Free 45 minute initial consultation. Work is charged at hourly rates, with a written cost estimate given after the first meeting. Payment plans and litigation funding may be available subject to eligibility, according to the firm.
Office
Level 4, 60 Moorabool Street, Geelong VIC
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Wylde Family Law is a small family law practice set up by director Skye Wylde, who the firm says has more than 14 years in law. It sees clients by appointment at Level 4, 60 Moorabool Street in central Geelong, and at its Torquay and Melbourne CBD offices, and it also works with people remotely. Senior lawyer Shelley De Carli has worked only in family law since she was admitted, according to the firm. It suits people in Geelong and on the Surf Coast who want a small team. The first consultation is free and runs for 45 minutes.
Also worth knowing
Clients are seen by appointment on Moorabool Street in Geelong, in Torquay or in the Melbourne CBD, or remotely, on one phone number.
Lawyers
The firm's site doesn't say which lawyers work from the Geelong office.
Skye Wylde, Director, Family and Relationships Lawyer
Shelley De Carli, Senior Family and Relationships Lawyer
Stefanie Tate, Family and Relationships Lawyer
Areas of family law handled
Separation and divorce
Property settlements
Parenting and custody arrangements
Child support agreements
Spousal maintenance
Prenuptial and financial agreements
Family violence orders
Mediation and dispute resolution
Court representation
Follow up strategy sessions
Office
Level 4, 60 Moorabool Street, Geelong VIC
Other details
Other offices
Melbourne (Level 14, 333 Collins Street) and Torquay (Level 1, 4 to 6 Gilbert Street), all by appointment
Free 30 minute initial advice session with no obligation. Longer paid strategy sessions with an action plan are also offered.
Office
Level 1, 235 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Coulter Legal, formerly Coulter Roache, is a large Geelong firm with a family and relationship law group of about 16 lawyers. The group is led by director Bonnie Phillips, an LIV accredited family law specialist whom Doyle's Guide names as preeminent in regional Victoria. The team says it prefers mediation and negotiation and has experience with trusts, companies and business assets. It also covers surrogacy, adoption and child protection. It suits people with complex finances. The firm offers a free 30 minute initial advice session, with paid strategy sessions available.
Also worth knowing
The firm offers a free 30 minute initial advice session.
Lawyers
The firm's family law group also includes several senior associates, associates and lawyers.
Bonnie Phillips, Director and Principal, Head of Family and Relationship Law Accredited family law specialist
James Maxwell, Principal Lawyer
Melanie Davison, Principal Lawyer
Nicole Bus, Special Counsel
Theresa Morgante, Special Counsel
Jade Hovey, Senior Associate
Madison Ogilvie, Senior Associate
Areas of family law handled
Separation and divorce
Property settlements
Financial agreements
Parenting arrangements
Child support
Child protection and Children's Court
Intervention orders
Spousal maintenance
Adoption
Surrogacy and fertility law
International family law
Dispute resolution
Office
Level 1, 235 Ryrie Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Other details
Other offices
Torquay (1/9 Bristol Road), Barwon Heads, Melbourne CBD and Mornington
Free first 30 minute consultation, face to face, by video or by phone, booked online
Office
100-102 Gheringhap Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Geelong Family Lawyers is a family law only practice on Gheringhap Street in central Geelong, set up in 2013, the firm says. It is run by two principal lawyers and directors, Wendy Brett and Kasey Warner, with two senior lawyers and a junior lawyer alongside them. Wendy Brett is an accredited family law specialist, according to the firm, and Kasey Warner has worked only in family law since 2006, her profile says. It suits people who want a local team that does nothing else. The first 30 minute consultation is free, in person, by video or by phone.
Founded in 2013
Also worth knowing
The first 30 minute appointment is free and can be held face to face, by video or by phone.
Lawyers
Wendy Brett, Principal Lawyer and Director Accredited family law specialist
Initial consultation of up to one hour for a fixed fee, booked online.
Office
70 Gheringhap Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Harwood Andrews says it is Geelong's oldest law firm, tracing its roots to 1842, and it has a family law team based in its Gheringhap Street office. The team is led by principal Lisa Hunt, whom Doyle's Guide has ranked a preeminent Victorian family lawyer since 2021. Principal Bridgette Kelly has been an LIV accredited family law specialist since 2013. The team handles property, parenting, mediation and financial agreements. It suits people with substantial assets or a family business. The first consultation runs up to one hour on a fixed fee.
Traces its origins to 1842
Also worth knowing
Its first consultation runs up to one hour on a fixed fee.
Lawyers
Lisa Hunt, Principal, Head of Family Law
Bridgette Kelly, Principal, Family Law Accredited family law specialist
Nicholes Family Lawyers is a Melbourne family law boutique that opened a Geelong office in 2022, upstairs at 343 Pakington Street in Newtown. Founder Sally Nicholes has practised only family law since 1995, her profile says, and she leads the Geelong group with partners Bec Dahl and Nadine Udorovic. The firm covers an unusually wide range of work, including international child abduction, surrogacy, LGBTIQA+ families and financial agreements. Its site lists Doyle's Guide naming it a leading Melbourne family and divorce firm every year since 2018. Consultation terms aren't published, so ask when you call.
