If you are in immediate danger, call 000 for emergency services.
For 24/7 confidential family violence support in Victoria, call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188. You can also call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 at any time, day or night.
When a family law issue arises unexpectedly, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. Whether you are worried about your children’s safety, experiencing family violence, dealing with a parenting dispute, or concerned that a former partner may relocate with your child, obtaining urgent legal advice can make a real difference.
Our experienced family lawyers assist clients across Victoria with urgent family law matters, helping you understand your options and take prompt action to protect yourself, your children and your legal rights.
Some family law disputes require immediate intervention from the Court. These matters often involve circumstances where a delay could place a person at risk, cause significant harm to a child, or result in serious legal consequences.
Examples of urgent family law issues include:
If you believe your situation requires immediate attention, our family lawyers can assess your circumstances and advise whether an urgent application to the Court may be appropriate.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia can hear urgent parenting matters quickly. The Court can make interim orders about where a child lives and who they spend time with, and in exceptional cases without the other parent being present.
You would normally need to attempt family dispute resolution first, but exemptions apply for urgent matters and where there is family violence or child abuse. The Court expects urgent applications to be supported by evidence, so keep records such as messages, emails and notes of what has happened.
If you or your children are experiencing family violence, please get advice as soon as possible.
We can assist with:
We understand how sensitive these matters are and provide compassionate, practical guidance and support.
If a child has been taken or kept from their parent or carer, the Court can make a recovery order directing that the child be returned and can authorise police to find and return them.
The Court can also make orders to help locate a child. If you fear a child will be taken overseas, urgent orders can be sought to prevent travel. Please contact us immediately if this is your situation.
If you’re worried that your former partner may sell, transfer or hide assets before your property is settled, the Court can make urgent orders (injunctions) to preserve them. It can also make interim orders for financial support in some cases. Time limits for property applications apply, so seek advice as soon as possible.
When you contact our firm regarding an urgent family law issue, we will:
We understand that urgent family law matters are often highly emotional and stressful. Our focus is on providing clear advice, swift action, and practical solutions when you need them most.
Please contact us on (03) 7020 6542 to discuss your urgent family law matter.
