Cornelius Family Law

Welcome to Cornelius Family Law, a specialized firm dedicated to providing expert advice in all family law and relationship matters. With over 28 years of experience, our principal Rod Cornelius has a deep understanding that family and relationship legal matters can be challenging. Each case is unique, which is why we work closely with our clients to provide them with tailored solutions to address their individual needs. With Rod's experience handling thousands of cases, you can feel confident that you will receive clear and strategic advice that will help you achieve your goals.

At Cornelius Family Law, we are committed to providing personal, accurate, and specialist advice in all areas of Family Law. Our principal, Rod Cornelius, has a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts, and Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice from the University of Tasmania, and was recognized as an Accredited Family Law Specialist by the Law Institute of Victoria in 2005. Rod is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria, Tasmania, and the High Court of Australia, which includes all Federal Courts across Australia.

Since moving to Melbourne in 2000, Rod has worked in several high-profile firms specializing in Family Law. In 2007, Rod established Cornelius Family Law with the goal of providing clients with personal and specialist advice in all areas of Family Law. Rod has been a regular guest lecturer at the Leo Cussen Institute, teaching Family Law to law student graduates and providing Continuing Professional Development to legal practitioners and their staff in Family Law. He has also presented papers to the legal profession and has been published on topics such as "Domestic Violence in Family Law Property Settlements."

At Cornelius Family Law, we take pride in our affiliations with experts in related fields, such as wills and estate planning. We understand the importance of working closely with allied professionals to ensure that our clients receive the best possible advice.

Our Services

At Cornelius Family Law, we provide a range of services designed to help our clients navigate the challenges of family and relationship legal matters.

• Divorce: After 12 months of separation, we can assist you in applying for divorce. We will ensure that your application is complete and will attend Court on your behalf. We will explain the effects of divorce on your other entitlements, such as maintenance, property settlements, superannuation entitlements, and wills.
• Financial Settlements: At any time after separation, you can begin the process of dividing assets, including superannuation. We will explain your rights and provide you with a strategy for ensuring that you receive a fair entitlement.
• Children Matters: We understand that matters concerning children can be complex and emotional. We will explain the factors that are considered by the Family Court in determining the best interests of the children in a straightforward and understandable way. We will explain recent changes, including the notion of "shared care" and what it means for your particular circumstances.
• Financial Maintenance: Married couples could be entitled to periodic payments or in the form of a lump sum adjustment when dealing with a property settlement. We will explain your rights in simple language, so you can make informed decisions.
• Pre-nuptial Agreements and Financial Agreements: We can help you draft and negotiate pre-nuptial agreements and financial agreements that suit your circumstances and protect your interests.