Our highly experienced Melbourne-based Separation Lawyers deliver clear, practical legal guidance to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence after divorce or de facto separation.
With over 60 years combined experience, our lawyers understand the intricacies of separation law in Victoria. We’re dedicated to achieving outcomes that prioritise fairness, clarity and your long-term wellbeing.
We offer upfront pricing and tailored legal solutions to help you manage your separation without unexpected costs, ensuring quality service at affordable rates.
We handle every detail with care, from initial advice to formalising agreements, ensuring that no aspect of your separation is left to chance.
At Tonkin Legal, we provide expert legal support for individuals going through separation, helping you understand your rights and responsibilities at every step. With over 60 years of experience providing family law services in Melbourne, our team offers tailored advice to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
From asset division and spousal maintenance to formalising agreements, we manage every detail of your separation with care. You can rely on us for respectful, strategic representation that protects your interests and delivers peace of mind during this significant life change.
Thinking about your next steps and unsure where to start? Download our free ‘Pre-Separation Checklist’ for comprehensive insights on managing your separation journey.
Ending a relationship is never easy, and whether you’re married or in a de facto partnership, understanding your legal rights is essential. Our experienced Family Lawyers work closely with you to clarify your entitlements and responsibilities, ensuring you’re fully informed from the outset.
We guide you through the entire process, from initial separation to the formalisation of agreements. Whether it involves negotiating financial settlements, superannuation or asset division, we work to protect your interests and help you achieve a fair and sustainable outcome.
Separation often brings complex property and parenting issues to the forefront. Our legal team supports you through every step, helping you separate assets and liabilities, assess contributions and manage the division of joint ownerships or mortgage arrangements fairly.
When children are involved, we focus on workable parenting arrangements that prioritise stability and care. Whether by agreement or through the court, we help ensure both legal and emotional aspects are carefully managed for your family’s future.
Going through a separation, whether from a marriage or de facto relationship, can feel overwhelming. At Tonkin Legal, we aim to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible by offering clear advice, step-by-step guidance and full support at every stage.
We take care of the legal side, from drafting and reviewing documents to negotiating agreements and guiding you through formal procedures. You’ll always know what to expect, and we’ll explain everything in simple terms, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Separation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some clients need quick advice to finalise an agreement, while others require more comprehensive legal representation. Whether you’re dealing with complex asset divisions, parenting disputes or court proceedings, our experienced Family Lawyers adapt to your needs.
From informal settlements to representation in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, we’re here for you, whatever your path looks like. With a flexible, client-first approach, we support you in making the right choices for your future.
With over 60 years of experience assisting with family law matters in Melbourne, our team provides comprehensive legal services for clients navigating separation, divorce and de facto relationship breakdowns. We’re here to offer clear, tailored solutions to help you manage both the emotional and legal aspects of your separation with confidence.
We assist in dividing assets fairly, whether you’re dealing with real estate, superannuation or shared finances, ensuring you receive a just and equitable outcome based on your unique situation.
Our team can help you apply for or respond to spousal maintenance claims, providing advice on eligibility, payment options and timeframes.
Whether you’re filing for divorce or formalising a de facto separation, we guide you through the process, prepare all legal documents, and ensure compliance with requirements under the Family Law Act.
We assist with urgent intervention orders and legal protection where family violence or coercive control is involved. Your safety and wellbeing are always our priority.
We draft or review legally binding agreements to formalise property settlements or financial arrangements and help prevent future disputes.
If a parent wishes to relocate with a child, we provide expert legal advice on relocation orders and represent clients in both contested and negotiated matters.
We support out-of-court resolution whenever possible, prioritising negotiation and mediation to resolve family law disputes.
If disputes escalate, we represent clients in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, advocating strongly for your rights in both property and parenting matters.
Reach out today for a transparent, competitive cost estimate tailored to your separation or divorce matter. With Tonkin Legal, you benefit from decades of experience and the full backing of a trusted legal team, with the option to work with Accredited Family Law Specialists.
We offer fixed-fee options for many of our services and provide a clear breakdown of any additional costs. Whether your matter involves property settlement, parenting disputes or formalising your separation, we’ll manage every step with care and professionalism. Let us guide you through this transition with confidence and clarity.
PARTNER – Accredited Specialist in Family Law
St John Heath is a Partner at Tonkin Legal Group and a leading Family Lawyer in Victoria.
Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Richard Tonkin is a Consultant Lawyer and one of Victoria’s most experienced and respected Family Lawyers.
Separation is when a couple ends their relationship, whether married or in a de facto or same-sex relationship. Divorce is the legal end of a marriage, granted by the court. You can be separated without filing for divorce, but legal advice is recommended early in the separation process.
No. Many property and financial settlements can be resolved through a Binding Financial Agreement or Consent Orders without attending court. Our Melbourne family lawyers offer expert advice to help you reach a fair and equitable outcome through negotiation, reducing legal costs and stress during what is often a difficult time.
Property division depends on various factors, including asset value, each party’s contributions, and future needs. There’s no automatic 50/50 split. Our professional family lawyers assess your unique circumstances, including superannuation, businesses and self-managed superannuation funds, to help you secure a fair and legally sound financial settlement in line with family law principles.
De facto couples, including same-sex partners, have the same legal rights as married couples under the Family Law Act. You may be entitled to a property settlement and spousal maintenance. Our family law experts provide the right legal advice to help you understand your rights and resolve your matter effectively.
Yes, this is known as separation under one roof. You’ll need to provide additional evidence to show your relationship has ended, such as separate finances or living arrangements. Our team of family lawyers in Melbourne can help you prepare the correct documentation to satisfy the court and obtain your divorce order.
You have 12 months from the date your divorce order is granted to apply for a property settlement, or two years after the breakdown of a de facto relationship. We strongly recommend seeking legal advice early to avoid missing deadlines and to ensure your rights are protected from the outset.
Child support is typically managed through the Child Support Scheme, which calculates child support payments based on a child support assessment that reflects both parents’ income and care arrangements.
Alternatively, parents can make a Binding Child Support Agreement with legal assistance. Our dedicated family lawyers in Melbourne can guide you through assessments, agreements or disputes involving child support obligations and family law issues.
Family and domestic violence during and after separation is managed through legal protections such as Family Violence Intervention Orders. Our specialist family law firm helps clients organise safety planning, parenting arrangements and addresses any physical, emotional and financial abuse concerns. We provide strong legal support in the courts to protect affected family members in family violence matters.
Separation and divorce can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Melbourne Separation Lawyers make the legal process easier, clearer and more manageable.
Tonkin Law is committed to protecting the privacy of our clients. Our team uphold the highest protection policies to minimise risk. Read more about our policy here.
Contact us today on (03) 9435 9044
8-10 Flintoff Street
Greensborough
VIC 3088
Email: mail@tonkinlaw.com
Call: 1300 480 745
PO Box 241, Greensborough VIC 3088DX98803 Greensborough