Separations are not just endings, they are also new beginnings

OFRM Family Lawyers Bendigo work with you, assisting you to manage your separation and settlement, for the best new start.

With experience and expertise, we believe that you are in control of your separation and divorce. Our family lawyers will work with you enabling you to make the right decisions, empowered with an understanding of your legal situation and the choices available to you.

Bendigo Family Lawyers

OFRM Family Law can assist you with your family law matter by providing advice to you, formalising an agreement you have reached, negotiating a settlement in pre-action procedures or conducting litigation through the court process.

Why choose OFRM Family Lawyers

Experienced Family Lawyers

Led by an Accredited Family Law Specialist.

Experienced family law team focused on achieving practical outcomes.

Our Lawyers appear with you, or for you, in court themselves.

Clear advice backed by experience and a deep understanding of family law.

A team genuinely passionate about the law and committed to staying across legal developments and case decisions.

Supportive guidance through every step

We guide you through the process with compassion and care.

We work with you, not just for you.

Advice that helps you understand your options so you can make informed decisions.

Focused on empowering you throughout your matter.

Honest guidance about the outcomes that are realistic and in your best interests.

Trusted by clients for our supportive and practical approach.

Practical, efficient and transparent service

Clear and transparent cost arrangements.

Efficient systems and experienced support staff to keep your matter moving.

Using technology to focus time where it matters most.

A collaborative approach designed to reduce stress and confusion.

Modern processes that help deliver efficient and cost effective outcomes.

Finding the right family lawyer shouldn't add to your stress

OFRM Lawyers work around you and your timelines at your pace, with your priorities in mind.

If you need things to move fast, we can see you quickly and get the ball rolling from day one. If you’re not quite ready, that’s okay too – we’ll be here when the time is right and we’ll guide you through every step when it is.

And if you haven’t made any decisions yet but want to talk through your situation and your options with a professional, we’re in your corner. No pressure, no rush. We’ll be right here while you reflect and figure out your next steps.

1. Know what you want to discuss

After visiting our website you may have questions about our Initial Advice & Strategy Appointment, or perhaps whether you should be getting a Binding Financial Agreement, or if you’re feeling fairly sorted you may just need a family lawyer to document the settlement you have reached.

2. Book with an OFRM family lawyer online

For your convenience we have an online booking system so you can conveniently book from your phone or computer. We know this can be a difficult time so you can choose to meet with us in person at our central Bendigo office, or meet with us via video call from the comfort of your own private space.

3. Prepare for your appointment

Your situation is too important to be rushed. You want clear advice, a realistic understanding of likely outcomes, and confidence in the path ahead, not just a brief appointment that leaves you with more questions.

Our Advice & Strategy Appointments give you time to discuss your circumstances in detail, understand your options, receive a summary of key points, and get to know the lawyer supporting you. It also helps us provide clearer guidance on potential next steps, timelines and likely costs.

4. Attend your appointment

At this appointment you’ll meet with your choice of OFRM family lawyer, who will take the time to understand your particular circumstances, concerns and priorities to walk you through your options in detail.

5. Receive summary of our advice and your cost estimate

At this point you will have an understanding of what would be a reasonable outcome for you and the best way to achieve that as smoothly as possible.

You will receive a summary of key points, and get to know the lawyer who is going to be supporting you if you wish to proceed. We also provide you with clearer guidance on potential next steps, timelines and likely costs.

6. Engage OFRM Lawyers as your lawyers & sign cost agreement

We understand that legal costs can be daunting. That’s why we will have up front clear conversations with you from the beginning about the likely path of your matter and the likely costs. We also have a variety of payment options including partnering with JustFund who provide financing for your costs.

How we can help you with family law

Click on each topic for dropdown information

Property and financial matters

OFRM Lawyers have a wealth of experience in navigating family law property settlements and financial issues. Whether straightforward or complex, our family lawyers can help you achieve the right outcome for you smoothly and efficiently.

