Consultations can be booked through the firm's site. The firm says fees are explained upfront before work begins.
Office
721 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Ballarat Lawyers is a small Sturt Street practice that splits its work between family law and property, with conveyancing run through its Haines Conveyancing Service arm. Family law is led by founding partner Annette Stone, who first qualified in England and Wales in 2002 and, according to the firm, has been an accredited family law specialist since 2016. The team handles property disputes, divorce and children's matters. It suits people who want a specialist overseeing their case at a local firm. The firm says fees are explained before any work starts.
Also worth knowing
Fees are explained upfront before work begins, the firm says.
Lawyers
Annette Stone, Founding Partner, family law Accredited family law specialist
Free first consultation (the site gives both 15 and 30 minutes as the length). Appointments in Ballarat, or by appointment in Bacchus Marsh and Melbourne.
Office
704 Sturt Street, Ballarat VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Cargill Family Law is a family law only practice on Sturt Street, set up in 2020 by principal Rachel Jones. She spent more than a decade at Slater and Gordon, then worked at Blackwood Family Lawyers and Gordon Legal before going out on her own, the firm says. It leans towards settling matters out of court, and its property work covers valuations, super splitting and drafting agreements. It suits separating couples with assets to divide. The first consultation is free, and there are appointment only rooms in Bacchus Marsh and Melbourne.
Founded in 2020
Also worth knowing
The first consultation is free.
Lawyers
The site names no other lawyers.
Rachel Jones, Principal Lawyer and founder
Areas of family law handled
Property settlement advice and negotiation
Valuations and evidence gathering
Superannuation splitting orders
Property settlement agreements
Binding financial agreements and consent orders
Parenting arrangements
Divorce
Spousal maintenance
Child support
Preparation for FDR and PDR conferences
Court representation if settlement fails
Office
704 Sturt Street, Ballarat VIC 3350
Other details
Other offices
Bacchus Marsh and Melbourne CBD, both by appointment
First consultation terms are not stated on the site. The firm has a separate family law funding page.
Office
31 Lyons Street North, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Curwen Walker calls itself Ballarat's oldest law firm, with roots it traces to the 1850s gold rush. Today family law is its lead area. Managing director Tom Sullivan is a family law litigator who worked in Family Court judicial chambers and as a Magistrates' Court deputy registrar before practising, his profile says. The firm lists expertise with farming families, including complex rural property splits and farming disputes. It suits landholders and anyone facing a contested property case. The site does not state first consultation terms, but it has a family law funding page.
History traced to the 1850s
Also worth knowing
The firm lists expertise in complex farming matters within family law.
Appointments by phone, email or online enquiry. First consultation terms are not stated on the site.
Office
41 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Nevett Wilkinson Frawley is a regional firm with its head office on Lydiard Street South in Ballarat and branches in Beaufort, Daylesford and Castlemaine. Its family law team is led by managing partner Ben Franklin, with senior associate India Taylor-Rowe and lawyer Philippa Holm. The team covers the full range, from divorce, property and super splitting to parenting plans, child protection and adoptions. It also offers collaborative law and mediation as well as court representation. It suits families in Ballarat and the nearby goldfields towns. Contact the firm to arrange an appointment.
Also worth knowing
It has branch offices in Beaufort, Daylesford and Castlemaine.
Lawyers
The site doesn't say which office each lawyer works from.
The firm says it gives an assessment of likely entitlements at the first consultation where possible. JustFund credit is available for eligible clients, and legal aid may be available for eligible family violence clients.
Office
38 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
BJT Legal is one of Ballarat's long running firms, founded in 1928 by T.E. Byrne and later known as Byrne, Jones and Torney. Its family law team works from Lydiard Street South and covers separation, property, parenting, divorce and family violence. Senior associate Kellie Gregg holds a Master of Applied Law in family law and also acts as an Independent Children's Lawyer, her profile says. The firm says it has male and female lawyers for family violence matters. It suits people who want a larger local firm. Where possible, the first meeting includes a view on likely entitlements.
Founded in 1928
Also worth knowing
The firm says male and female lawyers are available for family violence matters.
