Melbourne’s Accredited Family Law Specialists and Mediation Experts

Specialist Family Law Advice. Strategic Resolution. Personal Support.

At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, we are dedicated exclusively to family law and dispute resolution.

Our Accredited Family Law Specialists assist individuals and families throughout Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and overseas with complex and sensitive family law matters, including separation, divorce, parenting disputes, property settlements, financial agreements and mediation.

Our unique strength is the combination of specialist family law expertise with advanced mediation and dispute resolution skills.

Unlike many family law firms, our Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) and mediators are also experienced family law specialists. This means our mediations are informed by a detailed understanding of family law principles, negotiation strategy and the practical realities facing families after separation.

A Different Approach to Family Law

Family law disputes do not always need to be resolved through Court proceedings.

At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, we are committed to helping clients resolve matters efficiently, respectfully and cost-effectively wherever possible.

Our dispute resolution services include:

• Negotiation
• Lawyer-assisted settlement discussions
• Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)
• Mediation
• Collaborative approaches
• Arbitration
• Court representation where required

Our focus is always on finding practical solutions while protecting our clients’ legal rights and long-term interests.

Experienced in Complex Family Law Matters

Our Accredited Family Law Specialists provide advice and representation across all areas of family law, including:

• Divorce and separation
• Parenting arrangements and complex parenting disputes
• International relocation matters
• Property settlements
• Complex financial matters involving businesses, trusts and superannuation
• Binding Financial Agreements
• Family Dispute Resolution and mediation

Every family law matter is unique. We combine technical legal expertise with a genuine understanding of the emotional and financial challenges that arise when relationships break down.

Vanessa Mathews – Accredited Family Law Specialist, FDRP and Mediator

Principal Vanessa Mathews is an Accredited Family Law Specialist, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Mediator.

Vanessa was one of the early Accredited Family Law Specialists to also become accredited as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Mediator, reflecting her longstanding commitment to helping families resolve disputes constructively.

Her multidisciplinary background provides a unique perspective when assisting clients with complex family law matters. Vanessa holds:

• A Bachelor of Laws
• A Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne
• A Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Melbourne

This combination of legal, commercial and social work expertise enables Vanessa to understand both the legal complexities and the human impact of family breakdown.

Vanessa and the MFL team regularly contribute to the broader professional community through education and training for:

• Accountants
• Financial advisers
• Mental health professionals
• Allied health organisations
• Community organisations

Through seminars, professional development presentations and community initiatives, Mathews Family Law continues to promote better understanding of family law and dispute resolution.

Boutique Service. Specialist Expertise.

Mathews Family Law combines the personal service of a boutique law firm with the specialist expertise expected from a leading family law practice.

Our clients benefit from:

✔ Direct access to experienced family law specialists
✔ Tailored legal strategies
✔ Strong negotiation and mediation expertise
✔ Clear communication and practical advice
✔ Flexible service options
✔ A commitment to resolving matters efficiently wherever possible

Why Clients Choose Mathews Family Law

Clients choose Mathews Family Law because they want more than legal advice—they want experienced guidance during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

We provide:

✔ Specialist family law expertise
✔ A resolution-focused approach
✔ Mediation and dispute resolution experience
✔ Personalised strategies for each client’s circumstances
✔ Transparent communication
✔ Flexible options including unbundled and full-service representation

Innovation and Accessible Family Law Services

Mathews Family Law has long embraced technology to improve access to specialist legal advice.

We have developed innovative systems designed to make family law services more accessible, efficient and affordable for clients throughout Australia and overseas.

Our services include:

• Online client information forms
• Digital consultations
• Video conferencing for meetings, mediation and Family Dispute Resolution
• Online payment facilities
• Interactive legal resources and calculators

We also provide a comprehensive library of free educational resources, including:

• Family law articles
• Podcasts
• Webinars
• Videos
• Downloadable guides
• Professional presentations

Our aim is to help people understand their legal options and make informed decisions about their future.

Professional Accreditation and Memberships

Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists maintains professional accreditation and membership with leading legal and dispute resolution organisations, including:

• Law Institute of Victoria
• Law Institute of Victoria Family Law Section
• Law Council of Australia Family Law Section
• International Academy of Family Lawyers
• Attorney-General’s Department accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners
• National Mediation Accreditation System
• Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators
• Resolution Institute
• Victorian Association for Dispute Resolution
• Relationships Australia Access Resolve Mediation Program
• Relationships Australia Family Lawyers Panel

These professional affiliations demonstrate our commitment to excellence, ongoing professional development and the highest standards of family law practice.

