Divorce Lawyers Melbourne

Divorce & separation finalised with integrity. Expert guidance during divorce and separation, committed to keeping your matter out of court wherever possible.

Compassionate Support

Experience You Can Trust

We’ll Take Care Of You

Nobody wants to go to court

Embarking on a legal journey can be overwhelming, especially when it involves divorce and separation. That’s why we’re here to offer you a path forward that prioritises compassion, integrity, and resolution outside the courtroom, wherever possible.

Free Appointment

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Compassionate & Practical Legal Support To Simplify The Journey Of Divorce & Separation

Most people experiencing relationship breakdown don’t know where to begin when it comes to moving forward. Many clients approach us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, alone and uncertain about the future.

That’s why our team are dedicated to giving guidance based on integrity – taking an honest yet sensitive approach to resolving divorce and separation matters. We’ll ensure you have the knowledge to make informed decisions and the expertise behind you to reach a fair and just outcome.

Approach Divorce & Separation With The Confidence That Our Experience Brings

Divorce & separation matters can be confusing, and the process can be daunting without someone to guide you through the steps. Our team is committed to providing timely and realistic advice, ensuring you can confidently move forward knowing your best interests are protected.

We always aim to reach an agreement through amicable and efficient pathways such as mediation. For more complex matters, or when court is unavoidable, you can feel assured that you’ll have full support from our Principal Lawyer, Marc Testart, who has a wealth of courtroom experience and insight after his time working as a barrister.

With Testart by your side, you’ll experience a smoother divorce process, clear communication, and strategic solutions tailored to your needs. Together, we’ll help you move forward and get started on the next chapter of your life.

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Areas of Practice

family lawyers melbourne

Family Law

de facto lawyers melbourne

De Facto Couples

child custody lawyer melbourne

Children & Custody

family law property settlement

Binding Financial Agreements

family law property settlement

Property Settlement

domestic violence lawyer

Family Violence

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Intervention Orders

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Same Sex Divorce

Be Guided With Compassion And Expertise

We understand the emotional and legal challenges you’re facing during this difficult time. Our highly experienced team will handle your matter with the care and compassion it deserves. 

You can rely on our team to guide you through this journey with expertise, transparency and compassion, ensuring you make informed decisions that secure the best possible outcome for you and your family. 

How To Work With Testart’s Divorce Lawyers

Our Melbourne divorce lawyers bring both expertise and compassion to every case. We understand the challenges of separating and strive to minimise stress while maximising beneficial outcomes.

From your initial consultation through to resolution,  your wellbeing is our first priority. Contact us today for a complimentary appointment and discover how we can support you through this difficult time.

Step 1: Book Your Free Appointment

Contact Testart today to book in your Free first appointment.

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Step 2: Get a Plan of Action

During your first appointment we discuss the details of your legal issue and the result you’d like to achieve.

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Step 3: Engage Us As Your Guide

We provide an assessment of your legal position and a clear strategy to move forward.

Book Your Free Appointment

Let Testart Lawyers support you through this challenging time. Get in touch today to book your first consultation – free.

