Family & Relationships · Eastern Melbourne
6 de facto relationships firms in Eastern Melbourne, Victoria, including Box Hill, Ringwood, Glen Waverley, Doncaster.
6 firms
Glen Waverley, VIC · Eastern Melbourne
Rayner Song Family Lawyers provides legal services in Glen Waverley, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Binding Financial Agreements and De Facto Relationships.
De facto couples have similar rights to married couples under the Family Law Act, subject to meeting the definition of a de facto relationship. In most states that means two years together, a child together, or significant contributions. Property claims must generally be made within two years of separation.
De facto couples can have the same property and parenting rights as married couples, but only if the relationship meets the legal definition. Many don't realise their rights, or their exposure, until they separate.
The Family Law Act covers de facto couples in all states except Western Australia, where state law applies to property. Couples generally need two years together, a child, a registered relationship or substantial contributions to qualify.
Understand the next step
Explain the relationship history, living arrangements and financial connections. The lawyer can assess which issues require advice without assuming the same pathway applies to every unmarried couple.
Ask about the relevant jurisdiction and requirements before relying on assumptions based only on the length of the relationship.
When comparing Box Hill, Ringwood, Glen Waverley and Doncaster firms, look for the practice area that matches the work required. Reviewing a sale contract and handling an existing property dispute are different engagements.
For de facto relationships, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant VIC experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Eastern Melbourne. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
Explain the relationship history, current arrangements and outcome you want. Identify immediate concerns and provide every existing order or agreement.
Discuss negotiation and family dispute resolution. Parenting applications generally involve prior dispute resolution unless an exception applies; ask the lawyer to assess the appropriate process.
Ask how an agreement would be documented and implemented. Clarify who handles related transfers, finance and estate-planning work.
Ask for separate estimates for advice, negotiation, document preparation and court work. A fixed divorce-application fee does not necessarily cover parenting or financial disputes.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Highlight court dates, proposed travel or relocation and any planned property sale. Ask which time limits apply to your particular issues rather than assuming there is one deadline for everything.
In Victoria, the Magistrates' Court hears most criminal and minor civil matters, with the County Court and Supreme Court handling more serious cases. Residential tenancy, planning, building and discrimination disputes often go to VCAT. Lawyers are regulated by the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner, which also handles complaints.
Good to know
Largely, yes, for property and parenting under federal law, if you meet the de facto definition. Different rules apply for some matters under state law.
Generally two years from the date of separation.
Most matters start in the Magistrates' Court. More serious cases go to the County Court or the Supreme Court of Victoria. Family law matters are heard by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Boronia, VIC · Eastern Melbourne
Mackinnon Jacobs Horton & Irving provides legal services in Boronia, VIC. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Family Law and Wills & Estates.
Hawthorn, VIC · Eastern Melbourne
Clancy & Triado provides legal services in Hawthorn, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Divorce & Separation and De Facto Relationships.
Box Hill, VIC · Eastern Melbourne
Pearsons Lawyers Pty Ltd provides legal services in Box Hill, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and Divorce & Separation.
Camberwell, VIC · Eastern Melbourne
Clancy & Triado provides legal services in Camberwell, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Divorce & Separation and De Facto Relationships.
Kew, VIC · Eastern Melbourne
Hugh Bowers Barrister & Solicitor provides legal services in Kew, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Divorce & Separation and De Facto Relationships.
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.
Practising certificates in Victoria are managed by the Victorian Legal Services Board. You can check a solicitor's status on its public register or by contacting it directly.