Navigating family and relationship issues

Separating from a partner?

If you are separating from a partner the law can help. The Family Law Act 1975 outlines the rights and responsibilities of separating couples, including arrangements for children, division of property and finances, and spousal maintenance.

There are many resources with guidance and advice on your legal options, help you negotiate with your partner, and represent you in court if necessary.

There are a range of organisations available to help you if you are separating from a partner:

• Victoria Legal Aid
• Family Relationships Online
• Federation of Community Legal Centres
• Referral Service, Law Institute of Victoria  

Learn about wills and powers of attorney

The law provides guidelines and regulations for creating and managing wills and powers of attorney. These govern how your assets will be distributed and how financial and medical decisions will be made for you if you ever become unable to make them yourself.  

There are agencies which can help you write, update or dispute a will or powers of attorney, as well as providing advice on related matters such as estate planning and trusts.

• Office of the Public Advocate
• Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
• Victoria Legal Aid
• Federation of Community Legal Centres
• State Trustees

Find family violence support

If you are experiencing family violence, the law can offer support and protection. Family violence covers different forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial, in intimate relationships or between family members.

The Family Violence Protection Act 2008 provides legal options for obtaining intervention orders and seeking safety and support.

Legal and support services can provide advice and help you apply for an intervention order, as well as help you to access additional family violence support services.

• The Orange Door
• Safe Steps
• Rainbow Door
• Seniors Rights Victoria
• Yarning SafeNStrong

Many problems in our lives can have legal answers

Victorian Law Week – May 15-21 – helps Victorians find legal answers to everyday problems, get legal help and learn more about the law.

Victoria Law Foundation Executive Director Lynne Haultain said with more than 200 in-person and online events taking place across Victoria, Victorian Law Week makes learning about the law easy.

“Victorian Law Week is an opportunity to identify where the law can help you navigate family and relationship issues,” she said.

Events and activities are run by a range of legal, community and government organisations, with the program managed by Victoria Law Foundation.

Whether it’s a Q&A on family violence and your rights, an in-person session on your will and power of attorney, or an over-the phone legal advice session with family lawyers, there’s bound to be an event that could help you.