Call Us

Address

23 Milton Parade

Malvern VIC 3144

Open Hours - By Appointment

Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm

Closed Sat - Sun

What our clients have to say

claire simm
claire simm
3 November 2023
I can highly recommend this firm, in particular Abbey who I met with. She was extremely knowledgeable & experienced & very helpful to talk to. She gave me so much of her time (as the initial consultation is free of charge) & was able to answer all my questions. She displayed great kindness & sensitivity & has a lovely warm nature but also made me feel confident in what she was saying. Thank you so much Abbey, I’m so grateful for your help 🙏😊
Travis McNamara
Travis McNamara
4 September 2023
Marc & Julia were kind, considerate and compassionate in discussing my legal needs, and helping me to navigate what has been a stressful time. I wouldn’t have any hesitation in recommending the firm to friends, family or anyone that is seeking support from an organisation that truly operates with heart. That is a rare quality, and I certainly appreciated it.
Daniela Resel
Daniela Resel
17 April 2023
Testart is exactly the legal team for you if you are a person who values high end Family Lawyers who will uniquely design your legal case for the best outcome. Testart will not absorb your finances and in fact the finance team will keep you on target . The most outstanding service you will ever come across. The team is knowledgeable and will never make a commitment they will not deliver. I appreciated and noted despite how crippling my situation was, Testart supported me beyond just representing me as client. If you are a woman, and lost in the process of seeking family law advice, please give them a call. They will listen with compassion and provide several solutions for your situation. I honestly was surprised how important my case was viewed and I never felt alone nor unprotected. Testart removed the unnecessary stress for my safety and security as they are well equipped in all elements of Family Law and placed high importance for the protection /safety/ wellbeing of my children and immediate family members.
Appu Ryan
Appu Ryan
31 January 2023
Thank you Marc, Abbey Stephanie for being there solving my concerns. Abbey I do not have words for the immense support you gave me from the start to the Finish all the way through. A highly professional team with Integrity. Once again I Thank all of you and Wish you all the very best with all the blessings for an excellent leading career. Remember In Prayers.
Tanya Veto
Tanya Veto
25 July 2022
After two long years of frustration with another lawyer, I finally made my way to Marc, Abbey and Steph. They were able to get things moving and within three months my case was settled. I cannot thank them enough for their care and kindness along with their expert knowledge. I highly recommend Testart Family Lawyers.
pinkle patel
pinkle patel
6 April 2022
Marc was great in assisting with the family dispute matters. He is an exceptional lawyer with a great calibre. He was very attentive and supportive during the difficult time of my complex matter. I deeply thank Testart Family for helping to reach a solution after a long battle of years. Highly recommend Marc for his compassion and professionalism towards the family law dispute.
Sarah Blee
Sarah Blee
13 February 2022
I recently engaged Testart Family Lawyers to assist with the preparation of a Binding Financial Agreement and could not have been happier with the advice and service I received. Marc is approachable, compassionate, knowledgable and an expert in his field. I highly recommend Testart Family Lawyers to anyone needing a family lawyer.
kangaroo logs
kangaroo logs
1 February 2022
Marc Tesart is very cooperative and understanding. Client satisfaction is their priority.
Christine D
Christine D
20 September 2021
It has been a great pleasure to choose Testart Family Lawyers to represent me for my legal matter. Marc and his team have been very professional, knowledgeable and efficient throughout my legal proceeding. I cannot express how thankful i am to Marc and his team in helping with my matter. I highly recommend Testart Family Lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary for me to have a divorce lawyer?

If you want to apply for a divorce and have it finalised, you do not need a lawyer to help you complete this (especially if your divorce is uncomplicated).

Getting a divorce order in itself is pretty straightforward in Australia, as we have a legal system that recognises ‘no-fault divorce’ – which means that if you want to get a divorce, you’ll need to meet specific criteria and fill in an application for divorce, which you can do via The Federal Circuit & Family Court of Australia.

However, a lawyer can certainly help you with this too. As a divorce only ends your marriage – it does not settle  arrangements for your finances, assets or your children, and this is where a lawyer can be useful.

A lawyer can help you with things like:

  • parenting arrangements (formerly called child custody arrangements)
  • advice about child support
  • spousal maintenance
  • dividing assets to reach property settlement

What else can a divorce lawyer help me with?

Whether you are married, in a same-sex relationship, or de facto relationship, divorce-related law services include:

  • Getting a divorce application organised, attending the divorce hearing if necessary and having a divorce order made (whether it’s a simple or complex application)
  • Creating parenting arrangements, whether an informal parenting plan or organising parenting orders, also known as Consent Orders.
  • Working out financial matters, from child support through to agreements that finalise financial settlements. These are usually done as part of a Consent Orders, or as a Binding Financial Agreement – a formal document outlining who gets what. Binding financial agreements can also be made in the form of a prenuptial agreement, spousal maintenance agreement or binding child support agreement.
  • Advising and representing you if court hearings have become necessary. The court process is something we try to avoid through the use of healthy negotiations and mediation, but sometimes it’s unavoidable if no agreement can be reached on financial settlement or parenting matters. Court can be quite a daunting experience without the knowledge to navigate it.
  • Helping with any family dispute, whether over financial support for your children, parenting matters or other issues.

