Expert Melbourne Family Lawyers
Separating is hard.
Doing it without a plan is harder.
The costliest mistakes in a separation happen early, before anyone gets advice. A text sent in anger. A verbal deal made to keep the peace. An agreement signed just to make it stop. One hour with a senior family lawyer can be the difference between a fair outcome and an expensive regret.
$395 fixed fee, one hour. Video call, phone or in person. Out-of-hours appointments available. Confidential.
- 20+ Years Experience
- Rated Excellent, 30+ Google reviews
- JustFund Accredited
- Talk with a Senior Family Lawyer
A note from our Principal
Separation is hard enough without a legal process that makes it harder
Family law is all we do. No conveyancing, no commercial work on the side. Just separation, property, parenting and the practical decisions that need to be made when a relationship ends.
Our approach is simple: focused, clear, practical. We tell you where you stand, what your options are and what each one will cost, then we get on with it. Some matters settle across a table, and others need to go to court. We do both, and we do both well.
You don’t have to have it all worked out before you call. That’s our job.
Eve Smith – Managing Partner & Founder, Umbrella Family Law
What We Handle
Whatever you’re facing, we’ve guided someone through it.
Divorce & Separation
Every stage, from the first hard conversation to final orders. You move forward with a plan instead of a panic.
Property Settlement
A fair division of what you built together: house, super, business, debts. Nothing missed, nothing signed away.
Parenting Arrangements
Practical plans that protect your children’s stability and your relationship with them. The arrangements you agree to now tend to become the pattern later, so we get them right early.
Binding Financial Agreements
What happens to property if you separate, settled before it’s ever in question.
Family Violence
Sensitive, experienced guidance that recognises every form it takes. Protection first, paperwork second.
Pet Custody
We’re Australia’s first firm with every lawyer formally trained in pet custody. No member of the family gets left out of the plan.
"What seemed impossible became a reality."
George came to us as a father in a high-conflict separation, facing false accusations and what he called a hopeless legal battle. In his words, posted publicly on Google: “What seemed impossible, 50/50 custody, became a reality… [Umbrella] sees the human behind the file.”
He’s one of 30+ families who’ve rated us Excellent on Google.
Why Umbrella?
Why Melbourne families choose us…
Strong in negotiation. Strong in court.
Some matters settle across a table. Others need to be fought. We have deep experience in both: negotiating and mediating resolutions, and running litigation through the Federal Circuit and Family Court when that’s what it takes.
Results, not run-around
From your first consultation you get a clear position, real options and honest advice on cost and timing. Focused, clear, practical, from day one to final orders.
Cost certainty
A fixed $395 first consultation, fixed fees available on most matters, and JustFund accreditation, giving you access to a line of credit for legal fees, repaid only when your matter resolves and only from the proceeds.
Flexibility
Not everyone works 9 to 5. Out-of-hours appointments are no problem, and you can meet us by video, phone or in person.
Deep specialist experience
A senior team with more than 20 years’ family law experience, including dual England/Australia qualification, across the Federal Circuit and Family Court system from first filing to final orders.
UK connections handled
Dual-qualified in England and Australia, we act in matters with a UK connection. UK citizens living here, or property and parenting matters that span both countries.
Meet Our Family Law Team
Senior family lawyers who understand that every case is personal, not just legal. Book a call and one of them picks up. Behind every lawyer sits dedicated support staff, so your questions get answered and your matter keeps moving.
Eve Smith
Managing Partner & Founder
Luke Parsons
Senior Associate
Kate Barlow
Senior Associate
Chimene Vaughan
Senior Associate
Ryan Burky
Paralegal
Ana Maria Oreskovic
Practice Manager
Jayde Isgro
Accounts Manager
Mariah Darcy
Senior Personal Assistant
Sarah Mason
Senior Personal Assistant
Jess Hogan
Personal Assistant
Matin Atmaca
Personal Assistant
Babette Michael
Administration Assistant
Your first appointment
$395 fixed, and you leave with a plan.
Most firms offer a free chat that tells you nothing, then start the clock.
We do the opposite. Your first consultation is a fixed-fee session: one full hour, one senior family lawyer, total confidentiality. You tell us your story. Then we set out, in plain language:
- Your legal position on property, parenting or both
- The realistic options in front of you: negotiation, mediation or court
- What each path is likely to cost and how long it’s likely to take
From there, matters typically go one of three ways. You might negotiate directly with your former partner, armed with proper advice. We might refer you to mediation. Or we act for you, in negotiation or in court, whichever your matter demands.
It’s real advice you can act on the same day, whether or not you ever engage us.
Book the hour that suits you
Initial Consultation, Video Call
1 hour @ A$395
Initial Consultation, Telephone
1 hour @ A$395
Initial Consultation, In Person (South Melbourne)
1 hour @ A$395
Prefer we call you?
Fill in the form and we’ll be in touch within one business day. Out-of-hours appointments available.
What happens after you book?
Step 1
Your Consultation
One hour with a senior lawyer. You tell us your story and we set out your position and options in plain language.
Step 2
Your Strategy
If you’d like us in your corner, we build the plan together: priorities, process, timeline, and a fee structure agreed up front. No surprises.
Step 3
Your Resolution
We aim to settle out of court through negotiation or mediation, and represent you fully if court becomes necessary. You stay informed and make every decision with clear advice beside you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a family lawyer cost?
Your initial consultation is a fixed $395 for one hour with a senior lawyer. Beyond that, we offer fixed fees on most matters, agreed before we start. If cost is a concern, we’re also JustFund accredited: a line of credit for legal fees, repayable only once your matter resolves.
How long does a divorce or separation take?
A straightforward, uncontested matter can resolve in a few months. Complex property or parenting disputes take longer, particularly if court is involved. We’ll give you a realistic timeline once we understand your situation.
Do I need a lawyer if my separation is amicable?
Even amicable separations benefit from formalising agreements through consent orders, so both of you are protected if circumstances change later. We can do this simply and cost-effectively.
What if my ex-partner already has a lawyer?
That’s common, and it doesn’t put you at a disadvantage. It does mean the other side is already getting advice, so it’s worth getting yours promptly.
Will I have to go to court?
Some matters resolve through negotiation or mediation; others proceed to court. We’re experienced in both, and in your first consultation we’ll give you a realistic view of which path your matter is likely to take, and what each would cost.
What happens in the first consultation?
You talk, we listen, then we set out your position and a realistic plan in plain language. It’s real advice from day one, not a sales call.
Can you handle matters outside Melbourne?
Yes. We’re based in South Melbourne and act for clients across Bayside, the northern suburbs and Greater Melbourne, with online consultations for regional Victoria and interstate.
In family law, waiting has a cost
The arrangements you accept this month, for the children, the house, the accounts, tend to become the pattern a court later preserves. And if the other side already has advice, every week you wait is a week they’re planning and you’re not.
The sooner you have a clear picture of your position, the more options you keep.
Book your consultation this week. One hour, $395 fixed, and you walk out with a plan.
Umbrella Family Law, South Melbourne. Family law is all we do.
Location
142-144 Albert Road
South Melbourne VIC 3205
Call 03 9279 6800
Book Consultation
Video Call
Phone Call
In-Person Meeting