Lawyers
The family law page refers to a family law team without naming it, so ask who will handle your matter.
Kellie Gregg, Senior Associate, family law
Areas of family law handled
Separation advice
De facto relationships
Property and financial settlements
Parenting matters
Binding financial agreements and prenuptial agreements
Consent orders
Changing or complying with existing orders
Urgent court applications and recovery orders
Family violence matters
Divorce applications
Office
38 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Contact the firm to ask about first consultation terms.
Office
6 Dawson Street North, Ballarat VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Heinz Law is a Ballarat firm on Dawson Street North with a North Geelong office by appointment, and it covers family law alongside estates, property and commercial work. Consultant Peter Heinz is an accredited family law specialist with more than 40 years in practice, according to the firm, which says he now takes matters case by case. Day to day family work sits with associate Tamar Haigazian, who started at the local community legal service and is president of the Ballarat and District Law Association, her profile says. It suits clients who want a general firm with family law depth.
Also worth knowing
The firm has offices in Ballarat and North Geelong.
Lawyers
Peter Heinz, Consultant, family law (case by case basis) Accredited family law specialist
Confidential, obligation free enquiry. Fixed price estimates for each stage of a matter. Mediation in person in Ballarat or by video.
Office
Level 1, City Centre Arcade, 315 to 317 Sturt Street, Ballarat VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Ballarat Legal Resolution Services works from the City Centre Arcade on Sturt Street and puts mediation at the centre of its family law work. Its site discloses that it is a franchisee of Legal Resolution Services Australia. The firm says its principal is an accredited mediator, and it runs in house dispute resolution for parenting, property and child support disputes. Family work is led by Anna Carthew, who has also worked as an in house corporate lawyer. Fixed price estimates are given for each stage of a matter. It suits couples who want to settle without court and like knowing costs in advance.
Also worth knowing
Its site discloses that it is a franchisee of Legal Resolution Services Australia.
Lawyers
The firm's site names Anna but not her surname; LawConnect lists Anna Carthew as principal.
Anna Carthew, Principal, family law
Areas of family law handled
Fixed price family law services
Parenting plans and consent orders
Urgent parenting applications
Property division
Binding financial agreements and prenuptial agreements
Same sex relationship matters
Relocation matters
Child support and binding child support agreements
In house mediation
Restraining orders
Divorce applications
Office
Level 1, City Centre Arcade, 315 to 317 Sturt Street, Ballarat VIC 3350
The first appointment covers initial advice, your options, the likely process, timeframes and costs. Phone, email and video appointments are available.
Office
9 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Baird & McGregor has practised in Ballarat since 1898 and works from Lydiard Street North, with a second office in Daylesford. It is a general practice where property, estates and commercial work sit alongside family law. Two senior associates handle family matters: Alana Ryan practises in family law, and Savannah Keightley combines family law with litigation. The firm advises on separation, divorce, parenting arrangements and property settlements. It suits people who already use the firm or want a long standing local name. The first appointment covers your options, likely timeframes and costs.
Established in 1898
Also worth knowing
The firm says it discusses likely costs and billing options before starting work.
Lawyers
Alana Ryan, Senior Associate, family law
Savannah Keightley, Senior Associate, family law and litigation
Complimentary 30 minute consultation through the Law Institute of Victoria. JustFund credit is available for family law fees.
Office
Oxford Chambers, 104 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Saines Lucas has been in Ballarat since 1939 and is best known for personal injury work, but it runs a family law team from its Oxford Chambers office on Lydiard Street South. Family lawyer Natasha Papaelia leads the team, covering divorce, parenting, property, spousal maintenance and financial agreements. The firm says it prefers negotiated outcomes and takes a child focused approach to parenting disputes. It suits people across western Victoria who want a firm with several regional offices. A free 30 minute first consultation is offered through the Law Institute of Victoria.
Operating since 1939
Also worth knowing
It has offices in Ballarat, Ararat, Melton and Horsham.
