Business Details
26 Years
experience
Expert Family Law Services in Melbourne & Dandenong
Established in 2000, Just Family Law is a specialist family law firm with offices in Dandenong and Melbourne. Our team of Accredited Family Law Specialists brings over 40 years of combined experience to provide tailored legal solutions for complex family matters. We prioritise client needs through compassionate guidance and strategic advocacy, ensuring transparent communication and ethical representation.With proximity to Family Court Registries, we offer practical support for separation, divorce, child custody, property settlements, and more. Our client-centric approach focuses on empowering individuals to navigate legal challenges with confidence and clarity.
Services
Divorce & Separation
Child Custody
Property Settlements
Grandparents Rights
Domestic Violence
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of combined experience in family law expertise
- Client-centric approach with tailored legal strategies
- Transparent pricing and clear guidance on next steps
- Proximity to Family Court Registries in Dandenong and Melbourne
- Free 15-minute initial consultation for eligible clients
Associations and certifications
- Law Institute of Victoria
What people say
Professional and easy to speak with
Handled complex matters effectively
Specialists in Dandenong area
Approachable and knowledgeable team
Fantastic to deal with
Services
Divorce & Separation
We guide clients through divorce proceedings and separation agreements, ensuring compliance with Australian family law requirements. Our specialists handle contested divorces, separation under one roof cases, and urgent matters. With expertise in proving irretrievable breakdowns and managing child arrangements, we streamline the process while protecting your interests. Our team ensures timely submissions and court compliance for seamless proceedings.
Child Custody
Our lawyers specialise in creating custody arrangements that prioritise children's wellbeing. We address living schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Handling complex cases involving relocation, parental conflict, or welfare concerns, we collaborate with child psychologists to develop practical solutions. We represent clients in court applications and mediation to secure stable, child-focused outcomes.
Property Settlements
We manage complex property settlements involving real estate, businesses, inheritances, and superannuation. Our process includes asset identification, valuation, contribution assessment, and future needs adjustments. We specialise in high-conflict cases, hidden asset discovery, and tax-efficient solutions while maintaining commercial realism for equitable outcomes.
Grandparents Rights
Our team advocates for grandparents' visitation rights through court applications or mediation. We address cases requiring custody transfers when parental care is inadequate. We balance emotional sensitivities with legal requirements to maintain grandchild relationships while respecting family dynamics and child welfare considerations.
Domestic Violence
We provide urgent support for Intervention Orders (IVOs) and defend against unfair allegations. Our approach balances protection needs with child custody implications, working strategically across Magistrates and Family Courts to resolve matters efficiently while safeguarding client interests and parental relationships.
People
Chris Woods
Founder & Principal
With over 20 years leading Just Family Law, Chris Woods established the firm's specialist focus on family law matters. His strategic leadership has grown the practice from Dandenong to Melbourne while maintaining its client-first ethos.
Sally O'Connor
Family Lawyer
Recognised for compassionate representation in complex custody cases, Sally specialises in navigating emotional family transitions while securing children's best interests through court advocacy and mediation.
David Chalmers
Family Lawyer
David handles high-conflict property settlements and domestic violence cases with a focus on practical solutions. His expertise includes business valuations and inheritance disputes requiring forensic financial analysis.
Questions
How do I apply for a divorce?
Apply after 12 months separation by filing with the Federal Magistrates Court. We prepare documents and ensure child welfare arrangements meet court requirements.
How is property divided during divorce?
Asset division considers contributions, future needs, and equity. We identify and value assets, assess contributions, and negotiate fair outcomes without assuming 50/50 splits.
What about child custody arrangements?
We prioritise children's best interests, helping create parenting plans covering living arrangements, contact schedules, and dispute resolution strategies through mediation or court action.
Can grandparents obtain visitation rights?
Yes, we help grandparents establish legal visitation rights or custody arrangements when parental relationships affect grandchild access.
Are prenuptial agreements enforceable?
Binding Financial Agreements are enforceable if properly drafted with independent legal advice and full disclosure.