What are the benefits of working with an experienced divorce lawyer?

For most people, the emotional stress that comes with a breakup is enough to manage. Divorce proceedings, starting separate lives, working out care of your children and dividing assets are all major decisions that can profoundly impact one’s life. Working with an experience divoroce lawyer will help you make an informed decision on how to approach each area.

You will fully understand the legal process behind your divorce and know all your options so you can choose the best way forward. This gives you the best chance to resolve issues out of court and understand what you’re entitled to. When you seek legal advice, you’ll also give yourself the best possible chance to achieve a positive result regarding property settlement, parenting agreements and financial arrangements.

Most importantly, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing you’re not alone and receiving expert advice. Chat with our Melbourne based family lawyers, who specialise in divorce, and we’ll let you know how we can help.

How do I choose the best divorce lawyer for my situation?

Choosing experienced divorce lawyers is always the best place to start. Comparing lawyers in Melbourne, or anywhere else, can take time, but like with any service, reading reviews, doing some online research, and asking for word-of-mouth recommendations are great places to start. Most divorce lawyers offer an initial free consultation, a great way to get a feel for who you’ll work with and obtain advice about the next steps.

Many divorce lawyers specialise in specific areas; they may be excellent with mediation or fantastic in the courtroom. Accredited family law specialists can be helpful if you have parenting matters that need special care (child custody matters), or you may want to work with someone who is highly experienced with complex property splits if you have business interests or a large asset pool. Ask questions and, most of all, choose to work with divorce lawyers who will make your experience as stress-free as possible – something that our Melbourne team excels at.

What are the basic steps to file for a divorce in Australia?

  • Apply for divorce to the Federal Circuit Court by yourself or with your ex-partner. The application can be completed online.
  • You may need to attend court to finalise the divorce if you filed a sole application or you have children under the age of 18.
  • If you file a sole application, you will need to serve your ex-partner with the divorce application.
  • If you have children under the age of 18, you may need to provide details of their care following the divorce, including housing, schooling and contact with each parent. You may also need to attend court.
  • Your ex-partner cannot oppose a divorce order. However, they may be able to dispute specific details, such as the date of separation.
  • Divorce orders usually take roughly four months to finalise.
  • If you wish to remarry, you must leave sufficient time for the divorce to finalise.

Am I eligible for divorce in Australia?

To be eligible for a divorce in Australia, you, your ex-partner and your relationship must meet specific criteria:

  • Either you or your ex-partner must be an Australian citizen or be lawfully present in Australia and intend to continue living here.
  • Your marriage must have broken down, and there must be no reasonable likelihood that you will get back together.
  • You must have been separated for at least 12 months and one day.
  • You must have a marriage certificate.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, speak to a divorce lawyer for advice on how the law applies to your situation.

What is the process for working with your divorce lawyers?

We know how hard divorce can be. Whether your split has been amicable or difficult, our divorce lawyers are here to guide you through the entire process with honest legal advice and ongoing support.

Our process is designed to take the weight off your shoulders so that you can focus on what’s most important – taking care of yourself and your family:

  • We start with a free first consultation. We’ll get to know you and learn about the circumstances of your divorce and what’s most important to you.
  • We’ll let you know where you stand legally and suggest the best course of action based on our expert knowledge and years of experience.
  • If you decide to engage our legal services, we’ll take care of you from the first call to the completion of your divorce and the resolution of your legal issues.

Child care and property settlement disputes after a divorce can be legally complex and stressful. That’s why our expert mediators are on hand to help you reach an agreement that works for both parties and avoids a protracted legal dispute. If that’s not possible and you have to go to court, we’ll use our extensive courtroom experience to help give you the best possible chance of achieving a favourable outcome.