Family Lawyers for Cranbourne

If you live in Cranbourne or one of the surrounding Casey suburbs and you’re going through a separation, you don’t need to go into the city for family law advice. Our office is in central Dandenong, usually around 20 minutes’ drive from Cranbourne, and the family court and the Magistrates’ Court are both close by.

We help people from Cranbourne, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne North, Cranbourne West, Clyde and Botanic Ridge with divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlement and intervention orders.

Getting to our office from Cranbourne

We’re at Level 10, 14 Mason Street, Dandenong, about a five-minute walk from Dandenong Station. Trains on the Cranbourne line run straight into Dandenong, so you can get to us without driving. If you drive, allow around 20 minutes via the South Gippsland Highway, depending on traffic.

If coming in isn’t practical because of work, school pick-ups or safety concerns, we can meet by phone or video instead.

How we can help

• Divorce: checking you meet the 12-month separation rule, preparing and filing your application, and arranging service on your former partner.
• Parenting arrangements: working out where the children live and how they spend time with each parent, through negotiation, family dispute resolution or court.
• Property settlement: dividing the house, super, savings and debts, including what happens to a family home that still carries a large mortgage.
• Consent orders: turning an agreement into orders the court can make binding.
• Intervention orders: applying for, or responding to, a family violence intervention order.
• Financial agreements: before or during a relationship, or after separation.

Where Cranbourne family law matters are heard

Most separations are resolved by agreement, without anyone going to court. When a court is needed, divorce, parenting and property cases go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Its Dandenong registry at 53–55 Robinson Street is close to our office, which makes attending in person straightforward. Some matters are listed at the Commonwealth Law Courts in Melbourne instead, and many hearings are now held online.

Family violence intervention orders are dealt with by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria. Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Pultney Street is one of Victoria’s Specialist Family Violence Courts, with separate waiting areas and specialist staff for people affected by family violence.

Your first appointment

At the first appointment we’ll listen to what has happened, explain where you stand under the Family Law Act, and set out your options and the likely next steps. It helps to bring a short timeline of the relationship, any court papers or letters you’ve received, and a rough list of assets, super and debts. We’ll give you a written estimate of our costs before you commit to anything.

Common questions

Do I need to go to court to separate?

No. You don’t need a court order to separate, and many couples settle parenting and property arrangements by agreement. A property agreement can be made binding through consent orders or a binding financial agreement.

Can I get a divorce if we still live under the same roof?

Yes, if you’ve been separated under one roof for at least 12 months. You’ll need to show the court the relationship ended even though you stayed in the same home, usually with an affidavit from someone who knows your situation.

How long do I have to sort out property?

Married couples have 12 months from the date their divorce takes effect. De facto couples have two years from separation. After that you need the court’s permission to apply, so it’s worth getting advice early.

To talk to a family lawyer, call (03) 9792 0221 or send us a message. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.