Our experienced Melbourne lawyers are here to assist you with parenting matters after divorce and separation with empathy, precision and a child-focused approach.
With extensive experience in parenting disputes and agreements, we offer expert legal advice grounded in local knowledge and a deep understanding of the Family Law system.
We provide honest, competitive pricing so you can focus on what matters most, your children, without worrying about unexpected costs.
Our lawyers are focused on your family’s best interests, creating parenting arrangements that protect your parental rights and support your child’s wellbeing, now and into the future.
At Tonkin Family Lawyers, we specialise in resolving parenting matters with compassion and clarity. We guide families through care arrangements, parenting plans and court orders. With over 60 years of combined experience in family law, our Melbourne-based lawyers are committed to achieving child-focused outcomes that support long-term wellbeing.
Whether you’re negotiating or seeking to formalise agreements, we handle every detail with precision and care. You can trust us to provide practical advice and empathetic support, helping you navigate parenting matters with confidence and peace of mind.
Creating a parenting plan can provide structure and clarity following a divorce or separation. Our lawyers work with you to develop a practical, child-focused plan that outlines where your children will live, how time is shared and how major decisions are made.
These agreements are reached collaboratively, without court involvement, and we ensure they reflect your family’s unique needs. From communication routines to holiday arrangements, we guide you in making informed decisions that support your child’s wellbeing.
If you’re seeking a legally binding agreement, our team can help you apply for Consent Orders through the Family Court. We ensure your parenting arrangements meet legal standards while also reflecting what’s best for your children.
Consent Orders offer certainty and enforceability. We draft and lodge documents, ensuring all details are addressed, from living arrangements to parental responsibility, so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Working through parenting arrangements after separation can be emotionally draining. Our team helps simplify the process, giving you clear guidance and practical support whether you’re creating a parenting plan or seeking court-approved Consent Orders.
We handle the legal side for you, drafting documents, advising on parental responsibility and liaising with the courts if needed, so you can focus on your family. Everything is explained in plain, easy-to-follow language to help you make confident and informed decisions.
Every family is different, and so are their legal needs. Whether you’re after straightforward advice on shared care or you’re preparing for mediation or court, we’ll work around what you need.
Some families need help with the basics of a practical parenting plan, while others are facing highly sensitive or contested matters. No matter where you are in the process, our team is here to support and represent you with care, flexibility and expert legal knowledge.
Our family law team brings over six decades of experience helping parents navigate custody arrangements, disputes and parenting orders with care, empathy and clarity. We offer flexible support tailored to your family’s needs, whether you’re after practical advice or ongoing legal representation.
We help you create clear and workable parenting plans that reflect your family’s needs. These plans cover daily care, communication, school holidays and decision-making.
For families wanting a legally binding arrangement, we draft and file Consent Orders through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, ensuring your agreement is enforceable and child-focused.
Whether you’re seeking or opposing a relocation or want clarity around travel arrangements, our team provides advice and representation in matters involving interstate or international movement with children.
If one parent is not following court orders, we can help you apply to enforce existing parenting orders and seek appropriate remedies through the court.
We act swiftly in urgent cases, such as when a child is at risk of physical or psychological harm, or has been withheld, to seek emergency court orders or the recovery of the child.
We review pest and building inspections to ensure the property’s condition is accurately assessed before purchase, providing you with peace of mind.
We promote cooperative parenting by facilitating or supporting dispute resolution and mediation sessions, helping you resolve issues without going to court when possible.
We assist with parenting arrangements where family violence is a concern, working to establish safe and appropriate contact under legally supported frameworks.
For complex or high-conflict matters, we represent parents in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, presenting your case with clarity and compassion.
PARTNER – Accredited Specialist in Family Law
St John Heath is a Partner at Tonkin Legal Group and a leading Family Lawyer in Victoria.
Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Richard Tonkin is a Consultant Lawyer and one of Victoria’s most experienced and respected Family Lawyers.
A Parenting Plan is a written agreement about future parenting arrangements, but it is not legally enforceable. A Consent Order, however, is approved by the Family Law Court and has legal enforceability. In family law matters, it’s always advised that you obtain legal advice before deciding how to approach your parenting arrangements.
Not always. Parenting proceedings may be unnecessary, and most parents can reach an agreement through mediation or family dispute resolution. For enforceability, agreements can be filed as Consent Orders, which are filed through a court application.
Yes, Parenting Orders can be altered if circumstances significantly change. The court considers the child’s best interests and whether the proposed changes support proper parenting. If both parties agree, changes can be made through new Consent Orders or a revised written agreement.
Disagreements should first be addressed in Family Dispute Resolution with a qualified Family Dispute Resolution practitioner. If unresolved, a court application may be required to resolve matters. The court makes decisions based on the primary considerations of the Family Law Act, focusing on the interests of the child and their care, welfare, and development.
Yes, in many cases this is possible. Relocation that impacts a child’s relationship with both parents must be agreed to or decided by the court. A parent may commence proceedings to prevent or challenge relocation. The court makes decisions guided by the child’s best interests and significant issues, including ties to other family members and schools.
The Family Law Act states that the paramount consideration is the child’s best interests. The court considers two primary considerations: the benefit of a meaningful relationship with both parents and the need to protect children from child abuse or family violence. Other factors, such as the child’s views, are also considered.
If the other parent breaches parenting orders without a reasonable excuse, you may apply for a contravention order through the court. Seek legal advice early to ensure compliance and protect the child’s welfare.
If family violence is an issue, you may seek a family violence order to ensure safety. In parenting matters, the court considers all risks and may appoint an independent children’s lawyer or family consultant, with the goal of keeping children protected from harm.
Our dedicated Melbourne lawyers are here to guide you through parenting matters and disputes with clarity and care. Book an appointment today and take the first step towards resolution.
