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(03) 9792 0221

Family Lawyers in Dandenong

Our goal is to resolve your matter quickly, compassionately, and cost-effectively — so life can begin to feel normal again

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2025

formally recognised as a recipient of the prestigious Inside Family Law Awards.

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Our Awards

ASSISTED OVER 5,000 FAMILIES

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Global winner best family lawyer

Leading Family Lawyers Dandenong

Dandenong Family Lawyers combines award-winning expertise with clear, supportive guidance for complex family issues.

Our dedicated team is one of Melbourne’s most trusted family law firms, demonstrated by a stellar 4.9★ average from over 93 Google reviews.

We proudly serve the Dandenong, Casey, and Greater South-East Melbourne regions, ensuring clients receive simple, supportive advice when they need it most.

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Our Services

Divorce lawyer legal consultation

Divorce Lawyers

Property settlement family law advice

Property Settlement

Child custody family law advice

Child Custody

Family law consent orders

Consent Orders

Prenuptial agreement legal advice

Prenup Lawyers

Dandenong family law consultation

Family Law

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Family Law Explainers
What happens if your ex drains the bank accounts during a separation or divorce? In this video, we break down what Australian family law says when one party withdraws or transfers significant amounts of money before a property settlement is finalised. We cover what you should do immediately, how to protect yourself financially, when urgent court orders may be available, and whether money that has already been spent or transferred can still be taken into account in a property settlement. We also look at a real Australian family law case where a husband withdrew $1.14 million from a joint account around the time of separation — and what the Court did about it. If you are going through a separation, understanding your financial position early can be critical. Bank accounts, redraw facilities, credit cards, investments, businesses and other assets can all become important when negotiating or litigating a property settlement. This video is for general information only and is not legal advice. Family law outcomes depend on the individual circumstances of each case. If you are dealing with a separation or financial dispute, consider obtaining advice from an Australian family lawyer. If you found this video helpful, like the video, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment with any family law topics you would like covered next. #FamilyLaw #DivorceAustralia #Separation #PropertySettlement #AustralianLaw #FamilyCourt #DivorceAdvice My Ex Drained Our Bank Account During Divorce - What Happens Now?
If you’re going through a separation or thinking about starting family law proceedings, the process can feel overwhelmin and confusing. In this video, I break down the entire family court process in Australia from start to finish. ⚖️ What we cover: -What happens before court even starts -Filing an application in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia -The first court event and what to expect -Interim hearings and urgent issues -Disclosure and gathering evidence -Mediation and dispute resolution -Preparing for a final hearing (trial) -What judges actually look at when making decisions -Final orders and what happens after 👨‍⚖️ Why this matters: Most people go into family court blind. They don’t understand the stages. They don’t know what’s coming next. And that uncertainty creates stress, bad decisions, and unnecessary legal costs. 0:00 - Introduction 0:55 - Mediation requirement (Section 60I Certificate) 1:43 - Step 1: Filing the Initiating Application 2:14 - Affidavit and other supporting documents 3:36 - Initial legal costs 4:26 - Serving the documents 5:19 - Respondent's response 6:08 - Step 2: The First Court Date 7:46 - Interim orders and hearings 8:44 - Step 3: Dispute Resolution/Mediation 10:22 - Step 4: Final Hearing preparation 11:15 - Potential legal fees after one year 12:24 - The Final Hearing process 13:31 - Reserved judgment timeline CRITICAL: Understand This Before Family Court (Australia Guide)
Going through a separation or divorce and wondering whether you actually need a family lawyer? A lot of people assume they must hire a lawyer straight away. Others try to handle everything themselves and only realise later that things have become much more complicated. In this video, I break down the situations where a family lawyer is essential… and the situations where you might not need one at all. ⚖️ Subscribe for more practical videos on family law, court processes, and legal issues that affect everyday Australians. #FamilyLaw #DivorceAustralia #FamilyLawyer #LegalAdvice #separation 0:00 - Introduction 0:10 - How 60% of Australians resolve family matters 0:35 - When you will need legal help 1:20 - Booking a free discovery call 1:40 - Meet Hayder Shkara 1:58 - Our service pillars: Professionalism, Communication, and Finances 2:27 - Final thoughts Don’t Hire a Family Lawyer Until You Watch This
Going through a high conflict divorce with a narcissist? You’ve probably seen these all too familiar patterns. I’m Hayder Shkara, Australian family lawyer, and in this video I break down what I call the Narcissist Playbook in Divorce - the predictable tactics narcissists use to manipulate, control, and exhaust their former partners. I’ll show you how to recognise things like charm offensives, gaslighting, delays, smear campaigns and using children as leverage, and I’ll share practical ways to respond effectively using evidence, structure and the Biff communication method, (Brief, Informative, Friendly and Firm). If you’re dealing with divorce, property disputes or parenting challenges, this video will help you stay focused on outcomes, protect your children, your finances and your wellbeing, and avoid getting dragged into emotional games. Topics we cover: Charm offensive and fake calm persona Gaslighting and rewriting reality Delay and exhaust tactics Smear campaigns and using the court for control Fog of information and the DAVO strategy Keeping children out of conflict 📌 Comment below: Which tactic are you facing most? Smear campaigns, delays or refusal to disclose financials? I may cover it in a follow up video. Divorcing a Narcissist? Watch for These 8 Tactics