OFRM Family Lawyers can assist you with:

formalising property settlement agreements
negotiating property settlements
property settlements for complex property structures
effective representation through pre-action procedures, mediation or court proceedings
spousal maintenance
child support
superannuation
family law settlements involving businesses and farms

Arrangements for children

Arrangements involving children and parenting require careful advice and consideration. OFRM Lawyers can assist you with evaluating what are the best arrangements for your children, including:

advice & guidance for navigating arrangements regarding children
parenting plans and orders
mediation
relocation
managing disputes regarding schooling & other educational arrangements for children
parenting arrangements for children with needs including autism & adhd
parenting arrangements for children with complex medical needs
effective and empathetic representation in court proceedings regarding parenting arrangement

De facto relationships

De facto couples have the same legal status as married couples in Australia, but a property settlement following a de facto relationship can be complicated with uncertainty regarding whether a relationship fulfils the requirements for a property settlement, and uncertainty regarding the beginning and end of the relationship and the impact of time limits.

Contact us if you’re unsure whether you’re in a de facto relationship or need advice on the financial implications of entering or ending one.

OFRM Lawyers can assist including:

binding financial agreements
property settlements
determining whether a relationship would be considered a de facto relationship

Binding Financial Agreements (“pre-nups”)

As life becomes more complicated, some people can benefit from obtaining certainty by entering into a Binding Financial Agreement which sets out how property is adjusted if there relationship ends in the future. This is what is sometimes referred to as a “pre-nup”.

Such agreements can be particularly beneficial when a couple enters a relationship later in life where there might be a difference in the assets they each bring to the relationship or they wish to be clear on arrangements for the benefit of them and their family.

Our team of family lawyers are highly experienced in preparing effective Binding Financial Agreements as well as assisting our clients to consider whether such an agreement is necessary and what it should provide.

If you are considering whether a Binding Financial Agreement is right for you, make a time to meet with one of OFRM Lawyers to obtain some advice specific to your situation.

Family violence orders

Family violence includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse, as well as behaviour that is threatening or coercive.

Legal advice and representation regarding family violence can include Family Violence Intervention Order proceedings in the Magistrates Court, or the impact of family violence on parenting arrangements and property settlements.

OFRM Lawyers can advise you regarding the pathway and outcome of Family Violence Intervention Order proceedings. For parenting and property proceedings, OFRM Lawyers are trained and experienced in dealing with family violence issues in a supportive and proactive approach.

Divorce

A divorce order is not required for a property settlement or before parenting arrangements are formalised. It is the step of the Court officially ending your marriage.

OFRM Lawyers can guide you in when is the best time for you to proceed with a divorce application, and the best way to go about making that application.

OFRM Lawyers are leading family lawyers

Recognition for OFRM family lawyers includes Accredited Specialisation, Recommended Doyle’s Guide as well as membership of peak family law organisations.

We empower you to make the right decisions

At OFRM Lawyers we resolve your family law matter efficiently and cost effectively making sure you understand the process and that settlement is comprehensive so you are protected. If agreement cannot be reached, we work with you to take the right steps for you through the court system to get the best outcome for you.

As experienced lawyers, we understand the full history for you, and we understand how the law will be applied to your situation so that there’s no surprises. We make sure you’re in the best position to negotiate the best outcome for you, early.

Separation and divorce doesn’t have to be complicated and it shouldn’t be a process out of your control. OFRM Family Lawyers put you in control of your situation, empowering you to make the right decisions.

Consistently recognised in Doyle's Guide year on year

OFRM Lawyers are the only family law team in Bendigo continuously recognised in the Doyle’s Guide rankings for family law in Victoria year on year.

Our Directors Marika McMahon and Tom Wolff have both received individuals recognitions, as well as our firm as a whole for family law. We are extremely proud of this achievement and the peace of mind it provides for our clients.

Guided by the experience of Accredited Specialist Marika McMahon, our team approach ensures that there is always a lawyer available to assist you and that you can have the right OFRM lawyer for your matter.

Our happy clients

“I cannot recommend this firm highly enough.

After nearly seven years in the family court system, the legal advice and support I received from Tom Wolff and his colleagues were nothing short of superb. My only regret is not finding them sooner!

They treated me with genuine empathy throughout the process, and the outcome was exactly what I had hoped for.

While legal services can be costly, this firm’s expertise and dedication made every cent worth it.”

“Recommended to me by others, Marika McMahon is the best in the business when it comes to Family Law. Marika is thorough and professional, educated me on what to expect, what the likely outcome would be, and achieved it. I would strongly recommend Marika to anyone in need of a Family Lawyer.”

“Nothing but professionalism thus far in a 6+ month journey. Nobody wants to require the need of a solicitor, but I have nothing but praise.

Thanks for your assistance OFRM!!!”