The Divorce Guide For Australia – PDF Download

Family breakdown is a very difficult time for a child, or children, and there are many issues that need to be considered to ensure that decisions are made in the child’s best interests. When parents separate, proper arrangements need to be made for the ongoing financial, physical and emotional support of their children. The obligations of parents to provide financial support of their children are governed by the Child Support Scheme.

Child Maintenance in Australia

Child Support means financial support for children under the Child Support (Assessment) Act. Based on the child support laws in Australia, child support usually takes the form of regular periodic payments, but it can also include lump sum payments. A lump sum payment may be made by way of the payment of specific expenses or the transfer of property.

Child Support payments are made by one parent to the other (or an eligible career) to help with the costs of a child. Child Support payments are separate from Centrelink or family assistance payments. However, Child Support payments can affect the amount paid by Centrelink and the Family Assistance Office.

Child Support can be arranged:

• by agreement between parents or
• through the Child Support Agency.

Child Support can be collected:

• privately or
• by the Child Support Agency.

Top Child Support Lawyers

The child support lawyers and parental rights lawyers at Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists Melbourne are experienced in dealing with a variety of Child Support and parenting cases. We can help to ensure proper arrangements are made for the ongoing financial, physical and emotional support of your child or children. We can assist you with dealing with the Child Support Agency, whether you are making an application for child support or are disputing a decision made by the Child Support Agency. We can also assist you in negotiating and finalizing a private agreement for Child Support.

If you are looking for a child support lawyer to assist with child support payments, connect with us at Mathews Family Law and Mediation Services today.

Peter and Claudia were a fantastic father and daughter team, they spent many hours discussing their favorite sports. Peter was deeply involved with Claudia’s home schooling. He lived with Claudia and her mother. One night, though, Peter returned home from shopping to discover both Claudia and her mother were gone. An urgent application was made to the Family Court of Australia and the Australian Federal Police found Claudia safe in West Australia and a few days later she was home safe and sound with her dad. Peter and Claudia continue to spend many happy hours together today.

The Australian legislature made significant changes to the way the courts approach custody issues in 2006. This legislation indicated a strong preference for parents to reach an agreement without resorting to litigation, and also for parents to enjoy shared parental responsibility.

Consistent with the legislature’s aims, you are required to attend family dispute resolution to reach an agreement before using the courts to determine your custody issues. After completion of family dispute resolution, you will be issued a certificate that must be filed with your application to the court for a parenting order. The court will not entertain an application without a certificate except for extreme circumstances (ie, threat of violence or abuse).

There are many dispute resolution methods you may use in order to reach
an amicable agreement regarding custody. You may use the government
sanctioned Family Relationship Centres and Family Advice Line, or you could use other methods such as collaborative law or arbitration.

Once you have completed the required dispute resolution process, you may apply for a parenting order. This order will address whom the child should live with, how much time the child spends with each parent, and the nature and type of communication the child should have with each parent among other issues. These orders are fully enforceable and failure to comply with a parenting order could have serious repercussions.

You may also reach an agreement with regard to parenting through something known as a parenting plan. A parenting plan is an informal agreement between parents that addresses similar issues that a parenting order would address. The major difference between a parenting plan and a parenting order is that the former is not enforceable like a court order and therefore the breaching party is not subject to the same sanctions.

Should you be unable to address your parenting issues through dispute resolution services or a parenting plan, you may litigate your case in court. There are certain procedural rules with regard to parenting proceedings that exist to make this process as smooth as possible for the child or children involved.

The main thing to keep in mind with regard to parenting is that all parties involved should be acting with the best interest of the child at heart. The court will apply this standard if asked to address parenting issues and it should also be the main consideration for parents when trying to settle their dispute.

At Mathews Family Law and Mediation Services, we have wide experience in matters related to divorce property settlement. We take the time out to understand your concerns and offer the best possible solutions based on your individual situation. Our property settlement lawyers have an unrivalled reputation and can help you make an informed decision. We understand that separation is a stressful phase and assure you that we will be there for you when you need us. Reaching a mutually acceptable financial agreement in divorce can be daunting. With our bespoke service, we will approach your case to deliver a favourable financial outcome. We are driven by the zeal to ensure a fair settlement and you can count on us even for the most complex cases.

Divorce Settlement in Australia

At Mathews Family Law and Mediation Services, we have wide experience in matters related to divorce property settlement. We understand that even if your finances are separate, there is the need for a formal financial settlement. Our experienced lawyers possess the expertise and understanding to enable you to handle the financial aspects of divorce as successfully as possible. We will outline ways to reach a fair settlement so that you do not face any legal disagreements in future. Approachable and experienced, our lawyers will help you get the results you want.

