Celebrating Over 25 Years of Law
in Melbourne

Our Approach to Family Law

At Hartleys Lawyers, we understand that much like every family is different, so is every family law matter. Each comes with its own complications and unique circumstances. We know that family law disputes are not limited to children, property, and divorce – they also include the emotions and personal elements of everyone involved. We believe that these difficult matters require an approach that recognises their complexity, and we are dedicated to finding the resolution method best suited for you.

Our Commitment
To Community

From the first day of operation, Hartleys Lawyers has represented not only privately funded matters, but also those with government assisted legal aid. Despite funding cuts and access restrictions limiting the matters which are eligible for legal aid funding, we continue to represent those we can who are in receipt of government assisted grants.

Our dedicated legal aid team are committed to providing the highest calibre of support from the very first steps – assisting with the application process to receive legal aid – right through to the finalisation of your matter.

As well as this, Hartleys Lawyers have a solicitor who is trained to act as an Independent Children’s Lawyer. This role is appointed by the court and has the solicitor act independently of parents or other parties involved, focusing on what is in the best interest of the child or children involved.

A Smarter, Flexible Way to Fund Your Family Law Matter

We understand that when you’re navigating a separation or relationship property matter, the financial strain can sometimes stand in the way of getting the legal support you need. That’s why we’ve partnered with JustFund – Australia’s only dedicated provider of flexible funding solutions for family law legal fees. Through this partnership, eligible clients can access a flexible line of credit to cover legal fees and expenses related to separation or relationship property proceedings. You don’t have to repay the loan until you reach a settlement, which we hope reduces the stress associated with paying costs upfront. Contact us for more information, or visit JustFund.com.au

Our History

Hartleys Lawyers was initially established in Deer Park, in 2001 by Principal Peter Love. From the beginning, Hartleys Lawyers has been dedicated to providing access to quality legal representation closer to home. Though the location may since have changed and expanded beyond the western suburbs, that dedication to service has not.

Now primarily located in Fitzroy, with a myriad of locations across Melbourne’s suburbs, the expansion does not stop at infrastructure. Our team of dedicated and experienced solicitors have diverse backgrounds and skills and have worked together to expand the practice areas of Hartleys Lawyers to offer assistance with Wills and Estates, Criminal matters, Conveyancing, and more.

Peter Love – In Memoriam

Born and raised in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Peter dabbled in a variety of industries before he settled into Law.

In 2001 Peter established Hartleys Lawyers as a sole practitioner. The firm began in a one room office in Deer Park with the motto “local lawyers for local people.” Peter was dedicated to assisting the people in his community.

Hartleys Lawyers grew quickly, and by 2002 had taken up residence on Ballarat Road in Sunshine, where it would stay for some two decades. The motto for servicing the local community remained as Hartleys Lawyers expanded to focus not only on providing services for those who required Legal Aid funding, but also to take on Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal matters, Wills for those who needed them through the Cancer Council, and a whole array of other work.

Over the years, Peter continued cultivating Hartleys Lawyers by hiring more solicitors and expanding to many more locations across Melbourne. Eventually the time came for Peter to step away from the day-to-day client work and instead focus on mentoring professionals. He dedicated his time to sharing his expertise and teaching best practice to those who were new to the industry, imparting on them the knowledge he developed over many years. In this way he was seen as a mentor to many of the solicitors who have worked for Hartleys Lawyers. As he was no longer running client files, Peter was able to be involved in all aspects of the business, where he used his vast skills from both his Law career and prior to nurture the firm into what it is today.

Peter was a private person, but those who knew him personally would say that he always had time for anyone. The countless hours he spent settling, guiding, supporting, and talking through and analysing complex areas of law with staff is not something readily seen today. He thought about others, often above himself, and was regularly a helpful guide through tough times. It wasn’t always so serious, of course – Peter always enjoyed sharing in a laugh, and his laugh was infectious.

Leaving behind a legacy of practitioners who strive for best practice, Peter lives on in Hartleys Lawyers. The processes and policies that he put in place to ensure our clients receive the best quality service are still in practice today.

