Business Details
11 Years
experience
Expert Family Law Services in Melbourne
At Lakey Family Law, we are dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of separation, divorce, and related legal matters with compassion and expertise. With over 20 years of experience, our team prioritizes resolution outside of court through mediation and negotiation, ensuring clients maintain control over outcomes. Our principal, Annette Lakey, is an accredited mediator and experienced litigator who has guided thousands of families to fair, cost-effective solutions.We combine deep legal knowledge with a client-centric approach, focusing on property settlements, parenting agreements, financial arrangements, and domestic violence cases. Our practice is built on transparency, empathy, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for all parties involved.
Services
Mediation
Property Settlements
Financial Agreements
Divorce
Parenting Agreements
Child Support
Spousal Maintenance
Family Dispute Resolution
Prenuptial Agreements
Domestic Violence Cases
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in family law and mediation.
- Our focus on mediation helps clients resolve disputes amicably and cost-effectively.
- We provide transparent, affordable legal fees without compromising quality.
- Our team includes accredited mediators and specialists in complex family law cases.
- We prioritize client well-being through empathetic, personalized legal support.
Associations and certifications
- Australian Mediation Association
What people say
Empathetic support
Cost-effective solutions
Amicable resolutions
Expert legal guidance
Swift case handling
Services
Mediation
Our mediation services help families resolve parenting, property, and financial disputes amicably. We facilitate open communication to reach mutually beneficial agreements, reducing emotional stress and legal costs. Clients gain control over outcomes while avoiding court proceedings.
Divorce
We guide clients through the divorce process with clarity and compassion. From filing applications to finalizing settlements, our team ensures compliance with legal requirements while prioritizing swift, fair resolutions. We handle contested and uncontested cases with equal expertise.
Property Settlements
Our experts negotiate fair property settlements for separating couples, covering real estate, investments, and personal assets. We ensure compliance with the Family Law Act while minimizing conflict. Clients receive tailored advice to protect their financial interests.
Financial Agreements
We draft and review financial agreements to protect assets before, during, or after relationships. These legally binding documents clarify financial responsibilities and prevent disputes. Our team ensures full compliance with legal standards and client transparency.
Child Support
We assist in establishing fair child support agreements based on income, custody arrangements, and children's needs. Our services include mediation, document preparation, and court representation to ensure compliance with legal guidelines and client interests.
People
Annette Lakey
Principal
Annette Lakey is a qualified family lawyer, mediator, and litigator with over 20 years of experience. She founded Lakey Family Law in 2015, focusing on amicable dispute resolution. Her expertise includes complex property settlements and parenting arrangements.
Jin Wang
Special Counsel
Jin Wang specializes in complex family law matters, including property disputes and parenting arrangements. With over a decade of experience, she advocates for clients through negotiation and litigation while minimizing conflict.
Joanne Smyers
Senior Associate
Joanne Smyers has practiced family law exclusively for 12+ years. She focuses on understanding client needs to achieve favorable outcomes in property, parenting, and maintenance cases.
Ramya Ranjan
Associate
Ramya Ranjan specializes in family law and child protection. Her empathetic approach and litigation skills support clients through separation and custody disputes.
Lynne Riley
Practice Manager
Lynne Riley oversees operations and client experience with 20+ years of legal administration expertise. She ensures smooth case management and client support.
Questions
What areas of law does Lakey Family Law specialize in?
We specialize in family law, including divorce, mediation, property settlements, parenting agreements, child support, and financial agreements.
Do I need to attend mediation before going to court?
Yes, mediation is required for parenting disputes before court. Property matters do not require mediation but are encouraged to resolve amicably.
How are child custody arrangements determined?
Custody arrangements prioritize the child's best interests, considering communication between parents, living arrangements, and the child's needs.
Can I modify a property settlement after it's finalized?
Property settlements can be modified only in exceptional circumstances, such as fraud or undisclosed assets.
What payment methods are accepted?
Payment methods are not specified in the text, but we recommend contacting the firm directly for billing details.
Does Lakey Family Law offer emergency legal services?
No, we do not provide emergency or 24/7 legal services.
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