Also worth knowing
Sally Nicholes, Bec Dahl and Nadine Udorovic are named as the Geelong contacts on both of the firm's Geelong pages.
Lawyers
The firm's two Geelong pages list slightly different teams; Sally Nicholes, Bec Dahl and Nadine Udorovic are named on both as the Geelong contacts.
Sally Nicholes, Founder and Principal, leads the Geelong group
Free consultation requested through the firm's online form. Eligible clients can use JustFund to defer legal fees until settlement.
Office
5/343 Pakington Street, Newtown VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Trapski Family Law is a family law only practice in Newtown, set up in 2011, with a second base at Williams Landing. The firm says it puts a strong focus on children's matters and that its lawyers often appear as solicitor advocates at interim hearings without briefing a barrister. It has appeared in Doyle's Guide family law rankings for several years. It suits parents in parenting disputes. The firm offers a free consultation through its online form.
Founded in 2011
Also worth knowing
It offers a free consultation through its online form.
Lawyers
The firm's team page names seven people but gives no titles, and it doesn't say who the principal is.
Alison Trapski, Named in the firm's Doyle's Guide listing; role not stated
Not stated on the firm's site. The firm has partnered with Just Fund to offer funding options for eligible family law clients.
Office
347 Moorabool Street, South Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Wightons is a long standing Geelong full service firm with a four person family law team led by consultant Susan Fridey, alongside senior lawyers Jacinta Learey and Lauren Williams. The team handles parenting, property and financial agreements, and says it regularly settles disputes through conciliation and mediation before going to court. It also covers relocation, recovery orders and international child abduction. It suits locals who want a family lawyer in a firm that can also handle wills or property. The site doesn't publish first consultation terms.
Also worth knowing
It has partnered with Just Fund to offer funding options to eligible clients.
Lawyers
Susan Fridey, Consultant, Family Law
Jacinta Learey, Senior Lawyer, Family Law
Lauren Williams, Senior Lawyer, Family Law
Emily Catchpole, Lawyer, Family Law
Areas of family law handled
Divorce and separation
Property settlements
Parenting arrangements
Child support
Spousal maintenance
Financial and prenuptial agreements
De facto relationships
Relocation applications
Recovery orders
International child abduction
Intervention orders
Office
347 Moorabool Street, South Geelong VIC 3220
Other details
Other offices
Corio (Corio Shopping Centre), Ocean Grove (100 The Terrace) and Winchelsea (22 Willis Street)
60 minute initial consultation for new clients, booked online. Fixed fee packages for divorce, consent orders and financial agreements. Online consultations available.
Office
60 Moorabool Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Allison Rowe Family Lawyers is a Moorabool Street practice run by Allison Rowe, who has worked in Geelong family law since 1998, according to her profile. She started Rowe Lawyers in 2003 and set up her own firm in 2023. Her site says her work includes high conflict cases with family violence and complex property such as farms and businesses. Doyle's Guide listed her as a recommended regional Victorian family lawyer in 2025. New clients book a 60 minute first consultation, and fixed fee packages suit simpler matters.
Founded in 2023 (Allison Rowe has practised in Geelong since 1998)
Also worth knowing
The firm offers fixed fee packages for divorce, consent orders and financial agreements.
Free 30 minute first appointment, which the firm says covers your options, rights and likely costs and timeframes. Costs are explained at that meeting.
Office
200 Malop Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Pearsons is a Melbourne family law firm that says it traces its roots to 1922 and now runs a network of offices, including one on Malop Street in Geelong. Principal Director Leanne Abela has more than 35 years in family law, according to the firm, and the firm lists three Law Institute of Victoria accredited family law specialists across its team. It suits people who want a large family law practice with depth on property and parenting disputes. The firm offers a free 30 minute first appointment, and staff speak Mandarin, Maltese and Italian.
Founded in 1922
Also worth knowing
Staff can assist in Mandarin, Maltese and Italian.
Lawyers
The firm lists its team firm wide and doesn't say which lawyers work from the Geelong office.
Leanne Abela, Principal Director
Joseph Schepis, Principal Director Accredited family law specialist
Deborah Sim, Partner Accredited family law specialist
Sara Taylor, Partner Accredited family law specialist
Andrew MacDonald, Partner
Louis Horsley, Partner
Areas of family law handled
Divorce applications
De facto separation
Parenting arrangements
Child support agreements
Property settlements
Spousal maintenance
Binding financial agreements
Intervention orders and family violence
Independent Children's Lawyer matters
Mediation and dispute resolution
International family law
Family Court representation
Office
200 Malop Street, Geelong VIC 3220
Other details
Other offices
Melbourne CBD (469 La Trobe Street) and offices across Melbourne and the Bellarine, including Barwon Heads and Drysdale
Ben von Einem and Associates is a Geelong CBD firm on Moorabool Street that handles family law alongside criminal law, intervention orders and estates. The firm says it tries to settle family matters before litigation and handles its own court work rather than briefing barristers unless it has to. It covers parenting, property, consent orders, financial agreements and urgent recovery orders. Its site shows a 5.0 Google rating from 118 reviews. It suits people whose separation also involves an intervention order. The site doesn't publish first consultation terms.
