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# Hartleys Lawyers: Family Lawyers in Melbourne

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Third-Party Loans in Family Law: How are they treated in a property settlement?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2026/09/07/third-party-loans-in-family-law-how-are-they-treated-in-a-property-settlement/): When a relationship breaks down, dividing property is rarely straightforward, especially when family or friends provide financial assistance to assist with purchasing a property, paying living expenses or starting a business.
- [The Interaction between Family Violence Orders and Parenting Orders](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2026/08/06/the-interaction-between-family-violence-orders-and-parenting-orders/): It is not uncommon for a Family Violence Intervention Order to be made before, during or after parenting proceedings.
- [Reconsidering Final Parenting Orders](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2026/07/16/reconsidering-final-parenting-orders/): This article provides general information on what the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (‘the court’) considers when determining if it is appropriate to reopen the parties’ court matter to vary final parenting orders.
- [Separated But Still Living Together? What You Need to Know About Divorce](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2026/07/16/separated-but-still-living-together-what-you-need-to-know-about-divorce/): Many people assume that once a relationship ends, one person must move out before they can apply for a divorce. However, it is not uncommon for spouses to separate but continue to live together for a period before beginning to live separately. This is commonly referred to in Australian Family Law as ‘separation under one roof’. If you and your spouse are separated under the one roof, can you still get a divorce? And what are the requirements? This article seeks to answer those questions.
- [Artificial Intelligence and Family Law Proceedings: What You Need To Know](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2026/07/16/artificial-intelligence-and-family-law-proceedings-what-you-need-to-know/): Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Co-pilot are becoming increasingly popular tools for simplifying legal concepts, summarising documents and increasing efficiency and accessibility to legal processes.
- [“Without Prejudice” – What does it mean?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2026/07/02/without-prejudice-what-does-it-mean/): My solicitors sent a letter with the wording “Without Prejudice”, but what does it mean?
- [Celebrating 25 Years of Hartleys Lawyers](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2026/06/22/celebrating-25-years-of-hartleys-lawyers/): Hartleys Lawyers are celebrating 25 years of law!
- [The Hague Convention](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2026/05/13/the-hague-convention/): If your child has been wrongfully removed or retained from their home country, you may be able to make an application to seek the return of your child under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (‘Hague Convention’).
- [Family Law Proceedings – Types of Hearings](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2026/03/12/family-law-proceedings-types-of-hearings/): Navigating through the courts can be overwhelming. This article is designed to be a helpful guide to summarise the main hearing types that your Family Law matter might be listed for in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
- [Realities of Relocation](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/11/25/realities-of-relocation/): What is a relocation?
- [The Role of the Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL)](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/11/25/the-role-of-the-independent-childrens-lawyer-icl/): What is an Independent Children’s Lawyer? (ICL)
- [Intervention Orders – A Breakdown](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/11/25/intervention-orders-a-breakdown/): What is an Intervention Order?
- [Amendments to the Family Law Act – Property](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/09/03/amendments-to-the-family-law-act-property/): The property division decision process
- [Recordings and Family Law](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/09/03/recordings-and-family-law/): When are recordings allowed to be used as evidence in Family Law proceedings?
- [Dealing with Dowries](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/09/03/dealing-with-dowries/): What is a Dowry
- [Pets and Family Law](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/08/22/pets-and-family-law/): How the law previously dealt with pets
- [Sensitive Information & Family Law](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/08/22/sensitive-information-family-law/): General rule on communications
- [What is the effect of marriage, separation or divorce on my Will?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/08/22/what-is-the-effect-of-marriage-separation-or-divorce-on-my-will/): Marriage and Your Will
- [All Types of Families – Grandparents/significant persons and parenting arrangements](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/08/22/all-types-of-families-grandparents-significant-persons-and-parenting-arrangements/): What does the law say?
- [Airport Watchlist Orders – What Does it Mean?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/08/22/airport-watchlist-orders-what-does-it-mean/): What is an Airport Watchlist Order?
- [Overseas Assets](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/08/22/overseas-assets/): Determining the assets
- [Do I Have an Obligation to Leave my Estate to my Children?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/08/22/do-i-have-an-obligation-to-leave-my-estate-to-my-children/): If I leave my children out, do they have a claim to my estate?
- [Cleaning Up a Criminal Record](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/08/22/cleaning-up-a-criminal-record/): What is a Spent Conviction?
- [The New Face of Parental Responsibility](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2025/08/22/the-new-face-of-parental-responsibility/): What is parental responsibility?
- [Subpoenas and Family Law](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2024/05/10/subpoenas-and-family-law/): What is a subpoena?
