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How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Melbourne? 2026 Guide 23.10.26 Thinking about divorce in Melbourne? From 1 July 2026, the Court filing fee is $1,170, or $390 if you qualify for the reduced fee. Our 2026 guide explains filing fees, legal costs, eligibility requirements, timeframes, and practical ways to manage the cost of your divorce.

Parental Alienation in Australia: Signs, the Law and How to Respond 12.10.26 Parental alienation is not a separate legal claim in Australia, but a parent's conduct that undermines a child's relationship with the other parent can affect the parenting orders a Court makes. Learn the signs, how the Court approaches these concerns, what evidence matters and the practical steps to protect your child's wellbeing.

Intra-Family Loans in Family Law: Is Money from Family a Loan or a Gift? 07.10.26 Lent money by family to buy a home? If you separate, that "loan" may not be treated as a debt at all. A 2026 Federal Circuit and Family Court decision shows what courts look for before accepting a family arrangement as a genuine loan, and what happens when the terms are too vague.

What is a Family Law Accredited Specialist and When Do You Need One? 09.10.26 A family law accredited specialist is a solicitor who has been formally assessed and accredited by the Law Society of NSW as an expert in family law. Not every family lawyer holds this designation. Earning it requires at least five years’ full-time legal practice, at least three of which must be in family law, passing the Law Society’s rigorous assessment program, and renewing accreditation each year through additional continuing professional development in family law specifically.

Sydney Family Lawyers and Emergency Parenting Decisions: What Happens in the First Week 09.10.26 If your child has been taken, withheld, or is at immediate risk, call 000. After that, contact an urgent family lawyer in Sydney as soon as possible. In the first seven days, the right legal steps can make a significant difference, and the wrong ones can complicate things quickly.

Family Lawyer Melbourne CBD: When Should You Get Legal Advice? 05.10.26 The best time to see a family lawyer in the Melbourne CBD is before you make big decisions. Ideally when you're thinking about separating, or soon after. Early advice helps you understand your rights around children and property, meet legal time limits, and avoid costly mistakes without committing you to court.

When Do You Need a Family Court Lawyer in Melbourne? What to Expect 05.10.26 You need a family court lawyer in Melbourne when negotiation or mediation has broken down, you have been served with court papers, there are safety concerns, or a time limit is approaching.

Proudly Supporting Pride in Law, Australia's National LGBTIQA+ Law Association 14.09.26 Ramsden Family Law is proud to announce it is a 2026/27 sponsor of Pride in Law, Australia’s national LGBTIQA+ law association. In this article, Partner and Family Law Accredited Specialist Reece Ramsden explains what Pride in Law does, why the firm chose to support it, and how Ramsden’s team has helped same-sex couples navigate separation, property settlement, parenting arrangements and surrogacy, including the added complexities that can arise for relationships that began before marriage equality passed in 2017.

Debts in a Family Law Property Settlement: Who Is Responsible for What? 01.09.26 Debts don't get the same attention as assets in a property settlement, but they're just as important to get right. Sydney family lawyer Maggie Faddoul explains how debts are actually divided, who ends up responsible for what, and the common mistakes that can leave one party carrying more than their fair share.

Family Violence and Family Law in NSW: Recognising the Signs and Understanding Your Options 26.08.26 Family violence isn't limited to physical harm, it can include coercive control, financial abuse and isolation. This article explains how it's defined under NSW and Australian law, how it affects parenting and property outcomes, and the practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your children.

Sydney Family Lawyers: The Records That Matter Most in the First Week After Separation 19.08.26 In the first week following separation, prioritise gathering financial statements, property documents, and important documents relating to your children, before joint access to accounts or shared information changes. This is not about building a case against your former partner.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Melbourne? 19.08.26 The cost of a divorce lawyer to do a joint divorce application in Melbourne typically starts from around $800 plus GST (excluding filing fees) for a straightforward, uncontested application handled on a fixed fee, and climbs into the tens of thousands where property or parenting matters are contested.