Business Details
Your Trusted Family Law Partner in Melbourne
Established as a specialist family law firm in Melbourne, we provide comprehensive legal solutions for clients navigating complex family matters. Our team includes three lawyers accredited by the Law Institute of Victoria, with expertise in financial settlements, property disputes, and children's issues for married, de facto, and same-sex couples. Recognized in Doyles Guide as a leading family law practice, we offer ancillary services including wills, conveyancing, and mediation. Our directors, Julian McDonald and Tony Salce, are accredited AIFLAM mediators who prioritize resolving disputes without litigation.With decades of combined experience, we deliver tailored advice grounded in deep knowledge of family law, including surrogacy, adoption, and domestic violence cases. Our commitment to client-centric service is reflected in our recognition as Best Lawyers in their field, ensuring transparent communication and ethical representation. We serve clients through our Melbourne office and regional location in Bendigo, providing accessible expertise for all family law needs.
Services
Family Law
Mediation Services
Property Settlements
Child Custody
Financial Agreements
Spousal Maintenance
Surrogacy Law
Adoption Services
Domestic Violence Cases
Will Making
Highlights and features
- Three Law Institute of Victoria-accredited family law specialists on staff
- Recognized in Doyles Guide as Leading Family & Divorce Law Firms
- Accredited mediators offering non-litigious dispute resolution options
- Specialized expertise in same-sex couples' rights and IVF legal issues
- Comprehensive ancillary services including family law conveyancing and wills
Associations and certifications
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Doyles Guide
- AIFLAM
Services
Family Law
Our specialist family law services cover all aspects of relationship breakdowns, including financial settlements, property division, and children's matters. We represent married, de facto, and same-sex couples in court proceedings and negotiations. Our Law Institute-accredited specialists provide expert advice on complex issues like surrogacy, adoption, and domestic violence cases.
Mediation Services
Accredited mediators help resolve family disputes without court intervention. Our AIFLAM-certified directors facilitate constructive discussions about parenting arrangements and financial settlements. This cost-effective alternative to litigation maintains privacy while achieving mutually acceptable outcomes for separating couples.
Property Settlements
We handle complex property settlements involving real estate, business assets, and superannuation. Our specialists assess contributions and future needs to achieve fair outcomes. Services include valuation assessments, negotiation support, and court representation for both married and de facto couples.
Child Custody
Expert guidance on parenting arrangements covering residence, visitation rights, and decision-making responsibilities. We address international relocation cases and urgent child protection matters. Our approach prioritizes children's best interests while protecting parental rights in court proceedings.
Financial Agreements
Drafting and reviewing legally binding financial agreements before, during, and after relationships. Our services ensure compliance with Family Law Act requirements, covering asset division, spousal maintenance, and future financial arrangements. We provide independent legal advice for enforceable agreements.
People
Julian McDonald
Director / Accredited Family Law Specialist / Qualified Mediator
Experienced family law specialist with AIFLAM mediation accreditation. Provides expert legal representation in complex property settlements and parenting arrangements. Recognized for commitment to non-litigious dispute resolution.
Tony Salce
Director / Accredited Family Law Specialist / Qualified Mediator
Specializes in high-conflict family law matters with focus on financial agreements and mediation. Combines litigation expertise with collaborative law approaches to achieve client outcomes.
Mai Lin Yong
Senior Family Lawyer / Accredited Family Law Specialist
Specialist in children's matters and domestic violence cases. Provides strategic legal advice on complex parenting arrangements and intervention orders.
Michelle Petrovski
Associate Director
Experienced in property settlements and spousal maintenance cases. Focuses on achieving equitable outcomes through negotiation and court representation.
Questions
What family law services do you specialize in?
We specialize in all aspects of family law including property settlements, child custody, financial agreements, spousal maintenance, surrogacy, adoption, and domestic violence cases.
Are your mediators accredited?
Yes, our directors Julian McDonald and Tony Salce are accredited AIFLAM mediators with extensive experience in non-litigious dispute resolution.
Do you handle same-sex relationship legal matters?
Yes, we provide expert legal advice for same-sex couples covering property division, parenting arrangements, and relationship agreements.
Can you assist with international surrogacy arrangements?
Yes, our specialists handle domestic and international surrogacy legal requirements, ensuring compliance with Australian family law.
What are your office locations?
We operate from our Melbourne office at Level 4, 466-468 Little Lonsdale St and regional office in Bendigo by appointment.
How are property settlements determined?
Settlements consider relationship contributions, future needs, and asset valuations. Our specialists provide strategic advice on fair division of property and financial resources.