Reaching Financial Agreement in Divorce

After you have taken the decision to divorce, sorting out the financial aspects can be a complex task. There is much to consider but with the backing of our expert property settlement lawyers, you can be sure that you will be supported at every step. We take the time out to understand your concerns and offer the best possible solutions based on your individual situation. Our property settlement lawyers have an unrivalled reputation and can help you make an informed decision. We understand that separation is a stressful phase and assure you that we will be there for you when you need us. Reaching a mutually acceptable financial agreement in divorce can be daunting. With our bespoke service and clear legal advice, we will approach your case to deliver a favourable financial outcome. We are driven by the zeal to ensure a fair settlement and you can count on us even for the most complex cases. We will ensure that your interests are protected and the divorce proceedings are as amicable as can be.

If you have any queries about family law property settlement, do not hesitate to book a consultation. We are here to answer any questions that you may have and will be happy to guide you through the process of a divorce property settlement.

Property Settlement Lawyers

If you have any queries about family law property settlement, do not hesitate to book a consultation. We will be happy to assist you.

The Family Law Guide For Australia – PDF Download

At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, we understand that family law issues are often some of the most challenging experiences a person can face.

Our Accredited Family Law Specialists assist clients with complex parenting disputes, property settlements, financial agreements and other family law matters. We also provide specialist mediation and Family Dispute Resolution services designed to help families resolve disputes wherever possible without unnecessary Court proceedings.

We believe every family law matter requires a personalised approach. The first step in every matter is taking the time to understand our client’s circumstances, concerns and objectives. By understanding what matters most to you, we can provide strategic advice and develop a legal approach tailored to your individual situation.

Specialist Family Law Advice with a Resolution-Focused Approach

Our team has extensive experience across all areas of family law, including:

• separation and divorce;
• parenting arrangements and complex parenting disputes;
• property and financial settlements;
• Binding Financial Agreements;
• mediation and Family Dispute Resolution; and
• complex financial matters involving businesses, trusts and superannuation.

We recognise that family law is not only about legal issues — it is also about helping people navigate significant personal and financial change.

Our approach combines specialist legal expertise with practical problem-solving, negotiation skills and a commitment to achieving outcomes that protect our clients’ long-term interests.

Why Choose Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists?

Clients choose MFL because they value:

✔ Accredited Family Law Specialist expertise
✔ Experienced family law mediators and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners
✔ Personalised advice tailored to individual circumstances
✔ Strong negotiation and dispute resolution skills
✔ Flexible service options, including full-service and unbundled legal assistance
✔ Clear communication and practical guidance throughout the process

With experience across a broad range of family law matters, our team understands the complexities that can arise and provides advice designed to help clients make informed decisions about their future.

Contact Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists to arrange a consultation with an experienced family lawyer.

Parenting Lawyers and Family Dispute Resolution Specialists

At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, we understand that parenting disputes are often the most emotionally challenging aspect of separation and divorce.

For many parents, decisions about where children live, how much time they spend with each parent and how important decisions are made can feel overwhelming.

Our Accredited Family Law Specialists provide compassionate, practical and strategic advice to help parents resolve parenting matters while keeping the best interests of children at the centre of every decision.

Although many people refer to these issues as “child custody” matters, Australian family law now uses terms such as:

• Parenting arrangements
• Parenting orders
• Parental responsibility
• Time spent with parents

Our experienced parenting lawyers assist clients throughout Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and overseas with complex and sensitive parenting disputes.

Child Custody and Parenting Law in Australia

Australian family law recognises that children benefit from arrangements that support their safety, wellbeing and ongoing relationships with important people in their lives, where appropriate.

When parents separate, they may need to reach agreement about matters including:

• Where children live
• The time children spend with each parent
• School holiday arrangements
• Communication between children and parents
• Education and healthcare decisions
• Travel arrangements
• Relocation issues
• Other significant parenting decisions

Every family is different. There is no automatic preference for mothers or fathers. The focus is always on what arrangements best support the individual child or children involved.

Parenting Agreements and Dispute Resolution

Many parenting disputes can be resolved without going to Court.

At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, we encourage practical and child-focused solutions wherever possible through:

• Negotiation
• Lawyer-assisted discussions
• Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)
• Mediation
• Parenting plans
• Consent Orders

Our family law mediators and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners help parents communicate effectively, understand their options and work towards workable parenting arrangements.

Parenting Orders and Court Proceedings

If parents cannot reach agreement, an application may be made to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for parenting orders.

Parenting orders can address issues including:

• Living arrangements
• Time spent with each parent
• Parental responsibility
• Communication arrangements
• Specific issues affecting a child’s welfare

Court proceedings can be complex and emotionally demanding. Our experienced parenting lawyers provide strategic advice and representation to protect your interests while maintaining a focus on your children’s needs.