Lawyers
Natasha Papaelia, Family Lawyer, leads the family law team
Areas of family law handled
Divorce applications
Separation advice
Parenting plans and consent orders
Parenting disputes
Property settlements
Superannuation splitting
Spousal maintenance
Financial agreements
Family dispute resolution
Office
Oxford Chambers, 104 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat VIC 3350
Other details
Other offices
Trades Hall office in Camp Street, Ballarat, plus Ararat, Melton (with WPC Lawyers) and Horsham
30 minute first consultation, with remote appointments available. The firm says it gives an upfront view on costs.
Office
1013 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Olympus Lawyers is a small Sturt Street practice set up in July 2019 by Kirk Walker, who was admitted in South Australia in 2014 and has practised in Victoria since late that year. Family law and family violence matters sit alongside criminal and civil work. The firm handles parenting plans and consent orders, property settlements and financial disclosure, and support through mediation and court. It suits clients who want to deal directly with the principal. The firm offers a 30 minute first consultation, including remote appointments, and says it gives an upfront view on costs.
Firm details come from each firm's own website. Google ratings are shown as published on Google and don't set the order. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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How we compiled this list
We include firms with a Ballarat office that do family law as a main part of their practice. For each firm we read its own website in October 2026 and wrote the description ourselves. We only call someone an accredited specialist where the firm's site says so, and we name the accrediting body (usually the Law Institute of Victoria) where the firm does. Free consultations and fee terms are as the firm describes them, so confirm them when you call. We show Google ratings with the date we checked them.
No firm pays for its place on this list, and the order is our own. If something here is out of date, let us know. There's more detail on how we rank law firms.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules are as published by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Magistrates' Court of Victoria and Victoria Legal Aid in October 2026.
Where Ballarat family law cases are heard
Divorce, parenting and property cases go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Ballarat doesn't have its own registry. It's one of the court's Victorian circuit locations, so the court sits in Ballarat, but you can't file documents there.
Filing: as with the court's other Victorian circuits, Ballarat matters are filed online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal or at the Melbourne registry. Since January 2023 you can choose your first court date for a Ballarat matter when you file on the Portal. Early events are usually held online, and judges travel to Ballarat for final hearings
Melbourne registry: Commonwealth Law Courts Building, 305 William Street, Melbourne
Enquiries: 1300 352 000, 8:30am to 5pm on weekdays. Court staff can't give legal advice
Urgent after hours matters: (02) 9966 7988, for example a real risk that a child will be taken overseas before the next working day
Help on your court day: Victoria Legal Aid's Family Advocacy and Support Service covers the Ballarat circuit. Its duty lawyers and support workers are available by phone, and in person when the court runs in person hearings in Ballarat. Call (03) 8610 9803 and ask for the FASS information referral officer. It's for families in family law cases where family violence has been experienced, used or alleged. It offers a duty lawyer for one off advice and help applying for legal aid, plus family violence and mental health support workers. It doesn't take on ongoing representation or final hearings
Family violence intervention orders are a Victorian matter, usually heard at Ballarat Magistrates' Court, 100 Grenville Street South. If the order is to protect a child, the application can go to the Children's Court instead. Most family law cases never reach a final hearing. They settle through negotiation, mediation or family dispute resolution, so ask any lawyer you call how they approach settlement.
Time limits and court fees
What you need to do
The rule
Apply for divorce
After at least 12 months of separation. You can be separated under one roof, with an affidavit explaining it
Property or spousal maintenance after a marriage
Within 12 months of the divorce taking effect, which is a little over a month after the order unless the court shortens that. You can apply any time before the divorce
Property after a de facto relationship
Within 2 years of the relationship ending
Parenting orders
No deadline, but you generally need a family dispute resolution certificate first, and it's valid for 12 months
If you miss a property deadline, you can still apply if your former partner consents. Otherwise you need the court's permission, which is generally only given where refusing would cause hardship. Get advice before the deadline passes.
Court fees from 1 July 2026
Fee
Application for divorce
$1,170, or $390 at the reduced rate for eligible concession card holders or financial hardship
Application for consent orders
$215
Initiating application for final orders, parenting or property
$455
Initiating application for final orders, parenting and property
$740
Conciliation conference
$510
Setting down a defended matter for hearing
$820 in Division 2, $1,115 in Division 1
Fees are set by the Family Law (Fees) Regulations 2022 and usually rise each 1 July. For a joint divorce application, you both have to qualify for the reduced fee. These are court fees only, on top of anything you pay a lawyer.