Domestic and family violence in Australia doesn’t always look the way people expect. It doesn’t always involve sirens, shouting, or visible injuries. In this video, I break down what domestic and family violence really looks like, how common it is, why leaving is one of the most dangerous moments, and where Australia’s systems succeed, and fail, in keeping people safe. Using national data, real cases, and recent legal reforms, this video explores: • The true scale of domestic and family violence in Australia • Why emotional abuse and economic abuse are so common — and so damaging • What coercive control actually means in practice • How technology is being used as a tool of surveillance and control • Why separation increases risk, rather than ending it • The connection between domestic violence, homelessness, and financial insecurity • What recent cases like Molly Ticehurst, Hannah Clarke, Lilie James, and Luke Batty reveal about systemic gaps • Australia’s current reforms, including coercive control laws and family law changes • The tension between legal intention and real-world outcomes This isn’t a video about individual “bad relationships.” It’s about patterns, power, and systems — and what happens when support exists on paper but doesn’t arrive in time. ⚠️ Content warning: This video discusses domestic and family violence, coercive control, and homicide. Viewer discretion advised. Domestic Violence in Australia: What It Really Looks Like And Why the System Still Fails
You don’t get a clean break when you share children. You sign the divorce papers, the lawyers step back… and then you realise the hardest part is still ahead: co-parenting with someone you’re in constant conflict with. In this video, I break down how to co-parent in high-conflict situations without burning yourself out or pulling your kids into the middle. This isn’t about “fixing” your ex — because you can’t. It’s about building systems that reduce conflict, protect your kids, and restore some calm to your life. I cover practical, real-world strategies including: - When to shift from co-parenting to parallel parenting - How to communicate without feeding conflict (the BIFF method) - Why less contact can actually mean more stability for children - How to create parenting plans that stop chaos before it starts - What communication channels work best in high-conflict dynamics - Why “winning” arguments can cost you peace 0:00 Introduction 1:01 What is high-conflict co-parenting? 2:29 Strategy #1: Shift from co-parenting to parallel parenting 4:01 Strategy #2: Using consistent communication strategies 5:31 Strategy #3: Choose your communication channel wisely 6:46 Strategy #4: Create a specific parenting plan 7:44 Strategy #5: Stop trying to win and start trying to create stability 8:34 Strategy #6: Keep the kids out of the middle 9:23 Strategy #7: Expect the manipulation and plan for it 10:42 Strategy #8: Introducing a new partner 11:23 Final advice and conclusion Co-Parenting With a Difficult Ex: Strategies That Actually Work
How do Australian courts really decide parenting cases? If you think it comes down to who is the “better parent” or whether parenting will be 50/50, you’re not alone. But that’s not how the Family Court actually works. In this video, I break down how judges make parenting decisions in Australia, what the court really focuses on, and the biggest myths that cause parents to misunderstand their own cases. - What the “best interests of the child” actually means in practice - Why parenting cases are not about punishing parents - The key factors judges look at when making parenting orders - Common mistakes I see parents make in real cases - How the court balances safety, stability, and meaningful relationships I also share real-world insights from my experience as an Australian family lawyer, so you can understand what happens behind closed doors in parenting decisions. 0:00 Introduction 0:41 Family Court isn't trying to punish anyone 1:06 What is the best interest of the child? 1:43 Consistency is key 2:21 6 key factors courts consider in child cases 6:06 Family court decisions are often imperfect 6:42 Preparation is key 7:01 Why parents leave the court room unhappy? How Australian Courts REALLY Decide Parenting Cases
How long does divorce actually take in Australia? Most people think divorce starts when paperwork is filed but in reality, preparation begins months earlier. In this video, I explain why January is so busy for separations, and what people should understand before taking legal steps. This video covers: • How long divorce preparation really takes • Why January is peak divorce season in Australia • What slows divorce down: children, finances, and conflict • Why early legal advice matters even if you’re unsure • Common mistakes people make when they rush separation Rushing Divorce Is a Mistake - Here’s How Long It Really Takes
💬 Let’s talk about what really happens when couples separate. It’s not always just about who gets the house or the car what about the credit cards, loans, and tax debts? Who’s actually responsible for paying them? In this episode, Harpreet Bawa, one of Sydney’s leading family lawyers from Justice Family Law Network, breaks down how property settlements and debts are handled under Australia’s Family Law Act. We cover: 💡 How assets and liabilities are divided 💡 What’s included in the “property pool” 💡 How the May 2025 amendments to the Act have clarified shared debts and financial responsibilities after separation Harpreet also clears up a common misconception that you’re safe from your partner’s debts just because the credit card isn’t in your name (spoiler: not always true!). 🎧 Watch the full episode to learn how to navigate property settlements, understand your legal rights, and make informed financial decisions after separation. #FamilyLaw #HarpreetBawa #PropertySettlement #DivorceAustralia #JusticeFamilyLaw #LegalPodcast Dividing Assets and Debts After Separation: What the Family Law Act Really Says
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Hayder Shkara