Experienced Parenting Lawyers Melbourne

At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, we understand that parenting disputes require more than legal knowledge.

They require:

✔ Understanding of family dynamics
✔ Strong negotiation skills
✔ Practical problem-solving
✔ Sensitivity to the emotional impact of separation
✔ A focus on achieving sustainable outcomes

Our Accredited Family Law Specialists assist parents with:

• Parenting negotiations
• Child custody disputes
• Parenting plans
• Parenting orders
• Family Dispute Resolution
• Mediation
• Relocation disputes
• International parenting matters
• Complex parenting proceedings

Why Choose Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists?

Clients choose MFL because we provide:

✔ Accredited Family Law Specialist expertise
✔ Experienced family law mediators
✔ Resolution-focused strategies
✔ Personalised advice tailored to your circumstances
✔ Flexible service options including unbundled legal services
✔ Support throughout Australia and overseas

Our aim is to help families resolve parenting issues in a way that minimises conflict and supports children through the transition.

Contact Our Child Custody and Parenting Lawyers Melbourne

If you need advice about child custody, parenting arrangements, parental responsibility or parenting disputes, our experienced team can help.

Contact Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists today to arrange your complimentary initial telephone consultation with an Accredited Family Law Specialist.

We will listen to your circumstances, explain your options and help you take the next step with confidence.

About Vanessa Mathews — Accredited Family Law Specialist

Vanessa Mathews
Principal | Accredited Family Law Specialist | Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner | Mediator

This page was prepared and reviewed by Vanessa Mathews, Principal of Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists. Vanessa practises exclusively in family law and assists clients throughout Australia with separation, divorce, parenting disputes, property settlements, financial agreements and other complex family law matters.

Helping families resolve conflict through specialist legal expertise and constructive dispute resolution.

Last reviewed: 24 July 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every family law matter is different and you should obtain advice tailored to your circumstances.

Flexible Legal Support Designed Around Your Needs

Traditional family law services often involve a lawyer managing every aspect of a matter.

Unbundled legal services provide a flexible alternative by allowing clients to choose specific legal services they need while managing other aspects themselves.

This approach can provide greater control, transparency and cost flexibility.

Unbundled services may include:

Advice Only

Providing legal advice about your rights, options and recommended strategy.

Document Preparation and Review

Including:

• Drafting letters
• Preparing Court documents
• Reviewing documents prepared by clients
• Assisting with settlement documentation

Negotiation Support

Including:

• Negotiation coaching before mediation or settlement discussions
• Strategic advice regarding offers
• Negotiating directly on your behalf

Mediation and Court Assistance

Including:

• Preparing you for mediation
• Attending mediation with you
• Representing you at mediation
• Appearing on your behalf where appropriate

Financial Agreement Advice

Including:

• Independent legal advice for Binding Financial Agreements
• Reviewing proposed agreements
• Explaining legal rights and consequences

All unbundled services are supported by a written limited scope engagement agreement, clearly identifying the services provided and the responsibilities of both the client and lawyer.

Why Choose Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists?

Clients choose MFL because we provide:

✔ Accredited Family Law Specialist expertise
✔ Experienced family law mediators
✔ Flexible full-service and unbundled options
✔ Practical, resolution-focused advice
✔ Personalised legal strategies
✔ Access to specialist advice throughout Australia and overseas

Contact Our Family Law Specialists

Whether you need advice about separation, divorce, parenting, property settlement, mediation or a complex family law matter, our experienced team can assist.

Contact Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists today to arrange your complimentary initial telephone consultation with an Accredited Family Law Specialist.

About Vanessa Mathews — Accredited Family Law Specialist

Vanessa Mathews
Principal | Accredited Family Law Specialist | Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner | Mediator

This page was prepared and reviewed by Vanessa Mathews, Principal of Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists. Vanessa practises exclusively in family law and assists clients throughout Australia with separation, divorce, parenting disputes, property settlements, financial agreements and other complex family law matters.

Helping families resolve conflict through specialist legal expertise and constructive dispute resolution.

Last reviewed: 24 July 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every family law matter is different and you should obtain advice tailored to your circumstances.

Accredited Family Law Specialists and Mediation Experts

At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, we practise exclusively in family law and mediation.

Our Accredited Family Law Specialists and mediators provide expert advice, strategic guidance and practical support to help clients navigate separation, divorce, parenting disputes, property settlements and complex family law matters.

We offer both:

• Full-service family law representation, where we manage all aspects of your matter; and
• Unbundled family law services, allowing you to access only the legal assistance you require.

Our flexible approach allows clients to obtain specialist legal support in a way that best suits their circumstances, objectives and budget.

Separation and Divorce

Separation can be one of the most challenging periods in a person’s life. We provide clear advice to help you understand your rights, responsibilities and options.

