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Relationship breakdown
This section is about family law and other laws that may apply when a relationship ends.
Family law covers all aspects of family relationships – separation, divorce, financial support of ex-partners, and dividing property. It also covers making decisions about children, including child support, parenting plans and parenting orders. See 'Children & parenting' (link below).
In Australia, the law encourages you to try to sort out your family law dispute before going to court. A family dispute resolution service can help you. You can use family dispute resolution instead if you:
- are separating
- are thinking about separating
- can't agree about the care of your children
- can't agree about dividing your property.
Even if you have started court proceedings, you can still sort out your dispute with the help of a family dispute resolution service. See 'Family dispute resolution' (link below).
If you can't reach agreement, you may end up going to court. See 'Family law & the courts' (link below).
Get legal advice
It's a good idea to get legal advice before you make any decisions.
More information
Related publications
How to run your family law case
You and family law: a short guide
How we can help
Call Victoria Legal Aid’s (VLA) Legal Information Service for free information over the phone about the law and how we can help you with your legal problem. You can speak to a legal information officer in English or ask for an interpreter. Phone (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers), Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.
VLA’s other free legal services include:
- advice at VLA offices and other locations across Victoria
- lawyers who are on ‘duty’ to help at many courts and tribunals.
For some family law matters we can provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.
To find out more about any of our legal services see What we do.