- [IVOs and Family law](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2024/05/10/ivos-and-family-law/): What is an Intervention Order
- [Child Support: the basics](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2024/05/10/child-support-the-basics/): What is child support?
- [Interest Rates, Property Prices & Property Settlements](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2024/03/18/interest-rates-property-prices-property-settlements/): Impact of external factors
- [Splitting Time Over School Holidays](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2024/03/18/splitting-time-over-school-holidays/): What is a Parenting Plan?
- [Quicker & More Cost-Efficient Property Settlements](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2024/03/18/quicker-more-cost-efficient-property-settlements/): What can your lawyer and the Courts do to help?
- [Family Law Property Settlements: Is a 50/50 split the starting point?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2024/03/18/family-law-property-settlements-is-a-50-50-split-the-starting-point/): Factors to be taken into account
- [Making Your Will Count – Healthy Will Checklist](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2024/03/18/making-your-will-count-healthy-will-checklist/): Regularly review your Will
- [Understanding your legal rights if questioned by police](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2024/03/18/understanding-your-legal-rights-if-questioned-by-police/): What are my legal rights if the police want to question me?
- [Travelling with a Will: Your crucial travel companion](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2024/03/18/travelling-with-a-will-your-crucial-travel-companion/): “Why?” you might ask.
- [Family Violence and Family Law](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2024/03/15/family-violence-and-family-law/): What is family violence?
- [Dealing with Divorce](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2024/03/15/dealing-with-divorce/): Property & Parenting Issues
- [Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal – Are You Eligible For Assistance?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2022/06/08/victims-of-crime-assistance-tribunal-are-you-eligible-for-assistance/): The Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (‘VOCAT’) was established by Victims of Crime Assistance Act 1996 with the aim to assist victims in their recovery by providing practical financial assistance for expenses incurred or reasonably likely to be incurred, by the victim as a direct result of the crime within Victoria.
- [Medical Treatment Decision Maker – An Overview](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2022/06/08/medical-treatment-decision-maker-an-overview/):  When you appoint a Medical Treatment Decision Maker, you provide the appointed individual or individuals with the legal authority to make medical decisions for you in the event that you lose your ‘decision-making capacity’ due to injury or illness (such as if you are unconscious or are suffering from Dementia).
- [Preparing for a Family Report Interview](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2021/12/14/preparing-for-a-family-report-interview/): If you are involved in a parenting dispute before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (“the Court”), there is a good chance that the Court will make Orders for a family report (or a shorter ‘child impact report’) to be prepared in your matter. A family report is a written, independent assessment that assists both parties and the Court in making decisions on what arrangements will bring about the best outcomes for the children involved.
- [Why now is the right time to organise your Power of Attorney](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2021/12/14/why-now-is-the-right-time-to-organise-your-power-of-attorney/): The Covid-19 Pandemic and the ongoing fear of contracting the virus has caused us all to re-think our priorities and get our affairs in order. With Covid-19 restrictions easing, it is important to plan ahead and prepare your Power of Attorney now, so that you will have peace of mind knowing that you have someone you trust to step in and manage your affairs if you lose the capacity to do so.
- [Binding Financial Agreement v Consent Orders](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2021/12/14/binding-financial-agreement-v-consent-orders/): The process of separating from your partner can be a stressful, confusing, and emotional time, particularly when you are deciding how to divide your assets and become financially independent. If you and your partner are able to come to an agreement about property matters between yourselves, formalising your agreement through a Binding Financial Agreement or Consent Orders can be a cost-effective alternative to what otherwise can be lengthy and expensive court proceedings.
- [“I want a divorce” – What Next?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2021/06/28/i-want-a-divorce-what-next/): The breakdown of a marriage can result in anxiety and uncertainty about the future.
- [Your pre-separation checklist](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2021/06/28/your-pre-separation-checklist-2/): Going through family separation can be an overwhelming experience.  There are many things to consider which you are likely unaware of.
- [Resolving your Intervention Order matter](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2021/06/28/resolving-your-intervention-order-matter/): The breakdown of a relationship between partners, family members, friends or neighbours can result in volatile and acrimonious disputes.  These disputes can sometimes lead to intimidation, or to the threat or actual use of violence to a person or a child.  Following an incident of this nature, one person may seek the help of Victoria Police or the Court and apply for an Intervention Order to protect them from the actions of another.
- [The process of obtaining probate](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2021/05/19/the-process-of-obtaining-probate/): Probate is a grant made by a Court that ‘proves’ the Will of a deceased person and vests title to estate assets in the executor/s. This is the official process that allows the executor to deal with the deceased’s estate.
