Family Law

At Wakefield Lawyers, we provide expert legal guidance for individuals and families navigating the complexities of separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, property division, and child support. Based in Gippsland and serving clients throughout Victoria, our team of dedicated family lawyers deliver compassionate, strategic, and outcome-focused legal support during what can be an emotionally challenging time.

Whether your matter is straightforward or complex, we ensure that your rights are protected and your best interests are represented at every stage.

We offer tailored assistance across all areas of family law, including:

Divorce Applications
We can support you through the divorce application process, including the Application for Divorce, filing with the Court, service requirements, and court appearance if required.

Parenting Arrangements
Separation can be particularly difficult where children are involved. We help you to put in place practical and child-focused arrangements, whether via a Parenting Plan or enforceable Consent Orders that are filed with the Family Court. Our team assists with negotiations, dispute resolution, and urgent court applications where needed.

Property Settlements
Property division following separation involves much more than just splitting assets. We assess your financial landscape, help value and document assets and liabilities, and negotiate or formalise a fair and legally binding agreement, either through Consent Orders or a Binding Financial Agreement.

Spousal Maintenance
When you first separate, it can often be difficult financially at first.  If there is a significant imbalance in income between the partners, a spousal maintenance claim might be justified.

Binding Child Support Agreements
While most child support matters are handled through Services Australia, there are times when a tailored agreement is needed. We help parents draft and formalise Binding Child Support Agreements that reflect non-standard arrangements, such as school fees, medical costs, or lump-sum payments.

Why Choose Wakefield Lawyers for Your Family Law Matter?

  • Compassionate Expertise – We understand the personal nature of family law and provide clear, practical advice to help you move forward confidently.
  • Strategic Legal Support – Our lawyers bring deep knowledge of the Family Law Act and extensive courtroom experience where litigation is necessary.
  • Clear Communication – We keep you fully informed throughout your matter and ensure that all legal options and outcomes are explained in plain language.
  • Efficient & Proactive Approach – We act swiftly on urgent matters such as relocation, family violence, or breakdown of interim arrangements.
  • Local Knowledge, Statewide Reach – Based in Gippsland, we serve clients across Victoria and handle matters in all divisions of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

Get in Touch

If you’re facing a family law issue and need clear advice and strong support, speak with our experienced team. Whether you’re just beginning to navigate a separation or need urgent assistance with a parenting or property matter, we’re here to help.

Wakefield Lawyers' Family Law team standing together. Featuring from left, Receptionist Emma Crosher, Lawyers Lauren Van Der Veen and Ashleigh Fitzgerald, Partner Scott MacDonald, Lawyers Anne Sim and Jamila Buchanan, former Legal Assistant Marita Cosgriff and Lawyer Eliza Guest

A Smarter, Flexible Way to Fund Your Family Law Matter

We understand that when you’re navigating a separation or relationship property matter, the financial strain can sometimes stand in the way of getting the legal support you need. JustFund are Australia’s only dedicated provider of flexible funding solutions for family law legal fees.

Eligible clients can access a flexible line of credit to cover legal fees and expenses related to separation or relationship property proceedings. You don't have to repay the loan until you reach a settlement, which we hope reduces the stress associated with paying costs upfront. Contact us for more information, or visit JustFund.com.au

A Smarter, Flexible Way to Fund Your Estate Administration Matter

Managing a deceased estate and the probate process often means covering more than just legal fees. Executors can face costs like insurance, property maintenance, and other expenses — often out of their own pocket, with reimbursement to come later. They may even want to improve assets prior to sale.

Through JustFund, eligible Executors and Beneficiaries can access flexible funding to cover these expenses as well as legal fees, with no repayments until probate is finalised. This helps ease financial pressure while ensuring the estate is preserved. Contact us for more information, or visit JustFund.com.au

Get in touch with our friendly team

To discover how our team can help you, get in touch by booking an appointment online or calling us