Family Law - Nicholas James Lawyers
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Family lawyers
Moonee Valley & Sunbury

Divorce, Parenting
& Property Settlement

At Nicholas James Lawyers, we understand that family law matters are deeply personal and often emotionally charged. Our experienced family lawyers in Moonee Valley & Sunbury are here to help you make confident decisions for your future with practical, compassionate legal advice tailored to your situation.

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Whether you’re facing separation, seeking parenting arrangements, or navigating a property settlement, our family law team is ready to help.

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Why Choose Our
Family Lawyers?

  • Client-focused and compassionate approach to sensitive matters
  • Proven experience in divorce, parenting, and financial disputes
  • Skilled in both negotiation and Court representation
  • Clear, practical advice to help you move forward with confidence
  • Cost-effective solutions tailored to your goals

Our full range of property law services

We support parents through parenting disputes with a child-focused approach. Whether you’re developing parenting plans, seeking court orders, or facing issues around parental responsibility, we ensure your children’s best interests remain the priority.

We guide clients through the entire divorce process—helping with sole or joint applications, managing court requirements when children are involved, and advising on post-divorce financial matters. Our goal is to minimise stress and help you reach resolution with clarity.

Whether through Consent Orders or Binding Financial Agreements, we help separate finances fairly and efficiently. From asset division to complex financial structures, we protect your interests and provide peace of mind.

We advise on your rights and obligations around child support—whether it’s through government assessment or private agreement. We also draft and review Binding Child Support Agreements to ensure long-term clarity.

Protect your financial future with a legally binding agreement before, during, or after your relationship. We prepare customised agreements that reflect your wishes and comply with the Family Law Act 1975.

We represent both applicants and respondents in Intervention Order proceedings. Whether you’re seeking protection or defending a claim, we handle these matters with sensitivity and skill.

PROUDLY SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES

MEET The Team

NICK TERZIOVSKI

Director

Rachel Larre

Junior Partner

Hamish Hudson

Senior Associate

Nikola Liakis

Lawyer

Frequently Asked Questions

You can file a sole or joint divorce application through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. If there are children under 18, court attendance is required to show that suitable arrangements are in place. You’ll also need to consider:

  • Whether you’ve been married less than 2 years
  • If you’ve been separated while living under the same roof
  • If you can locate your spouse
  • Any name changes since marriage

We recommend seeking legal advice before filing. After divorce, any property settlement or spousal maintenance must be initiated within 12 months.

Yes. Property settlements should be legally formalised either by Consent Orders or a Binding Financial Agreement pursuant to the Family Law Act 1975. Without this, either party may later make a claim against the other’s assets—even years after separation.
  • Court Orders are approved by a judge and must be “just and equitable” to both parties.
  • Binding Financial Agreements do not require court approval and can include terms based on practical or personal considerations—not necessarily fairness.

Court Orders are usually simpler and less expensive. However, both documents should be prepared with legal advice to ensure enforceability.

A Parenting Order can include terms about:

  • Parental responsibility
  • Where children live
  • Who they spend time with
  • Child support
  • Other matters relating to welfare and development

Once made, these Orders are legally binding and must be followed. Serious consequences apply for breaches.

Applications can be made by a protected person (victim) or a representative of the protected person (Police Officer or parent). You’ll need to:

  • Complete an application form from the Magistrates Court
  • Lodge the form and schedule a hearing
  • Apply for Interim Orders if you need immediate protection before the hearing

If you are a Respondent to an Intervention Order you will be served copies of the Application, Summons and any Interim Orders made, you may:

  • Agree to the Order
  • Contest the allegations
  • Offer an undertaking (mutual agreement)

Legal guidance is crucial for both applicants and respondents.

See what our clients say about us

gagandeep singh
03:54 08 Jan 25
Amazing and smooth service. 👌Thank you Swati 😊
Jennifer B
02:38 06 Jan 25
This is the second time we’ve used the conveyancing services of Nicholas James Lawyers (previously Premier Conveyancing) and they were amazing yet again. Very responsive to our enquiries, super proactive in following up other parties to ensure they fulfilled their obligations, and very reasonably priced. We had various delays on settlement by the vendor, and we had such peace of mind knowing our side of things was under control, and that we were never the cause of any problems. Highly, highly recommend!
Ana Pavlicic
05:03 20 Dec 24
I've used Nicholas James Lawyers for two settlements and other legal matters. Matt J was quick, efficient and made property settlements really easy and stress free.Very professional and reliable lawyers. Thank you for all your great services.
Brooke O'Brien
06:08 18 Dec 24
We can't recommend Nicholas James Lawyers enough. Nik and his team came recommended to us, and they absolutely did not disappoint. They were efficient and effective with all aspects of our sale. We wouldn't hesitate to use them again in the future.
Anastasia V
22:43 23 Sep 24
Special thanks to Mark and Swati at NJ Lawyers for supporting us recently in the sale of our home and purchase of a new one. Fantastic and professional support from the initial contract review of the property to settlement day, everything went smoothly without any issues in a timely manner. Mark and Swati were extremely helpful when I had questions about things I knew nothing about. I would happily refer NJ Lawyers to everyone for their conveyancing/legal needs in the future.
Lucy Z
10:18 09 Sep 24
Mark was a great support for our Commercial Property settlement. He was responsive, timely and answered all my phone calls, questions and if he needed to get clarification or answers he researched this for me. Would definitely recommend Mark, Matt and the team at NJ.
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