Family Law Melbourne & Victoria
Family Lawyers for Separation, Parenting and Property Matters
Whether you are separating, making arrangements for your children or dividing property and finances, obtaining legal advice early can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
We provide clear advice, practical strategies and strong representation to help you resolve family law matters through negotiation where possible and through court proceedings when necessary.
You don't need to have everything worked out before speaking with us. We'll explain your options, answer your questions and help you understand the next steps.
20+
Years' Experience
5-Star
Google Rating
VIC-wide
Coverage
Family Law Melbourne & Victoria
Family Lawyers for Separation, Parenting and Property Matters.
Whether you are separating, making arrangements for your children or dividing property and finances, obtaining legal advice early can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
We provide clear advice, practical strategies and strong representation to help you resolve family law matters through negotiation where possible and through court proceedings when necessary.
You don't need to have everything worked out before speaking with us. We'll explain your options, answer your questions and help you understand the next steps.
20+
Years Experience
5-Star
Google Rating
VIC-wide
Coverage
Testimonials & Reviews
Appointments
Telephone, Zoom and in-person appointments available.
After-hours appointments available by request.
Serving Victoria
Melbourne-based, assisting clients throughout Victoria by telephone, Zoom and in-person appointments.
Your First Step
Book a free 15-minute Initial Family Law Call with an experienced family lawyer.
We'll gain an understanding of your situation, answer your initial questions, identify any urgent issues, and explain the most appropriate next steps. If your matter requires detailed legal advice, we'll discuss our fixed-fee Initial Advice Conference.
Flexible payment and legal funding options are available for eligible clients.
Parenting Matters
Clear Advice When Your Children's Future Is Uncertain
Parenting disputes can be emotionally exhausting. You may be worried about where your children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, whether they are safe, or how important decisions will be made.
You do not need to work through these issues alone. We help you understand your legal position, identify the practical options and take the next step with a clear strategy.
What You May Be Facing
You may need advice because:
You cannot agree about where the children will live or how time will be shared;
You are concerned about your children’s safety or wellbeing;
The other parent is proposing to relocate;
Parenting orders are not being followed or are no longer workable;
You have been excluded from important decisions about education, health or other major issues;
Family violence or intervention orders affect the parenting arrangements; or
You need to understand your rights before responding or taking action.
Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’ll help you understand your position clearly — then act on it.
How We Help You Move Forward
01 Understand Your Position
We listen to what has happened, explain the legal framework and help you understand the strengths, risks and realistic options in your matter.
02 Develop a Practical Strategy
We map out a clear plan based on your children's needs, your circumstances and the most appropriate pathway forward.
03 Seek Resolution Where Possible
We can help you negotiate, participate in Family Dispute Resolution and prepare parenting plans or consent orders where agreement can be reached.
04 Represent You When Court Is Necessary
Where urgent action is required or agreement cannot be reached, we prepare your case carefully and represent you through interim and final court proceedings.
Whatever stage your matter has reached, we will help you understand what should happen next and how best to protect your children’s interests.
Parenting Issues We Can Help You Resolve
Practical Parenting Arrangements That Put Children First
Every family is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We help parents work towards practical, child-focused arrangements that promote their children's safety, stability and ongoing relationships with the people who matter most. Whether your matter is resolved through negotiation, Family Dispute Resolution or court proceedings, our focus is on helping you achieve clear, workable arrangements for the future.
01 Parenting Plans and Consent Orders
Record agreed arrangements in a parenting plan or apply for consent orders so the terms are clear and, where appropriate, legally enforceable.
02 Living Arrangements and Time With Each Parent
Advice about where children live, time with each parent, changeovers, holidays, communication and day-to-day parenting arrangements.
03 Relocation and Recovery Matters
Advice and representation where a parent proposes to relocate with a child, has relocated without agreement, or urgent orders may be required.
04 Changing or Enforcing Existing Orders
Assistance where parenting orders are not being followed, are no longer practical or may need to be varied because circumstances have changed.
05 Family Dispute Resolution
Prepare for and participate in Family Dispute Resolution, with legal advice before, during or after mediation where appropriate.
What May Happen Next
01 Initial Advice
You receive clear advice about your legal position, the issues that matter most, the realistic options available, and the likely process, timeframes and costs involved.