Our separation and divorce services include:

• Advice about separation and next steps
• Divorce applications
• Online fixed-fee divorce services
• Advice for clients throughout Australia and overseas
• Guidance regarding property, parenting and financial matters arising from separation

We help clients make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

Children and Parenting Matters

Disputes involving children require a sensitive, practical and child-focused approach.

Our parenting lawyers assist with:

• Parental responsibility
• Parenting arrangements
• Living arrangements for children
• Time spent with parents and significant people
• Relocation matters
• International parenting disputes
• Grandparents’ rights and other significant relationships
• Parenting negotiations and mediation
• Parenting applications and Court proceedings

Our focus is always on achieving arrangements that prioritise the best interests of children.

Property and Financial Settlements

Separating couples often need advice about how their property and financial interests should be divided.

Our Accredited Family Law Specialists assist with:

• Division of assets and liabilities
• Complex property settlements
• Business, company and trust structures
• Superannuation interests
• Superannuation splitting and flagging orders
• Financial resources
• Negotiated settlements
• Consent Orders and Binding Financial Agreements

We provide strategic advice to help clients achieve a fair and legally secure outcome.

Spousal Maintenance

Following separation, one partner may be required to provide financial support to the other in certain circumstances.

We advise clients regarding:

• Eligibility for spousal maintenance
• Applications and responses
• Negotiating maintenance agreements
• Termination of future maintenance rights through appropriate agreements

Financial Agreements

Financial Agreements can provide certainty about how financial matters will be dealt with if a relationship breaks down.

They may be used:

• Before marriage
• During a relationship
• Following separation
• In both marriage and de facto relationships, including same-sex relationships

Financial Agreements may address:

• Division of property
• Financial resources
• Spousal maintenance rights

Our Accredited Family Law Specialists provide independent legal advice regarding Binding Financial Agreements and ensure clients understand their rights and obligations.

Asset Protection and Injunctions

In some circumstances, urgent legal protection may be required to preserve assets or protect personal safety.

We assist with strategies involving:

• Asset preservation
• Restraining orders
• Injunctions
• Preventing disposal of property or sale proceeds
• Protecting business interests
• Preserving superannuation interests

International Family Law Matters

Modern families are often connected across borders. International family law disputes can involve complex legal issues requiring specialist advice.

We assist with:

• International relocation
• International parenting disputes
• International child abduction matters
• Hague Convention applications
• Registration of overseas parenting orders
• International child support matters
• Registration and enforcement of overseas maintenance orders
• International service of legal documents

Intervention Orders and Family Violence Matters

We provide advice and representation in matters involving family violence and personal safety.

Our services include:

• Legal strategies to protect against family violence
• Advice regarding intervention orders
• Applications and responses
• Protecting personal safety and legal interests

De Facto and Same-Sex Relationships

Australian family law applies to eligible de facto relationships, including same-sex relationships.

We provide specialist advice regarding:

• Separation
• Property settlements
• Financial agreements
• Parenting arrangements
• Maintenance issues

Our Unbundled Family Law Services

Flexible Legal Support Designed Around Your Needs

Traditional family law services often involve a lawyer managing every aspect of a matter.

Unbundled legal services provide a flexible alternative by allowing clients to choose specific legal services they need while managing other aspects themselves.

This approach can provide greater control, transparency and cost flexibility.

Unbundled services may include:

Advice Only

Providing legal advice about your rights, options and recommended strategy.

Document Preparation and Review

Including:

• Drafting letters
• Preparing Court documents
• Reviewing documents prepared by clients
• Assisting with settlement documentation

Negotiation Support

Including:

• Negotiation coaching before mediation or settlement discussions
• Strategic advice regarding offers
• Negotiating directly on your behalf

Mediation and Court Assistance

Including:

• Preparing you for mediation
• Attending mediation with you
• Representing you at mediation
• Appearing on your behalf where appropriate

Financial Agreement Advice

Including:

• Independent legal advice for Binding Financial Agreements
• Reviewing proposed agreements
• Explaining legal rights and consequences

All unbundled services are supported by a written limited scope engagement agreement, clearly identifying the services provided and the responsibilities of both the client and lawyer.

Why Choose Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists?

Clients choose MFL because we provide:

✔ Accredited Family Law Specialist expertise
✔ Experienced family law mediators
✔ Flexible full-service and unbundled options
✔ Practical, resolution-focused advice
✔ Personalised legal strategies
✔ Access to specialist advice throughout Australia and overseas

Contact Our Family Law Specialists

Whether you need advice about separation, divorce, parenting, property settlement, mediation or a complex family law matter, our experienced team can assist.

Contact Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists today to arrange your complimentary initial telephone consultation with an Accredited Family Law Specialist.