Separated and divorced couples in Melbourne who want harmonious co-parenting

Spend quality time with your children without spending thousands in court

We’ll help you and your ex develop a future-proof, court-approved parenting agreement that will enable you to…

  • Watch your kids grow up and celebrate their milestones

  • Decide what’s best for their future

  • Avoid expensive and bitter custody battles in the future

  • Years of handling property settlement cases successfully
  • Satisfied clients
  • Parenting agreements drafted

4.9 389 Google reviews

Hear it from our satisfied clients

I would like to personally thank Wendy and Annette for taking on my complex family law matter they have been absolutely amazing to work with and are very responsive and understanding the team here takes a lot of time to care and listen and understand what's happening in your family law matter and quickly but most importantly professionally attending to it to get it heard and attended to as soon as possible.

Jayde Wright

Wendy and the team from YFL were truly amazing to deal with. I can’t thank them enough for helping me through my matter. They made it such a breeze.

Matt Pozzobon

Such great service and personal care! My family and I deeply appreciated Wendy’s support and guidance through a very tricky situation, couldn’t recommend any higher,

Gregory Thomas

Have you experienced any of the following situations?

You and your ex have had informal verbal agreements before or drafted a plan without legal advice, but over time, one of you hasn’t stuck to it which led to more tension and conflict.

You only want a fair arrangement and settle things peacefully. However, you fear involving lawyers might bring unnecessary costs and conflict between you and your ex.

You’ve arranged a parenting plan before but had to go back in an ugly court battle because of how poorly written your first agreement was.

If you find yourself in any of these situations or have had similar experiences, we can help you.

Have you experienced any of the following situations?

  • You and your ex have had informal verbal agreements before or drafted a plan without legal advice, but over time, one of you hasn’t stuck to it which led to more tension and conflict.

  • You only want a fair arrangement and settle things peacefully. However, you fear involving lawyers might bring unnecessary costs and conflict between you and your ex.

  • You’ve arranged a parenting plan before but had to go back in an ugly court battle because of how poorly written your first agreement was. 

If you find yourself in any of these situations or have had similar experiences, we can help you. 

We’ll help you craft a parenting agreement that…

  • Protects your child’s best interests and addresses the needs and wishes of both parties

  • Covers everything and leaves no room for misinterpretation to prevent misunderstandings

  • Includes provisions for big changes such as relocation or the child’s evolving needs.

  • Keeps things fair and enforceable to ensure you and your ex follow its terms.

Why informal and verbal agreements are not enough

And why creating a parenting agreement with Yarra Family Lawyers is

worth all the back and forths with your ex.

Parenting Agreement

  • Clearly outlines responsibilities, schedules, and decisions

  • Minimises future legal costs

  • Legally enforceable in court if one party doesn’t comply

  • Provides a structured, consistent plan for the child’s care

  • Accounts for future changes (relocation, job shifts, etc.) and allows for modifications

Verbal Agreements

  • Prone to misunderstandings and misinterpretations over time

  • Disputes are more likely, leading to potential legal fees down the road

  • Difficult to resolve if one parent breaks the agreement

  • Flexible but lacks consistency, which can confuse the child

  • May not adapt well to changes, leading to conflicts as circumstances evolve

If you’re on the fence about talking to a lawyer,

it’s a sign you should talk to a lawyer.

Here’s why choose Yarra Family Lawyers.

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Have peace of mind knowing you’re in expert hands


We have over 10 years of experience in helping couples achieve peace of mind and a balanced outcome that both can agree upon.

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Feel valued throughout the process

We’re a small firm with a big heart. We’ll ensure that you receive a personalised and hands-on approach, where your unique needs and concerns are prioritised.

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Choose how you want to communicate and engage

With the option of remote service delivery and in-person meetings, you can easily fit legal consultations around your busy schedule.

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Never be left wondering about the status of your case

With guaranteed same-day responses to your inquiries, you’ll get timely answers to any questions you may have.

4 simple steps to achieve stress-free co-parenting

FREE expert advice

Book your free initial consultation with us to get clear guidance on your challenges, goals, and concerns regarding child custody and what to include in the parenting agreement

Compulsory Family Dispute Resolution

If you decide to work with us, we’ll help facilitate a required mediation between you and your ex with a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP)

Drafting a rock-solid parenting agreement

We’ll draft a detailed and balanced plan that covers everything and prioritises the child’s best interests while also addressing the needs of both parties

Formalising the agreement

Once you’ve agreed and signed the detailed parenting agreement, we’ll apply to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for consent orders to make the agreement enforceable

Hear it from our satisfied clients

FAQs

What if my ex doesn’t follow the parenting agreement?

If your ex doesn’t adhere to the agreement, we can help you take legal steps to enforce it through the court, ensuring the terms are respected.

Can the parenting agreement be modified in the future if circumstances change?

Yes, parenting agreements can be modified to reflect major life changes, such as relocation, job shifts, or evolving needs of your child. We can guide you through the process of requesting these modifications.

How long does the process of creating a legally binding agreement usually take?

Generally, the timeline varies but typically spans a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity and whether mediation is required.

Is the initial consultation really free, and what does it include?

Yes, the initial consultation is free. It covers an overview of your case, a discussion of your goals, and recommended steps to move forward.

What happens if we can’t reach an agreement through Family Dispute Resolution?

If mediation doesn’t lead to an agreement, we can assist you in applying to the court for a parenting order that ensures the best arrangement for your child.

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Can I change my mind about the terms after signing, before it becomes court-approved?

Yes, modifications can be made before court approval. We can revise the agreement if both parties agree to the changes.

How involved will I be in drafting the agreement?

You’ll be closely involved, ensuring the agreement reflects your unique needs and priorities for your child’s future.

Will my child have any say in the agreement?

For older children, the court may consider their views as part of the decision-making process, though this depends on their age and maturity.

Protect your children’s future and your peace of mind.

Book your free consultation to get started.

  • PO Box 3288, Richmond Vic 3121

  • Cremorne office address:


    Suite 34, 10-20 Gwynne St,Cremorne Vic 3121

  • Fitzroy office address:

    V127/425 Smith Street, Fitzroy Vic 3065

© 2024 YFL Pty Ltd | ABN: 17 657 128 580