Commonwealth Law Courts Building. See Free Legal Advice in Australia for more options.

Melbourne family lawyer FAQs

Where is the family court in Melbourne?

The family court in Melbourne is the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia at the Commonwealth Law Courts Building, 305 William Street, on the corner of La Trobe Street.

How much does a family lawyer cost in Melbourne?

Family lawyer costs in Melbourne vary widely; hourly rates commonly range from about $350 to over $700 plus GST, depending on seniority and specialist accreditation. Settling through negotiation or mediation usually costs far less than a contested final hearing.

Is a de facto couple treated the same as a married couple in Victoria?

Largely yes. De facto couples in Victoria can seek property orders under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), but they must apply within 2 years after the relationship ends, compared with 12 months after divorce for married couples.