Family dispute resolution comes first
Before the court will hear an application for parenting orders, you generally need a certificate from a family dispute resolution practitioner. The certificate says whether the other parent refused or didn't attend, whether you both made a genuine effort or one of you didn't, or whether dispute resolution wasn't appropriate, or stopped being appropriate.
Since 10 June 2025, the registry won't accept a parenting application without a certificate unless you're granted an exemption. You claim one by filing an affidavit explaining why you haven't got a certificate, and a registrar decides. Grounds include family violence or child abuse or a real risk of it, urgency, a recent serious breach of a parenting order, or someone being unable to take part effectively. Applications for consent orders don't need a certificate at all. The court can also refer you to dispute resolution at any stage.
Ballarat Family Relationship Centre: run by CatholicCare Victoria (formerly Centacare Ballarat) at 34 Peel Street North, (03) 5327 7900. It offers family dispute resolution and family law counselling. CatholicCare Victoria also runs a Family Relationship Centre in Horsham, at 185 Baillie Street, on 1300 303 988
Victoria Legal Aid Family Dispute Resolution Service: free, lawyer assisted conferences where at least one party has a lawyer and a grant of legal assistance. 1800 136 832
Family Relationship Advice Line: 1800 050 321, for information and referrals
At Family Relationship Centres, information and individual sessions are free, and so is the first hour of joint family dispute resolution.
What changed in family law in 2024 and 2025
Parenting, from 6 May 2024. The presumption of equal shared parental responsibility was removed. The law has never required equal time. Courts now look at a shorter list of best interests factors, starting with arrangements that keep the child and each carer safe, including from family violence. Before reopening a final parenting order, the court must consider whether circumstances have changed significantly and be satisfied that it's in the child's best interests, unless everyone agrees.
Property, from 10 June 2025. The steps a court follows are now set out in the Act: identify the property and debts, assess each person's contributions, consider current and future circumstances such as children's housing needs, and make orders that are just and equitable. Courts must consider the economic effect of family violence, and the definition now expressly names economic and financial abuse. Pets are treated separately, and the duty to fully disclose your finances is now in the Act itself.
The 2024 parenting changes and the 2025 property framework apply to existing cases too, unless the final hearing had already started. The new duty of disclosure in the Act applies to cases started on or after 10 June 2025. Get advice that reflects the current law.
Intervention orders and the Ballarat court
In Victoria, family violence intervention orders are made under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008. Adults apply through the Magistrates' Court, either online through the court's intervention order portal or in person, and police can also apply. If the person who needs protection or the respondent is under 18, the Children's Court can hear the application, and a young person aged 14 or over can apply with the court's permission.
Ballarat Magistrates' Court: 100 Grenville Street South, open 9am to 4:30pm on weekdays, (03) 7003 4113. The Children's Court also sits there
A specialist court: Ballarat has one of Victoria's Specialist Family Violence Courts. These courts hear intervention orders alongside related matters such as bail, criminal pleas, family law parenting matters and victims of crime applications, with family violence registrars, practitioners who support applicants and respondents, and Umalek Balit support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
Free advice at court: Allied Justice, formerly the Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service, is listed as the intervention order duty lawyer service at Ballarat Magistrates' Court, with free information and advice before or on your court date. (03) 5331 5999 or 1800 466 488
Interim orders: can be made quickly to protect you until the court makes a final order
Final orders: made if the magistrate is satisfied family violence has happened and is likely to happen again, or by consent. Nobody will remind you when your order is ending, so apply to extend it at least 4 weeks before it expires
Parenting orders: an intervention order isn't a parenting order, but when it makes one the court can change or suspend the parts of a family law parenting order about a child spending time with someone
The Orange Door is a free service, with no referral needed, for anyone experiencing family violence or needing help with children's wellbeing. The Orange Door Central Highlands is at 21 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat, with a second site in Bacchus Marsh, on 1800 219 819. It covers Ballarat, Ararat, Golden Plains, Pyrenees, Moorabool and Hepburn, and is open weekdays 9am to 5pm. Berry Street runs family violence services for the Central Highlands from Mount Helen on (03) 5331 3558, weekdays 9am to 5pm, with after hours crisis support on the same number. You can also call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188, any time. In an emergency call 000.