02 Negotiation or Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)
Where appropriate, arrangements may be negotiated directly, through solicitors or through Family Dispute Resolution.
03 Agreement or Court Application
If agreement is reached, it can be recorded in a parenting plan or formalised through consent orders. If agreement cannot be reached, court proceedings may be necessary.
04 Interim and Final Resolution
The court may make interim orders while the matter is progressing. The matter may later resolve by agreement or proceed to a final hearing.
Unsure What to Do Next?
You do not need to wait until the situation becomes urgent. Early advice can help you understand your position, avoid unnecessary conflict and make informed decisions about your children.
Financial & Property Matters
Protecting Your Financial Future After Separation
Separating your financial lives can be one of the most significant consequences of a relationship breakdown. Whether you are concerned about the family home, superannuation, business interests or your future financial security, obtaining legal advice early can help you understand your rights and avoid costly mistakes. We provide practical advice, develop a clear strategy and work towards a fair outcome through negotiation where possible and court proceedings where necessary.
What Financial Concerns Are You Facing?
You may be seeking advice because:
You're unsure what you're entitled to after separation;
You're concerned about protecting the family home, savings or superannuation;
Your former partner controls most of the finances or has significantly greater financial resources;
You have been financially dependent during the relationship and are worried about your future;
You believe assets have been hidden, transferred or undervalued;
You need urgent advice before property is sold or money disappears; or
You've reached an informal agreement and want to know whether it properly protects you.
Whatever your circumstances, obtaining advice early can make a significant difference to protecting your financial position.
How We Help You Protect Your Financial Future
01 Understand Your Financial Position
We identify the assets, liabilities, superannuation, financial resources and contributions that may be relevant to your matter so you understand where you stand before negotiations begin.
02 Develop a Strategy That Makes Financial Sense
Every financial settlement is different. We explain your options, the likely outcomes, estimated costs and the practical benefits of each approach, so you can make informed decisions about whether negotiation, mediation or court proceedings represent the most cost-effective way forward.
03 Negotiate Towards a Fair Outcome
Many property matters resolve through negotiation, mediation or consent orders. We work to achieve practical outcomes while avoiding unnecessary conflict wherever possible.
04 Represent You When Court Is Necessary
Where agreement cannot be reached, we prepare your matter thoroughly and represent you throughout proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Protecting Your Financial Future
Financial Matters We Can Help You Resolve
No two financial settlements are the same. Every relationship and asset pool is different, and each family has its own circumstances. Obtaining legal advice early can help you understand your rights, avoid costly mistakes and protect your financial position. We provide practical advice across a broad range of property and financial matters to help you work towards a fair and practical outcome.
Property Settlements
Advice about dividing the family home, investment properties, savings, businesses, liabilities and other assets following separation.
Binding Financial Agreements
Advice, preparation and review of Binding Financial Agreements entered into before, during or after a marriage or de facto relationship, helping couples protect their financial position and reduce the risk of future disputes.
Spousal Maintenance
Advice about whether you may be entitled to financial support after separation, or whether you may have an obligation to provide it.
Superannuation Splitting
Superannuation is often one of the largest assets in a relationship. We help ensure it is properly identified, valued and dealt with as part of your overall settlement.
Consent Orders
Where agreement has been reached, we prepare Consent Orders so your financial settlement is legally binding and enforceable.
De Facto, Same-Sex and LGBTIQA+ Relationships
Advice for de facto couples, including same-sex and LGBTIQA+ relationships, about property settlements, financial entitlements and legal rights following separation.
Concerned About Your Financial Future?
You do not need to wait until assets are sold, funds are moved or an informal agreement is reached. Early advice can help you understand your position and protect your financial interests before important decisions are made.
Working Together
What Happens After You Get in Touch
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, particularly if you've never dealt with the family law system before. We explain each stage of the process, provide clear advice about costs and likely outcomes, and keep you informed from your first enquiry through to the resolution of your matter.
Initial Conversation
Start with a confidential discussion about your circumstances. We'll listen to what's happening, answer your questions, explain your legal position and discuss the options available to you.