Community Commitment and Access to Justice

At Mathews Family Law, we believe access to quality legal information and advice should be available to everyone.

Our commitment to corporate social responsibility is demonstrated through practical initiatives, including:

• Providing free legal information resources
• Offering educational videos and articles
• Publishing family law guides and calculators
• Providing complimentary initial telephone consultations
• Offering fixed-fee services where appropriate
• Providing flexible options including unbundled legal services

Vanessa Mathews’ social work background has contributed to the firm’s strong commitment to supporting the community and improving access to justice.

Award-Winning Melbourne Family Lawyers

Mathews Family Law has been recognised for excellence in family law and mediation.

Recognition includes:

• Winner – Boutique Family Law Firm of the Year, Australia – Global Law Experts
• Winner – Family Law Mediator of the Year, Australia – Global Law Experts
• Finalist – Law Institute of Victoria Boutique Law Firm of the Year
• Recommended Family Law Firm – Doyle’s Guide
• Recommended Family Law Mediator – Doyle’s Guide
• Leading Parenting Lawyer – Doyle’s Guide
• Recognition by ThreeBestRated

These achievements reflect our commitment to specialist expertise, innovative dispute resolution and outstanding client service.

Speak with an Accredited Family Law Specialist

If you require advice about separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlement or mediation, the team at Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists is here to help.

Contact us 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 move forward with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accredited Family Law Specialists, Mediation and Family Law

What is an Accredited Family Law Specialist?
An Accredited Family Law Specialist is a lawyer who has demonstrated advanced knowledge, skills and experience in the specialised area of family law.
Accreditation is awarded by the relevant state or territory legal professional body after the lawyer has met rigorous requirements, including demonstrating substantial experience in family law, completing specialist assessment processes and maintaining ongoing professional development.
Choosing an Accredited Family Law Specialist provides reassurance that your lawyer has a high level of expertise in areas such as:
Divorce and separation
Property settlements
Parenting disputes
Financial agreements
Family law negotiations
Family dispute resolution
Court proceedings
Family law is complex and constantly evolving. An Accredited Family Law Specialist can provide specialist advice to help you understand your legal rights, obligations and options.
At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, our Accredited Family Law Specialists focus exclusively on family law and dispute resolution.

Why choose a family law mediator who is also a lawyer?
A mediator who is also an experienced family lawyer brings a deeper understanding of the legal issues that may affect your agreement.
Family law mediation is not simply about finding a compromise. A successful mediation requires an understanding of:
Your legal rights and obligations
The factors that influence a fair outcome
The practical consequences of different settlement options
How agreements can be documented and formalised
At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, our mediators are also experienced family law professionals. This combination of legal expertise and dispute resolution skills enables us to help families explore practical solutions while ensuring they understand the legal implications of their decisions.

Can family law disputes be resolved without going to Court?
Yes. Many family law disputes can be resolved without Court proceedings.
The Australian family law system encourages separating couples to attempt to resolve disputes through negotiation and dispute resolution wherever appropriate.
Options may include:
Direct negotiation between parties
Lawyer-assisted negotiation
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)
Mediation
Collaborative law
Arbitration

Resolving matters outside Court can often reduce:
Legal costs
Delay
Conflict
Emotional stress and uncertainty

However, every situation is different. Some matters require Court involvement, particularly where there are significant disagreements, safety concerns, complex financial issues or an inability to reach agreement.
An Accredited Family Law Specialist can help you understand the most appropriate pathway for your circumstances.

What is the difference between mediation and Family Dispute Resolution?
Mediation and Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) are both processes designed to help people resolve disputes without going to Court.
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a specific dispute resolution process recognised under the Family Law Act 1975 and is commonly used for parenting disputes. In many cases, parents must attempt FDR before applying to the Court for parenting orders.
Mediation is a broader dispute resolution process where an independent mediator assists parties to communicate, identify issues and explore possible agreements.
Both processes aim to:
Encourage constructive discussions
Reduce conflict
Help parties reach their own agreements
Avoid unnecessary litigation where possible
At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, our Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and mediators have specialist family law experience, allowing us to assist clients with complex parenting, property and financial disputes.