- [Understanding the Partner VISA process](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2021/05/19/understanding-the-partner-visa-process/): There are two types of visas which let the de facto partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia, either temporarily or on a permanent basis:
- [Parenting Arrangements during COVID-19](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2021/05/19/parenting-arrangements-during-covid-19/): The ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges for separated parents. What is even more challenging is the complexity of understanding and navigating the evolving COVID-19 restrictions, whilst at the same time trying to ensure that Court Orders are being adhered to.
- [Your pre-separation checklist](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2021/05/19/your-pre-separation-checklist/): Going through family separation can be an overwhelming experience.  There are many things to consider which you are likely unaware of.
- [COVID-19 and Stay at Home Directions](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2020/04/21/covid-19-and-stay-at-home-directions/): The Federal and State Governments are now imposing safety measures and Stay at Home Directions to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic (‘coronavirus’).
- [Financial impacts of COVID-19 on family law property settlements](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2020/04/21/financial-impacts-covid-19-family-law-property-settlements/): The coronavirus (COVID-19) has triggered a domino effect on the world as we knew it, causing many of us to reconsider current and future plans. For those involved in a family law property settlement, it presents issues that may now need to be considered or revisited.
- [Family law and co-parenting in difficult times](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2020/04/20/family-law-co-parenting-difficult-times/): The coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought additional stress and uncertainty to many families involved in co-parenting which, by its nature, can be stressful enough.
- [How marriage and divorce can affect your Will](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2020/04/20/marriage-divorce-can-affect-will/): About half of all Australians do not have a valid Will. Of those who do, many put their Will away in the bottom drawer of their filing cabinet and never think of it again. But making a Will is not a once in a lifetime task. Rather, it is something that needs to be reconsidered and perhaps re-done regularly, and certainly when major changes happen in your life. Marriage and divorce are two such major changes.
- [The importance of financial advice in a family law property settlement](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2020/02/28/importance-financial-advice-family-law-property-settlement/): Many family law property settlements are reached through negotiation which can be formally documented through a binding financial agreement or consent orders.
- [Inheritances and family law](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2020/02/28/inheritances-family-law/): Families and money can sometimes be a volatile combination. That is never more so than when separation and inheritances are concerned.
- [Shining a light on drink driving](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2020/02/28/shining-light-drink-driving/): Drink driving continues to be one of the main causes of road fatalities and injuries in Australia. It is clear why Governments and the Police support strong laws, and why the Courts impose tough penalties.
- [The divorce process explained](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2019/11/14/divorce-process-explained/): Divorce is the well known legal concept of ending ones marriage. What is less well known or understood is that in Australian law we have an established principle of nofault divorce. What is even less well known is the mechanics surrounding what is actually done, and the steps involved.
- [Children’s care arrangements following separation](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2019/11/14/childrens-care-arrangements-following-separation/): Following a separation parents do not have to go to Court about the care arrangements for their children. As a matter of principle we encourage our clients to reach an agreement if possible without the need to resort to the Family Law Courts.
- [Sexting – what are the legal ramifications?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2019/11/14/sexting-legal-ramifications/): 'Sexting' is the term used for the communication or distribution of sexually explicit (nude, sensual or indecent) material including, photos, ‘selfies’, or videos through text messages, internet posts, chat rooms or other social media.
- [We’re still friends, why do we need a ‘legal’ property settlement?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2019/11/11/still-friends-need-legal-property-settlement/): Many couples separate on good terms, which is great. The breakdown of a relationship can be difficult, however putting differences aside to move forward can be beneficial, particularly where children are concerned.
- [Social media and family law – Just don’t do it!](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2019/11/11/social-media-family-law-just-dont/): Social media - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and the like - can be a lot of fun and have become an accepted part of modern life. Many of us use such forms of electronic communication to share the exciting, as well as the banal events in our lives, to express our views and to stay in touch with loved ones. But what happens when people going through a relationship breakdown take to social media? Usually little good comes of it, and sometimes quite a lot of bad can result.
- [Intervention Orders – things you need to know](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2019/11/11/intervention-orders-things-need-know/): Relationship difficulties and breakdowns are a sad reality of modern life. Difficulties can arise in any relationship - with your spouse or partner, your former partner, adult children, a work colleague, even between flat mates.
- [Understanding your legal rights if questioned by police](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2019/11/11/understanding-legal-rights-questioned-police/): Surprisingly, many people do not know what their legal rights are if they are questioned by a police officer. It is important for everybody to understand these rights, particularly teenage children, young adults or those who may be vulnerable. The way a person reacts to police questioning can have a significant impact on how the case proceeds, and his or her future.
