Family Lawyers Melbourne
Resolving Family Law Matters Quickly and Cost Effectively
2025
APAC Business Awards
(Family Law Firm of the Year – Australia)
ASSISTED OVER 5,000 FAMILIES
Our Awards
Melbourne’s Leading Family Lawyers
Strategic. Experienced. Results Driven.
Melbourne Family Lawyers is recognised as one of Melbourne’s leading family law firms, delivering expert representation across divorce, parenting disputes, property settlements,
complex asset division and high conflict matters.
We provide clear legal strategy, strong courtroom advocacy and decisive negotiation. Our approach is focused, commercially minded and outcome driven.
Supporting clients across Melbourne and the wider metropolitan region of Victoria, we guide individuals and families through high stakes situations with confidence, clarity and control.
Awards and Recognition
Our excellence in family law has been recognised at both national and industry level.
- APAC Business Awards 2025 Family Law Firm of the Year Australia
- Inside Family Law Awards
- Top 3 Best Family Lawyers in Melbourne VIC
- Family Law Firm of the Year 2025 by ThreeBestRated
Move forward with clarity and confidence.
Get a tailored and cost-effective solution
Specialised expertise
We specialise in family law matters. Unlike generalists, our entire team has dedicated their careers to understanding the nuances and complexities of family law. You can be confident in the knowledge that whatever your matter involves, chances are we have successfully handled a similar one many times before.
Client-first approach
Consistently receiving high praise and positive feedback from our clients is a testament to how seriously we strive to exceed expectations. We take pride in being dedicated to clients’ needs and goals, providing the highest level of customer service and satisfaction at every touchpoint.
Proven track record
We have more than three and a half decades of experience representing clients with success. We are connected to a formidable network of law firms that serve the entire east coast of Australia. And because of this, you can rest assured that we have all the resources to support you every step of the way.
When Do You Really Need a Family Lawyer?
Our Team
Director & Practice Manager
Hayder Shkara is the principal of Melbourne Family Lawyers. He took over the management of the practice from Silvio Auditore in 2022.
Hayder is an ex-Olympic athlete, and has now channeled his energy into the family law space. He brings vast experience in family law, including financial and property settlements, divorce, custody matters, wills and estate, consent orders and binding financial agreements. He is excellent communicator and holds well before a Judge and Magistrate in legal proceedings. He is also great with clients, able to build close connections with them.
Hayder has a double degree from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Laws and Communication (Journalism).
Hayder is also the principal of Justice Family Lawyers, a firm he founded after competing at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, representing Australia in Taekwondo. Born of an Iraqi father and Japanese mother, family and a strong sense of community have always been central to the Shkara household.
Founder
One of Australia’s first accredited family law specialists, Silvio is renowned for his expertise in Hague Convention and complex financial matters.
Senior Associate
Alison is a Senior Associate at Melbourne Family Lawyers. Highly experienced with more than 35 years of experience, specialising in family law and expertise on domestic violence, divorce, and delicate international family law matters.
Senior Associate
Experienced solicitor specializing in high-net-worth Family Law litigation, including disputes concerning medical/dental practices and property developments.
Senior Associate
Stephanie is a family law specialist with over ten years of experience in property and parenting matters. She has been trusted and known for achieving favorable outcomes through skilled negotiation, mediation, and litigation.
Solicitor
Katherine is a family law solicitor regarded by clients for her ability to turn complex matters into manageable cases. She is capable of delivering smart strategy and practical solutions with professional compassion and support.
Transparent, Honest and Accountable Legal Representation
Top quality representation
Our team is headed by an Olympic athlete, who brings a unique perspective and determination to each case. Guided by competitive leadership, we are certain that we can provide the highest standard of representation through our advocacy.
Optimal results
We believe in providing high value to our clients by offering personalised representation that will maximise the claim that you are seeking. Choose us and you will have peace of mind knowing that your legal team genuinely cares and is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Trustworthy
We are committed against common practices in the industry that can lead to dissatisfaction. We are always transparent about our fees, the legal process, and we don’t sugarcoat potential outcomes. You can expect to receive clear, honest and consistent communication, and that we will work efficiently to resolve your case.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Legal Advice Even If I'm Only Thinking of Separation?
When it comes to separating, sometimes it is necessary for one party to move out.
The difficult decision in such circumstances may be deciding which person moves out and, if children are involved, which parent they should live with.
This is why we always recommend that you get advice early — even before you separate — so that you are armed with full knowledge of your legal rights.
We can guide you with pragmatic Family Law advice in making the right decisions for your future and that of your children.
What If My Partner and I Are Not Married?
The Family Law Act applies to everyone, whether you are in a legal marriage or a de facto relationship (including a same-sex relationship).
Everyone’s personal situation is different, and only a Family Lawyer can provide the expert advice that applies to your particular separation.
How Assets Are Divided?
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost for a child custody lawyer is approximately $350 – $500 per hour.
The final amount that you could pay for a non contentious matter could be approximately $5000.
For contentious matters, you could pay between $20,000-$30,000 depending on the complexity of the matter.
How Do We Get Started?
Organise a consultation on the phone or at our Melbourne or Dandenong office. We will advise you as to how much we estimate your matter will cost and the next action steps that we recommend.
You will then decide as to whether you would like to proceed with our services.