Initial Conference and Strategy
If you decide to proceed, we'll arrange a longer conference to better understand your situation, provide tailored advice, discuss the likely process, estimated costs and develop a strategy based on your goals.
Engagement and Preparation
Once you decide to engage us, we'll provide a clear costs agreement, explain what information and documents we require, and begin preparing your matter. We'll guide you through each step so you know exactly what is needed.
Negotiation or Court Representation
Many family law matters resolve through negotiation, mediation or consent orders. Where agreement cannot be reached, we'll prepare your matter thoroughly and represent you throughout court proceedings with careful preparation and clear advice.
Ongoing Communication
You will be kept informed as your matter progresses, including any correspondence received, offers made, upcoming deadlines and decisions requiring your instructions. Before important steps are taken, we will explain the available options, the likely costs and risks, and our recommendation in plain English.
We will also let you know what we need from you and when, so your matter can continue to progress without avoidable delay. Our aim is to ensure you always understand where your matter stands, what has happened, what is happening next and why.
Clear, Practical Support
What You Can Expect When Working With Us
Family law matters can be stressful and uncertain. You should understand the advice you are receiving, the decisions that need to be made and the likely costs involved. From your first conference through to the resolution of your matter, you can expect:
Clear advice in plain English
We explain your legal position, options and next steps without unnecessary jargon.
Honest and realistic guidance
You receive practical advice about the strengths, risks, likely outcomes and costs of each available option.
A strategy proportionate to what is at stake
We consider the legal, financial and practical consequences before recommending negotiation, mediation or court proceedings.
Clear information about costs
We explain our fees, provide costs estimates and discuss any significant changes before further work is undertaken.
Regular communication
You are kept informed about important developments, correspondence, deadlines and decisions requiring your instructions.
Flexible ways to meet
Conferences are available in person, by telephone or video, with after-hours appointments available in appropriate circumstances.
Shane McClure — Director, Family Lawyer and Mediator
Meet Shane McClure and the Shamac Lawyers Team
Experienced Family Law Advice With a Practical, Human Approach
When you are dealing with separation, parenting arrangements or a property settlement, you need more than legal knowledge. You need clear advice, a realistic strategy and a legal team that understands the personal and financial consequences of every decision.
Shane McClure is the Director of Shamac Lawyers, an experienced family lawyer, nationally accredited mediator and accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. Together with his team, he helps clients understand their legal position, assess the available options and choose a path that is proportionate to what is at stake.
Where possible, Shane and his team work to resolve matters through negotiation, mediation or agreement. Where court proceedings are necessary, your matter is prepared carefully and advanced firmly, with a clear focus on protecting your interests and achieving a practical outcome.
You can expect advice that is direct, considered and grounded in the realities of family law, without unnecessary conflict, unrealistic promises or litigation for its own sake.
Clear and Honest Advice
You receive plain-English advice about your legal position, the strengths and risks of your matter, and the realistic outcomes available.
Practical Strategy
Every recommendation considers the legal, financial and emotional consequences, including whether the likely benefit justifies the cost.
Resolution Where Possible
Negotiation and mediation are pursued where they offer a sensible pathway, helping you avoid unnecessary delay, cost and conflict.
Experienced Representation
Where agreement cannot be reached or urgent court action is necessary, Shane and his team prepare your matter thoroughly and represent you firmly.
Our Costs
Clear Costs. Informed Decisions.
Family law costs can feel difficult to manage, particularly when separation has already placed pressure on your finances. We explain our fees, provide realistic cost estimates and discuss the likely cost–benefit of each available option before significant work is undertaken.
Our approach is to help you pursue a strategy that is proportionate to what is at stake. Where circumstances change or additional work becomes necessary, we will update you about the likely costs before proceeding.
Important Information
Shamac Lawyers does not provide Victoria Legal Aid services.
Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to discuss staged payments, flexible payment arrangements or external legal funding options. Any arrangement is subject to approval and the terms that apply.
Need Help Funding Your Legal Fees?
Eligible clients may be able to apply for family law funding through JustFund to assist with legal fees during a property settlement.
Funding is provided by JustFund, not Shamac Lawyers, and remains subject to JustFund’s eligibility criteria, approval process, fees and repayment terms. We can provide information about the option, but you should review the funding terms carefully before deciding whether it is suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Concerns, Answered Honestly
Still unsure? Start with a free 15-minute call — we’ll help you understand your options and the best next step.