Do I need a family lawyer for a property settlement?
While it is possible to negotiate a property settlement without a lawyer, obtaining specialist legal advice is strongly recommended.
A property settlement involves more than simply dividing assets. Important considerations may include:
The value of assets and liabilities
Superannuation interests
Businesses and trusts
Contributions made during the relationship
Future financial circumstances
Tax implications
How the agreement should be legally formalised
An informal agreement between separated partners may not provide finality and may leave the possibility of future claims.
An Accredited Family Law Specialist can help you understand your entitlements, negotiate effectively and ensure your agreement is properly documented.
At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, we assist clients with property settlements ranging from straightforward matters to complex financial cases involving significant assets.

How can an Accredited Family Law Specialist help with divorce?
A divorce is the legal process that formally ends a marriage. In Australia, divorce is separate from other family law issues such as property settlement, parenting arrangements and financial matters.
An Accredited Family Law Specialist can assist you by:
Explaining the divorce process
Advising whether you meet the requirements for divorce
Preparing and filing divorce applications
Advising about separation requirements
Addressing issues involving children
Explaining how divorce interacts with property settlement time limits
Although divorce is often an administrative process, separation frequently involves complex legal and financial decisions. Obtaining early specialist advice can help protect your future interests.
At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, we provide clear advice and practical support to guide clients through separation and divorce. We also offer an fixed-fee online divorce service – divorce-online.com.au

How early should I seek family law advice after separation?
It is usually beneficial to obtain legal advice early, even if you and your former partner are communicating well.
Early advice can help you:
Understand your legal rights and responsibilities
Avoid costly mistakes
Identify opportunities for early resolution
Protect your financial position
Make informed decisions about parenting arrangements
Seeking advice does not mean you are committing to Court proceedings. Often, early specialist advice helps parties resolve matters more efficiently and with less conflict.

Do I have to go to Court to get a family law outcome?
No. Court is only one pathway for resolving family law matters.
Many clients achieve successful outcomes through negotiation, mediation or other dispute resolution processes.
At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, our approach is resolution-focused. We explore practical alternatives to litigation wherever appropriate while ensuring our clients’ legal rights and interests are protected.
Where Court proceedings are necessary, our experienced family lawyers provide strategic representation.

How can Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists help?
Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists provides specialist advice and dispute resolution services across all areas of family law, including:
Divorce
Property settlements
Parenting disputes
Family Dispute Resolution
Mediation
Financial agreements
Complex family law matters

Our Accredited Family Law Specialists combine legal expertise, negotiation skills and a commitment to helping clients achieve practical outcomes.
Contact Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists 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.

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.

Many people refer to a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) as a “prenup” or prenuptial agreement.

In Australia, a prenuptial agreement can be legally binding, but only if it is prepared and entered into in accordance with the requirements of the Family Law Act 1975.

A Binding Financial Agreement is a legal agreement that allows couples to set out how their financial matters will be dealt with if their relationship breaks down.

What Should Couples Discuss Before Entering a Binding Financial Agreement?

A Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) is not only a legal document — it is also an opportunity for couples to have open and practical discussions about their financial expectations and future plans.

Before entering into a Binding Financial Agreement, couples should consider discussing important issues such as:

Employment and Financial Contributions

• Who will work during the relationship?
• Will both partners continue working, or will one partner reduce or leave employment?
• How will income, expenses and financial responsibilities be managed?

Children and Family Responsibilities

• Do you intend to have children?
• Are there children from previous relationships?
• How will caring responsibilities be managed?
• How might future parenting responsibilities affect financial arrangements?

Changes in Circumstances

Relationships can change over time. Couples may wish to consider:

• What happens if one partner is unable to work due to illness, injury or disability?
• What happens if a child has additional needs requiring significant care?
• How might unexpected changes affect financial arrangements?

Future Financial Goals

It may also be helpful to discuss:

• retirement goals;
• ownership of property and other assets;
• financial priorities;
• savings and investment plans; and
• expectations about financial independence.

Why These Conversations Matter

A well-prepared Binding Financial Agreement should reflect the circumstances, intentions and priorities of both parties.

Taking the time to discuss these issues openly can help couples make informed decisions and reduce uncertainty about the future.