- [Making Your Will Count – Healthy Will Checklist](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2019/11/11/making-will-count-healthy-will-checklist/): It is important for everyone over 18 to have a Will to make sure their wishes are followed and their assets are distributed as they would want after they die.
- [Family Law Property Settlements. Is a 50/50 split the starting point?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2019/11/11/family-law-property-settlements/): Following the breakdown of a marriage or de facto relationship, it is common for separated parties to be unsure and therefore anxious about their entitlements in a property settlement and the assets they are likely to retain. This is only natural given that Family Law is a complicated and emotional area of law which is often poorly understood.
- [My name is not on the property’s title – what can I do?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2019/03/26/name-not-propertys-title-can/): Just because your name is not on the title of property does not mean that you cannot protect your interests in it. It is possible to place a caveat on the title of a property in Victoria when you have an interest in the property.
- [Do I have to give my former partner all of my bank statements?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2019/03/26/give-former-partner-bank-statements/): Generally speaking, under Family Law in Australia, each party has an obligation to provide full and frank disclosure of their financial position. However, what forms part of this disclosure can be a complex question. For example, are the requested documents relevant? How many years worth of documentation is being requested?
- [Could you be a victim of family violence and not know it?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2018/07/02/victim-family-violence-not-know/): The problem of family violence within Australia is well publicised, as evident from national awareness days such as White Ribbon Day.
- [SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2017/03/30/spousal-maintenance/): The Family Court of Australia has provided the following definitions:
- [Same Sex Relationships and Parenting](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2017/03/24/sex-relationships-parenting/): The initial presumption under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (‘The Act’) is that a child’s two legal parents are the woman who bears the child (the birth mother), and the male partner of the birth mother (the birth father) if there is one. These are generally the people who are recorded on the child’s birth certificate. If a child is adopted, then the child’s legal parents will include the adoptive parents as they can also be added to a birth certificate.
- [Can I change Final Orders if they no longer work for me and my family?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2017/03/16/can-change-final-orders-no-longer-work-family/): The law recognises that circumstances are subject to change, and what was once the best option for the family at the time of making the Final Orders may no longer apply. Where this occurs, an application must be made to the Family Court of Australia or to the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, to change the Final Orders.
- [What are the differences between married and de-facto under family law?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2017/03/10/differences-married-de-facto-family-law/): Historically there were significant differences between the rights of couples who were married and couples who were not.
- [How do I know what split I will receive?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2017/03/03/know-split-will-receive/): Half the angst of ending a relationship is determining who gets what in the split. Dividing up a life together is messy and controversial. The ultimate question people want answered however is, what percentage am I getting overall and how do I get more?
- [How long will it take? Time frames in family law](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2017/01/06/long-will-take-time-frames-family-law/): Quite often people believe a lawyer will finalise all the paper work and have everything executed within 1 day to settle their property matters and parenting issues. This is not the case.
- [Not Playing by the Rules – What to do when your former partner is not complying with a Court Order](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2016/11/18/not-playing-rules-former-partner-not-complying-court-order/): When parenting or property orders are made, each person must follow the orders. If one person has not complied with an order, you should seek legal advice before deciding what to do.
- [Superannuation in Family Law](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2016/11/03/superannuation-family-law/): When one thinks of property decisions made pursuant to the Family Law Act 1975, a vivid and clear image is summoned: orders for the division of property that will finally determine the financial relationship between parties. We’ve heard it a million times before - the wife gets the boat and the luxury car collection, the husband gets the house, the Swiss bank accounts are divvied up, and poor old Fido, the faithful family dog, gets split 50/50 (although if your lawyers are any good, we hope not!).
- [“I want a divorce” – What next?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2016/10/21/want-divorce-next/): One of the hardest choices a person may have to make in life, is separating from their spouse. Even harder is the decision to apply for a divorce, ending the marriage and accepting that it has broken down irretrievably. We understand that divorce is more than a legal process, but a difficult and important life event, and we are able to step you through the process.
- [Family Violence Intervention Orders and your Family Law Matter](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2016/08/24/family-violence-intervention-orders-family-law-matter/): Family law is known as being a volatile area of law. Trying to decide who gets the kids and for how long can often turn into a bitter battle which runs into court. Once in court, an impartial judge with no personal knowledge of any of the people in the matter attempts to decide the dynamic of a particular family’s future.
