Family Lawyers for Pakenham
Pakenham and the rest of Cardinia Shire have grown quickly, and for many families the nearest services are still a drive away. Our office in central Dandenong is around 30 minutes from Pakenham along the Princes Freeway, and trains on the Pakenham line stop about five minutes’ walk from our door. We work with people from Pakenham, Officer, Beaconsfield and across the Cardinia area.
Phone and video appointments
Because the trip from Pakenham can take a while, much of our work can be done by phone or video, including the first appointment. We can review documents you send us and talk you through them without you needing to come in. When you do want to meet in person, we’re at Level 10, 14 Mason Street, Dandenong.
Family law help for Pakenham families
- Divorce applications, including when your former partner can’t be found or won’t respond
- Parenting arrangements and parenting orders
- Property settlement, including the family home, super and business interests
- Consent orders to make an agreement binding
- Binding financial agreements
- Updating your will after separation
If you need an intervention order
If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support, you can call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, both available 24 hours a day.
A family violence intervention order is made by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria. Dandenong Magistrates’ Court, on Pultney Street, is one of the state’s Specialist Family Violence Courts. Victoria Police can also apply for an order on your behalf. We can help you apply for an intervention order, or represent you if an application has been made against you.
Where family law cases are heard
Divorce, parenting and property cases are handled by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Its Dandenong registry, at 53–55 Robinson Street, is close to our office. Some cases are heard in Melbourne, and many hearings now happen online. Most matters never get to a final hearing: they settle through negotiation or mediation along the way.
Common questions
Do I have to come into the office?
No. Phone and video appointments work well for most matters, and documents can be signed and sent electronically in most cases. Some documents, such as affidavits, need to be witnessed, and we’ll explain how to do that when it comes up.
How much does a divorce cost?
The court filing fee for a divorce application is $1,170 from 1 July 2026, or $390 if you qualify for a reduced fee. Our professional fees are on top of that. See our divorce cost guide for more detail.
What if my former partner won’t respond?
For a divorce, your application usually has to be served on your former partner. If they can’t be found or are avoiding service, you can ask the court to allow another way of serving them, or to dispense with service altogether. We can help you prepare the evidence the court needs.
Call us on (03) 9792 0221 or send us a message to book a phone, video or in-person appointment. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.