At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, our Accredited Family Law Specialists assist clients with Binding Financial Agreements before, during and after relationships. We provide practical advice to help ensure agreements are properly prepared and tailored to each client’s circumstances.

What Can a Binding Financial Agreement Cover?

A Binding Financial Agreement may deal with matters including:

• how property and financial resources will be divided following separation;
• responsibility for liabilities and debts;
• ownership of assets;
• financial arrangements during the relationship; and
• spousal maintenance arrangements.

The agreement can be entered into:

• before marriage or a de facto relationship;
• during a relationship; or
• after separation.

What Makes a Binding Financial Agreement Legally Binding?

For a Binding Financial Agreement to be valid and enforceable, certain legal requirements must be satisfied.

These include:

• the agreement must be in writing;
• both parties must sign the agreement;
• each party must receive independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer; and
• the required legal formalities must be followed.

The purpose of obtaining independent legal advice is to ensure each person understands the effect of the agreement and the advantages and disadvantages of entering into it.

Can a Binding Financial Agreement Be Cancelled or Set Aside?

Yes.

A Binding Financial Agreement may be terminated by written agreement between the parties.

In some circumstances, a Court may also set aside a Binding Financial Agreement, including where legal requirements have not been met or where other circumstances justify setting aside the agreement.

Because of the potential financial consequences, it is important that a Binding Financial Agreement is carefully prepared and reviewed by an experienced family lawyer.

Binding Financial Agreement Lawyers Melbourne

At Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists, our Accredited Family Law Specialists advise clients about Binding Financial Agreements before, during and after relationships.

We assist with:

• preparing Binding Financial Agreements;
• reviewing proposed agreements;
• providing independent legal advice;
• advising about asset protection; and
• resolving complex family law financial matters.

Our specialist family law expertise allows us to provide practical advice tailored to your circumstances.

Contact Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists to discuss whether a Binding Financial Agreement is appropriate for you.

About Vanessa Mathews — Accredited Family Law Specialist

This page was prepared and reviewed by Vanessa Mathews, Principal of Mathews Family Law & Mediation Specialists. Vanessa is an Accredited Family Law Specialist, Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) and Mediator who practises exclusively in family law. She 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.

If it would be in the interests of the child and reasonably practicable for the child to spend equal time with each parent then the Court may order equal shared parental responsibility. If the Court does not make an order for equal shared parental responsibility then it does not have to consider ordering that the child spend equal time with each parent.

The Court will read a report prepared by a family consultant or by making an order appointing an independent children’s lawyer.

The Court considers a wide range of discretionary factors in making decisions about children. The priority of the Court is always to ensure that the best interests of the children are met.

Additional considerations for the Court are:

• any views expressed by the child;

• various aspects of the child’s relationship with each parent;

• the likely effect of any change in the child’s circumstances; and

• any family violence involving the child or a member of the child’s family.

The extent to which each parent has fulfilled responsibilities in the past is also important.

The Court may also order independent evidence from a Psychologist or Counsellor to assist them in determining which care arrangements will promote the best interests of the children.

Parents are expected to have attempted family dispute resolution before applying for Court Orders. Family dispute resolution participation is not required if there has been abuse of a child by one of the parents or if there has been family violence.

An application for a parenting order may be made by the child’s parents, the child, a grandparent or any other person concerned with the welfare and development of the child.

The main consideration of the Court is whether the arrangements implemented by the parenting order are in the best interests of the child.

The court presumes the best interests of the children are served by the parents having ‘equal shared parental responsibility’, but it will look at what is best for the children in each case.

Where there is family violence or child abuse involving one of the parents or a person who lives with a parent, this presumption does not apply.

A parenting plan made with the other parent is not enforceable, if you go on to court the court will have to consider the most recent Parenting Plan.

The court will also consider whether both parents have met with their obligations including the terms of a Parenting Plan.

The parenting plan can be made enforceable by asking the Court to make Consent Orders.

The Family Law Act aims to ensure that the best interests of children are met by:

• ensuring children have the benefit of both their parents having meaningful involvement in their lives;

• protecting children from physical or psychological harm;

• ensuring that children receive adequate and proper parenting; and

• ensuring that parents meet their responsibilities towards their children.

A Recovery Order is an order from the Court allowing the Federal and State Police to return the children to you.