Hartleys Lawyers continues operating in his memory – all still focused on providing the best possible representation to those in the local community.

Vale Peter Love

    
 
 
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   Lorena D 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Hartleys Lawyers highly enough, especially Josh, who represented me throughout one of the most difficult periods of my life.

My family law matter was long, complex, and emotionally exhausting. From the very beginning, Josh demonstrated exceptional professionalism, knowledge, integrity, and dedication. He always took the time to explain every step of the process, answered my questions with patience, and provided honest advice that gave me confidence during an incredibly challenging journey.

What I appreciated most was that Josh genuinely cared not only about the legal outcome, but also about the well-being of my son and me. Throughout the entire case, my priority was to protect my child, and thanks to Josh's guidance, strategic advice, and unwavering commitment, we achieved that goal despite the obstacles we faced along the way.

Josh also worked tirelessly to pursue an order for costs and to recover a significant portion of the legal fees I had incurred. Thanks to his persistence, careful preparation, and advocacy, we were successful in achieving that outcome as well. His commitment extended beyond simply resolving the case; he continued fighting to ensure I obtained the best possible result.

Family Court can be an overwhelming and hostile experience, but having a lawyer who is compassionate, calm, highly skilled, and genuinely invested in his clients makes all the difference. I always felt that my son's best interests remained at the centre of every decision.

I am deeply grateful to Josh and the Hartleys Lawyers team for their exceptional legal representation, professionalism, and humanity. They not only helped me protect what matters most, my son, but also stood beside me through every challenge with integrity and compassion.

If you are looking for a family lawyer who combines exceptional legal expertise with genuine care for his clients, I wholeheartedly recommend Josh and Hartleys, Lawyers.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Richard Bills 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently used Hartleys Lawyers (Stephen Thomas) for what rapidly became a complex conveyancing issue.
The calm, clear and concise guidance we received alleviated a lot of stress on our part and led to a successful resolution of the issues.
Communication was easy, timely and responsive.
We could not have been happier with the way this difficult situation was handled and have no hesitation warmly recommending both Stephen and Hartleys.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Omar Ahmad 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Hannah for anyone needing family law assistance. Throughout my matter, Hannah provided clear, honest, and accurate legal advice that helped me make informed decisions for myself and my child.

She was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about achieving the best outcome for my family. Her guidance throughout the process gave me confidence and peace of mind, and the results she achieved were exactly what my family needed.

Thank you, Hannah, for your dedication, support, and hard work. I am truly grateful for everything you have done for me and my child.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steven Lane 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From Steven L
I have used Emel twice now in recent months & have found her to be very upfront & Honest & easy to deal with. the out come both times have been a great result & I would highly recommend Emel to anyone looking for legal services
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lily Fancoli 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From O'Neal Martin.  I have recently used Emel Kurt's services.  Her professionalism, expertise and knowledge of the case, detailing step by step information to provide a successful outcome.  I highly recommend Emel and Hartleys Lawyers.  Emel truly looks after her clients best interests.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Araleena Isse 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Josh Ryan is a skilled solicitor who is practical, direct and child focused. His guidance, legal acumen and knowledge was greatly appreciated and I can highly recommend him.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sonia Varner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Emel was great to work with—supportive, professional, and really went above and beyond for us. She even helped with advice on another case outside her scope. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sony Antony 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am sincerely grateful for the exceptional support provided by Ms Emel Kurt at Hartleys Lawyers. Ms Emel truly listened to my story, thoroughly went through my matter, and provided clear and thoughtful guidance on the best way forward. Ms Emel’s compassionate and professional approach made a meaningful difference during a very difficult time. I highly and warmly recommend Ms Emel to anyone seeking supportive and effective legal representation.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Peter D 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hartleys Lawyer, and especially Jack, were very understanding and accommodating of our situation. Throughout the process we received information and opinions that provided us the perspective we needed to make important decisions. I recommend this law firm without hesitation.

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Law in Melbourne