Choosing a Ballarat family lawyer, and free help
Most family lawyers charge by the hour, and some offer fixed fees for set jobs like a divorce application or consent orders. If your legal costs are likely to be more than $750, your lawyer must give you a written estimate and explain how they'll charge. No win, no fee agreements can't be used in family law matters.
Look for an accredited specialist. The Law Institute of Victoria accredits lawyers as family law specialists when they show superior knowledge and experience in family law. It isn't required to practise, and you can check a lawyer's accreditation with the LIV.
Match the firm to your matter. A property pool with a farm, a business or trusts needs different experience from a parenting dispute or an intervention order.
Ask who does the work. Several firms on this list also have offices in nearby towns, so ask which lawyer will run your file and where you'll meet.
Victoria Legal Aid, Ballarat: 106 Market Street, (03) 5329 6222 or 1800 081 719. It serves the Central Highlands, and it's best to make an appointment. Its Ballarat office also coordinates duty lawyers at the Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh courts, and at Ararat with the Horsham office. Victoria Legal Aid's Legal Help line is 1300 792 387, weekdays 8am to 6pm, with a free interpreter
Allied Justice: the community legal centre for Ballarat and the Grampians, (03) 5331 5999 or 1800 466 488. It helps with intervention orders, so ring to check what else it can take on
Women's Legal Service Victoria: 1800 133 302 from regional Victoria. Free legal help for women, focused on family and sexual violence, including parenting, property and intervention orders. Eligibility criteria apply
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients: the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service is on 1800 064 865. Djirra helps Aboriginal women experiencing family violence, on 1800 354 772
Ballarat family law: common questions
Is there a family court in Ballarat?
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia sits in Ballarat on circuit, but there's no registry, so you can't file documents there. Ballarat matters are filed through the Commonwealth Courts Portal or the Melbourne registry at 305 William Street. Since 2023, early court events in circuit cases are usually held online, and judges travel to Ballarat for final hearings.
How long do I have to apply for a property settlement?
If you were married, within 12 months of your divorce taking effect. If you were in a de facto relationship, within 2 years of it ending. After that you need your former partner's consent or the court's permission, which is generally only given where refusing would cause hardship.
Do I have to try mediation before going to court?
For parenting orders, generally yes. You need a family dispute resolution certificate, or a registrar must grant an exemption, for example because of family violence, child abuse or urgency. In Ballarat, CatholicCare Victoria runs the Family Relationship Centre on Peel Street North. Property matters don't need a certificate, but the court expects you to try to settle first.
Does the law say children should spend equal time with each parent?
No. The law has never required equal time, and since 6 May 2024 there's no longer a presumption of equal shared parental responsibility. The court decides what's in the child's best interests, starting with safety.
How do I get a family violence intervention order in Ballarat?
Apply online through the Magistrates' Court portal, or in person at Ballarat Magistrates' Court, 100 Grenville Street South, or ask police to apply for you. An interim order can be made quickly. Ballarat is a Specialist Family Violence Court, and Allied Justice is listed as the intervention order duty lawyer service there, on (03) 5331 5999.
What is an accredited family law specialist?
A lawyer accredited by the Law Institute of Victoria as having superior knowledge and experience in family law. It isn't required to practise, but it's a useful sign of depth. On this list, Ballarat Lawyers says founding partner Annette Stone has been an accredited family law specialist since 2016. Heinz Law lists consultant Peter Heinz as an accredited specialist in family law, and says he now takes matters case by case.
Can I get free family law help in Ballarat?
Yes. Victoria Legal Aid has a Ballarat office at 106 Market Street, on (03) 5329 6222, and it's best to make an appointment. Allied Justice, the local community legal centre, helps with intervention orders on (03) 5331 5999. Women's Legal Service Victoria helps women on 1800 133 302.
General information only, not legal advice.
Looking in another city? See all our family lawyers by city, with a plain English guide to how it works.