Director

Principal of Dandenong Family Lawyers and head of the Justice Network, bringing vast experience in all facets of Family Law, including complex financial and property settlements.
Kamila family law solicitor

Kamila Pereverzeva

Solicitor

Kamila is a Melbourne-based Family Lawyer who provides strategic, client-focused advice across all areas of family law, combining strong technical expertise with a pragmatic approach to achieve efficient, cost-effective, and resolution-driven outcomes.
Katherine Siotos

Katherine Siotos

Solicitor

Katherine is a family law solicitor valued for turning complex matters into clear, manageable steps. You can expect practical strategy, professional compassion, and guidance tailored to your situation, backed by confident advocacy where it matters.
Bree-Campbell

Our Advantages

As a small law firm, we are able to provide our clients with a personal level of service, and do so in a cost effective manner.

We give honest and practical advice.

We have a close working relationship with barristers from whom we gain on-going advice and assistance to ensure that you can make informed decisions about your future.

Legal proceedings can be expensive. We endeavour to arrive at a settlement that is agreed between the parties, rather than resorting to the Courts. Where a negotiated settlement cannot be reached, we will take firm action in Court proceedings.

Call Now: (03) 9792 0221
Send Us A Message

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dandenong Family Lawyers is an award-winning boutique firm servicing Dandenong, Casey and Greater South-East Melbourne. Recognised by the Inside Family Law Awards and backed by a 4.9 Star Google rating, our team provides clear, strategic and supportive legal advice across all areas of family law.

If you are searching for trusted Family Lawyers in Dandenong, we offer realistic guidance and practical solutions tailored to your situation.

Our Dandenong Family Lawyers assist with divorce and separation, property settlements, child custody and parenting arrangements, spousal maintenance, intervention orders and de facto disputes. We also assist with wills and Enduring Power of Attorney matters.

Every matter is approached with careful strategy and a focus on achieving fair and sustainable outcomes.

The cost of engaging a Dandenong Family Lawyer depends on the complexity of your matter and whether it resolves by agreement or proceeds to court.

We provide transparent cost discussions and offer flexible payment options, including payment plans and pay at settlement arrangements where appropriate. Our aim is to make quality legal representation accessible while maintaining high professional standards.

Not always. Many matters handled by our Family Lawyers in Dandenong are resolved through negotiation or mediation without court proceedings.

If court becomes necessary, our experienced team will represent you confidently and ensure your interests are strongly protected.

Property settlements consider the total asset pool, each party’s contributions and future needs to ensure a just and equitable outcome.

Child custody, legally referred to as parenting arrangements, is determined based on the best interests of the child. Our Child Custody Lawyers in Dandenong focus on protecting children while working towards practical and stable arrangements for families.

Dandenong Family Lawyers are primarily a Dandenong based law firm, but we are affiliated with law firms across Australia. It is best to select one based on the location you are looking for:

Family Lawyers Melbourne (Melbourne Family Lawyers)
Family lawyers Sydney (Justice Family Lawyers)
Family lawyers Gold Coast (Collective Family Law Group)
Family Lawyers Brisbane (Melrose Keys Lawyers)
Family Lawyers Springwood (JMR Lawyers)
Family Lawyers North Lakes (ABA Lawyers)
Family Lawyers Ipswich (Ipswich Family Lawyers)

If you need representation in Dandenong or wider Victoria, please contact Dandenong Family Lawyers on 03 9792 0221.

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