Also worth knowing
Its site shows a 5.0 Google rating from 118 reviews.
Lawyers
The firm's site doesn't say which of its lawyers handle family law.
Ben von Einem, Principal (title not stated on site)
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.
Not sure which firm suits you?
Tell us a little about your matter and we'll put you in touch with a Geelong family lawyer. It's free and there's no obligation.
How we compiled this list
We include firms with a Geelong office, including offices that see clients by appointment, 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 name accredited specialists where the firm's site says they're accredited, 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.
Some firms pay for a featured listing, which affects where they appear on this page. Payment doesn't buy the write-up. We write those ourselves, and firms don't get to edit them. 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 Geelong family law cases are heard
Divorce, parenting and property cases go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Geelong doesn't have its own registry. The court sits in Geelong on circuit, at the Geelong Law Courts Complex on Railway Terrace, and you can't file documents there.
Filing: matters to be heard in Geelong 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 Geelong matter when you file on the Portal. Early events are usually held online, and judges travel to Geelong 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
Help on your court day: if family violence is an issue in your case, Victoria Legal Aid's Family Advocacy and Support Service can help when the Geelong circuit is sitting, in person or by phone. 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. Enquiries (03) 8610 9803
Family violence intervention orders are a Victorian matter, usually heard at Geelong Magistrates' Court, also on Railway Terrace, next to Geelong Railway Station. 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. A divorce becomes final one month and one day after the order, unless the court shortens that
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.
Geelong Family Relationship Centre: run by CatholicCare Victoria at Level 1, 92 to 100 Brougham Street, Geelong, (03) 5221 7055. It offers family dispute resolution, family law counselling and the Parenting Orders Program
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 Geelong 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.
Geelong Magistrates' Court: Railway Terrace, Geelong, open 9am to 4:30pm on weekdays, (03) 9087 6113. It hears family violence and personal safety intervention orders
A specialist court: Geelong is a Specialist Family Violence Court in Victoria. These courts hear intervention orders alongside related matters such as bail and criminal pleas, with family violence registrars who coordinate listings, trained practitioners who give non legal support and safety planning to both sides, and Umalek Balit support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
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 Barwon centre is at 83 Moorabool Street, Geelong, with a second site in Colac, on 1800 312 820, open weekdays 9am to 5pm. After hours, call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188, any time. In an emergency call 000.
Choosing a Geelong 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 business or trusts needs different experience from a parenting dispute or an intervention order.
Ask who does the work. Some firms on this list see Geelong clients by appointment, so ask which lawyer will run your file and where you'll meet.
Victoria Legal Aid, Geelong: Level 2, 199 Moorabool Street, (03) 5226 5666 or 1800 196 200. Make an appointment before you visit. Victoria Legal Aid's Legal Help line is 1300 792 387, weekdays 8am to 6pm, with a free interpreter
Barwon Community Legal Service: Level 1, 63 Thomson Street, Belmont, 1300 430 599. Free legal information, advice and casework for people in Geelong, the Surf Coast, the Bellarine Peninsula and Colac Otway, with priority for people on low incomes and people experiencing family violence. It covers parenting, property, separation, child support and intervention orders
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
Geelong family law: common questions
Is there a family court in Geelong?
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia sits in Geelong on circuit, at the Geelong Law Courts Complex on Railway Terrace. There's no registry, so you can't file documents there. Geelong matters are filed through the Commonwealth Courts Portal or the Melbourne registry at 305 William Street.
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 Geelong, CatholicCare runs the Family Relationship Centre on Brougham Street. 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 Geelong?
Apply online through the Magistrates' Court portal, or in person at Geelong Magistrates' Court on Railway Terrace, or ask police to apply for you. An interim order can be made quickly. Geelong is a Specialist Family Violence Court, and The Orange Door on Moorabool Street can help with support and safety planning.
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, the firms' websites name Bonnie Phillips at Coulter Legal, Bridgette Kelly at Harwood Andrews, and Joseph Schepis, Deborah Sim and Sara Taylor at Pearsons Lawyers as LIV accredited family law specialists. Wendy Brett, a principal of Geelong Family Lawyers, is an accredited family law specialist, according to the firm.
Can I get free family law help in Geelong?
Yes. Victoria Legal Aid has a Geelong office at Level 2, 199 Moorabool Street, on (03) 5226 5666. Barwon Community Legal Service in Belmont gives free advice to eligible people across Geelong, the Surf Coast, the Bellarine and Colac Otway on 1300 430 599. 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.