Do I actually need a lawyer right now?
Not always — some situations can be resolved without formal legal involvement. The key is understanding your position early so you don’t make decisions that limit your options later. The free 15-minute call is designed to help you work out whether you need legal help, and if so, what kind.
Will getting a lawyer make things more aggressive?
Not necessarily — in many cases, the opposite is true. Getting clear advice early can actually reduce conflict by ensuring the right steps are taken from the start. Our focus is on practical outcomes, not escalation unless it’s required.
Do you take an aggressive approach?
It depends on what will achieve the best outcome for you. In some situations, an overly aggressive approach increases conflict, cost and delay. Where a firm and assertive approach is needed — including in court — we take it. The focus is always on what’s most effective, not simply being combative.
What happens in the 15-minute call?
You’ll speak directly with a family lawyer about your situation.
We’ll ask a few key questions, obtain an initial understanding of your situation and help you identify the available options and next steps.
There’s no obligation to proceed after the call.
Is the 15-minute call just a sales call?
No. The purpose of the call is to give you clarity on your situation.
If you don’t need further legal help, we’ll tell you. If you do, we’ll explain your options clearly so you can decide what to do next.
What if I’m worried about the cost?
That’s a common concern.
Some matters can be resolved quickly with the right early advice, while others require more ongoing work.
Where appropriate, we can discuss flexible payment options and, in some cases, legal funding to help manage costs.
The first step is understanding your situation so we can give you a clearer idea of what’s involved.
Can I get help if I can’t afford everything upfront?
In some cases, yes.
We understand that separation can create financial pressure. Depending on your situation, there may be options available, including flexible payment arrangements or legal funding.
We can discuss what may be available once we understand your circumstances.
Do you offer Legal Aid?
We do not provide Legal Aid or Victoria Legal Aid services. We are a private practice. Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to discuss staged payments or flexible payment arrangements. Eligible clients with a family law property settlement may also be able to apply for funding through JustFund, subject to its eligibility criteria, approval process, fees and repayment terms.
Can I just try to work this out myself first?
Some people do — particularly in the early stages. The difficulty is that decisions made without understanding your legal position can affect what happens later. A short conversation can help you understand where you stand before those decisions are made.
Why shouldn't I just wait and see what happens?
In some cases, waiting doesn’t cause immediate issues. In others — particularly where children, property or financial decisions are involved — early choices can affect your position significantly. Getting advice early helps you understand what matters before those decisions are made.
Will this end up going to court?
Not necessarily. Many family law matters can be resolved through negotiation, Family Dispute Resolution or consent orders without the need for a final court hearing. Whether court proceedings are required will depend on the issues in dispute, the urgency of the matter, any safety concerns and whether the other party is willing to negotiate reasonably. We will explain the available options, recommend the most appropriate pathway and help you understand the likely costs, risks and next steps.
Where court proceedings are necessary, we will prepare your matter carefully and guide you through each stage of the process.
What if the other party already has a lawyer?
That’s quite common. Getting your own advice early helps ensure you understand your position and can respond appropriately — rather than reacting to decisions being made on the other side without your input.
How quickly do I need to act?
It depends on your situation. In some cases, there’s no immediate urgency. In others — particularly where children, property decisions, or legal time limits are involved — early advice can be very important. A short conversation can help you understand whether timing matters in your case.
Will you tell me if I don't have a strong position?
Yes. Our role is to give you clear and practical advice, even where that may involve identifying weaknesses or risks in your position. This allows you to make informed decisions based on your actual circumstances rather than assumptions.
Do I need to prepare anything before the call?
No — just a basic outline of what’s going on is enough. We’ll guide the conversation, ask the questions we need, and make the most of the time together. If you have key questions ready, that’s always helpful — but it’s not required.
Take the First Step
Let's Talk About Your Situation
Family law matters can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate them alone. Whether you're just beginning the separation process or your matter has become more complex, we're here to provide clear advice, practical guidance and experienced representation.
Take the first step by contacting our team. We'll explain your options, answer your questions and help you decide what to do next.