Family law:
advice that helps your move forward
Separation and family change can be some of life’s most challenging experiences.
Whether you are considering separation, navigating parenting arrangements, resolving financial matters or facing court proceedings, obtaining the right advice early can make a significant difference to both the process and the outcome.
At Patford-Smith Legal Services, we provide strategic family law advice tailored to your circumstances, helping you understand your options, make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
Based in Chirnside Park and assisting clients throughout Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, Victoria and across Australia, we work with individuals and families at every stage of the family law journey.
considering separation but unsure where to begin?
Our Separation Strategy Session is a private, director-led strategy session designed to help you understand your options, identify risks and develop a clear roadmap before major decisions are made.
This is where your separation is structured properly from the outset.
A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation .
Starting with strategy
Many clients contact us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take next. They know they need advice but are unsure about their rights, obligations and options. Rather than reacting to events as they arise, we encourage clients to begin with a clear strategy.
Our Separation Strategy Session provides the opportunity to identify risks, understand available pathways and develop a personalised roadmap before major decisions are made. Early strategic advice often reduces unnecessary conflict, protects children from ongoing disputes and may save significant legal costs in the future.
This is not a standard legal consultation. It is a focused two-hour strategic planning session with Lauren Patford-Smith designed to provide clarity, direction and a personalised roadmap before major decisions are made.
A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation .
FIXED FEE
PACKAGES
Transparent fees
One of the most common concerns people have when engaging a lawyer is understanding what their matter is likely to cost.
At Patford-Smith Legal Services, we believe clients should have clarity around legal costs from the outset. Wherever possible, we offer fixed fee packages designed to provide certainty, transparency and peace of mind.
The suitability of a fixed fee arrangement will depend on the complexity of your matter and the level of cooperation between the parties.
Fixed fee options may be available for:
separation strategy session
divorce applications
Consent orders
binding financial agreements
family dispute resolution
parenting coordination
certain parenting matters
certain property settlement matters
wills and estate planning
litigation matters
While we strive to provide cost certainty wherever possible, court proceedings and litigation are inherently difficult to predict.
Once a matter enters litigation, factors such as court timetables, expert evidence, procedural requirements and the conduct of other parties can significantly affect the work required.
For this reason, litigation matters are generally charged on an hourly rate basis. We remain committed to discussing costs openly, providing realistic expectations and keeping clients informed throughout the course of their matter.
A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation .
not sure what type of support you need?
Many clients begin with a Separation Strategy Session before deciding whether mediation/family dispute resolution, negotiation, Parenting Coordination or litigation is the most appropriate pathway for their circumstances.
Flexible Funding
funding options
We understand that the cost of legal representation can be a concern, particularly where significant parenting, property or financial issues are involved.
As an approved panel firm for both JustFund and Juel, we can discuss whether external litigation funding may be available in your circumstances. Depending on eligibility and approval by the funding provider, litigation funding may assist clients to progress their matter without paying all legal costs upfront.
Flexible Funding
Speak with our team
Whether you are considering separation, negotiating parenting arrangements, resolving a property settlement or facing urgent family law issues, we are here to help.
Contact Patford-Smith Legal Services today to discuss your circumstances and take the next step forward.
A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation . A private, director-led strategy session for separation .
Our commitment
Whether your matter is suitable for a fixed fee package, litigation funding or ongoing representation, our focus remains the same. To provide practical advice, transparent communication and the most appropriate pathway for your circumstances.