Need help fast? Follow the links below to get more information on the steps you can take now.
- Help! I'm a victim of family violence
- Help! I've just separated
- Help! I'm thinking of separating
- Now I want a property settlement
- We've agreed on our settlement. We just need it documented.
- I've been served with family law papers
- I need a divorce
- I'm having trouble with my parenting plan or children's orders
- I'm a grandparent wanting to see my grandchildren
- I think I need a "pre-nup"
- I'm having trouble with child support
- I need a second opinion
- Things aren’t working out with my current lawyer
- I own property with someone who is getting a divorce or I am owed money by someone getting a divorce
What is Family Law?
So what is Family Law? When relationships go wrong, there can be legal issues that need to be sorted out. That may be the need to divide property or could extend to sorting out what are the arrangements for the children. Family Law matters can include:
- Family Law Property Settlements
- Family Law Children’s disputes
- Child Support
- Financial Agreements including “pre-nuptial” agreements
- Family Violence Orders (see right)
- Divorce
- Spousal Maintenance
- Advice and representation before, during and after marriage/defacto relationships
At OFRM we can work with you to guide and represent you getting the Family Law Settlement that you should. This can include:
- Providing initial advice to you so you not only know what are your rights but also the best way of achieving the right result (see Family Law Initial Interview)
- Advising you as negotations are conducted
- Conducting negotiations on your behalf
- Representing you as your matter is litigated in court
Still have questions?
The 50 Questions You Want to Ask About Divorce and Separation guidebook distills the wealth of our Family Law team's experience into answers for the questions you are most likely to have.
It's free to download or read online.
Our Family Law Team
At OFRM we have Bendigo’s biggest and most experienced family law team, ensuring that we are always available to advise you and that you can have the right lawyer for your matter. All our family lawyers are members of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.
Marika McMahon
Accredited Family Law Specialist, Director, Mediator
One of Victoria’s leading Family Lawyers Marika McMahon is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, experienced in dealing with complex family law matters whether they be children or property issues. “When I work with my clients to achieve the best resolution of their Family Law matters, they are not just receiving the benefit of my 25 years experience as a lawyer but I also bring my life and board experience as well as a passion about caring for the individual, not just a file”. Marika is also highly sought after for her talent as a mediator in family law property matters.
Learn more about Marika
Sam McGee
Accredited Family Law Specialist, Director
Often in Family Law matters, making sure that nothing is left uncovered can be a challenge. It may be that you have lost track of your assets, or maybe you don’t understand the structure of your various property interests. In situations like that, Accredited Specialist Sam McGee is your ideal lawyer. Many family lawyers gloss over the details but Sam relishes spending his time making sure the full picture is clear — and then making sure the right result is achieved for you.
Learn more about Sam
Gabrielle Howley
Family Lawyer
Gabrielle Howley is an experienced family lawyer who provides valuable support to our family law clients and team by looking after lots of the detail in the background. With the flexible and innovative approaches OFRM takes to work arrangements, Gabrielle works remotely providing additional capacity in our case preparation as well as court appearances.
Learn more about Gabrielle
Tom Wolff
Family Lawyer
Family law is not easy. It’s a complex area of law that requires a skilled family lawyer who knows not just the legislative process of family law, but also how it is being applied in the courts. It also requires lawyers with great people skills — to understand what is needed, to anticipate the next step, and to realise when things are tough for you. Tom Wolff is just that type of family lawyer. There’s no just guessing the vibe of the law from Tom as he is passionate about keeping up to date with the latest in family law. He understands the value of working with you, making sure you understand what is happening and make fully informed choices. "Working with you on your family law matter means helping you make smart choices to get you to your new life as smoothly and simply as possible," says Tom. You won’t be left in the dark with Tom. A highlight of his day is picking up the phone to clients letting them know where things are at, making sure they're comfortable with how their matter is progressing. Whether you need assistance with a property settlement, sorting out arrangements for children or both, Tom will be able to make this much less stressful for you.
Learn more about Tom
Demi Rayner
Family Lawyer
Family Lawyer Demi Rayner says, "I enjoy making the concepts and process of Family Law easy for clients, making sure that they understand what is happening, step by step." Demi works across our Family Law team including with matters where settlements are negotiated as well as in court matters. "The key to a smooth separation is making informed and balanced decisions, I ensure this for OFRM clients by making sure they have all the information and advice to make the right decision for them"
Learn more about Demi
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