- [It takes a Village – how our team will guide you through your Family Law matter](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2016/08/17/takes-village-team-will-guide-family-law-matter/): The Team at Hartleys Lawyers comprises a range of professionals with varying experience and expertise. From our receptionists to our paralegals and accounts to our solicitors, each member of the team brings something critical and diverse to the delivery of your legal service.
- [International Child Abduction](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2016/06/22/international-child-abduction/): By Stephen Thomas, Solicitor LLB, GradDipLegPrac
- [Family Reports in Family Law Proceedings](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2016/04/05/family-reports-family-law-proceedings-alexandra-brand/): Alexandra Brand, Associate Solicitor - BA (criminology), DipMus (Practical), LLM (JD), GradDipLegPrac
- [Resolving your family law matter](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2016/03/16/resolving-family-law-matter/): By Justin Boughton, Solicitor BA, Grad.Dip.Ed(Sec), MA(Wrtg), LLBHons, Grad.Dip.Legal.Prac.  Hartley's Lawyers,  
- [Do I Need a Lawyer?](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2016/01/20/do-i-need-a-lawyer-after-all/): Much like the case when it comes to dentists, doctors, counsellors or psychologists, nobody really enjoys seeing a lawyer.
- [The Effect of Family Law Proceedings on Children](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2015/11/11/the-effect-of-family-law-proceedings-on-children/): For this blog post, I thought I'd talk a little bit about the effect of Family Law proceedings on children, and how parents can help their own children through the tough time of separation.
- [Mediation in Family Law](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/2015/08/27/blogmediation-in-family-law/): Mediation has become quite important in Family Law over the last few years because of compulsory mediation for most Family Law Children's matters. For a lot of people, this can be a real help too. No matter how you look at it, when you have children with someone, they're probably going to be involved in your life for the next 15-20 years, even if you don’t want to be in a relationship with them anymore. More importantly, it is more than probable that they’re going to play a significant part in your children’s lives. If you can work out your differences in a way that reduces the conflict between you, it will usually end up in an outcome which is better for all involved. The Family Court process is not a pleasant one, and if you can avoid putting your children through the pain and heartbreak of watching their parents fight it out in court, it is often better for them, as well as better for you.

## Pages
- [Pricing](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/pricing/): We believe that high-quality legal support should be accessible for all individuals. We are committed to providing exceptional legal services with a focus on affordability and transparency. That is why we offer competitive pricing and clear fee structures for our services.
- [Legal Aid](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/legal-aid/): YES
- [Our Team](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/our-team/)
- [Visitor](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/visitor/): This visa allows people between the ages of 18 to 30 have a holiday for an extended period of time in Australia whilst being able to work in certain industries to support their stay. Applicants are able to apply for their Second and Third Work and Holiday Visa after their first expires, subject to completing specified work. Each Work and Holiday Visa allows the applicant to stay for a period of 12 months from the date of grant. 
- [Student](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/student/): This visa allows prospective students to participate in an eligible course of study in Australia for up to 5 years (course lengths will determine the upper limits of your stay). 
- [Skilled](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/skilled/): This visa is for Points-tested skilled migrant workers who are not relying on sponsorship by an employer or family member or a nomination by a State or territory government. It is a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you have to submit an expression of interest (EOI).
- [Citizenship](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/citizenship/): Whether you are seeking citizenship by conferral or by descent, we can assist you in your journey. Once you attain citizenship, there will be no restrictions on working rights or re-entry rights. This is the final step towards naturalisation in Australia and we are more than happy to welcome you to our growing family. 
- [Family](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/family/): The Australian Partner Visa allows you to bridge the gap between yourself and your partner, to start your life here in Australia. Though this visa operates under the general umbrella of the name “Partner Visa”, understand that there are different subclasses that affect the process in which you obtain your permanent residency. 
- [Civil Litigation](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/civil-litigation/): Our solicitors are able to assist in most areas of civil ligation, including proceedings in the Magistrates’ Courts, County and Supreme Courts as well in proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
- [Conveyancing](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/conveyancing/): When you sell a property you are required to give to the purchaser a written statement – a section 32 Vendors Statement – containing information about various property inquiries, rates and certificates. Our solicitors can draw a necessary section 32 Statement for the sale of your property. We can further assist with preparing Auction Contract and/or private treaty contracts to ensure a stress free sale.
- [Deceased Estates](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/deceased-estates/): If a person passes away leaving a Will, they will usually name a person who is responsible for carrying out the instructions left in their Will. This person is called the ‘Executor’. The Executor will most likely need to apply for what is known as a Grant of Probate.
- [Wills and Estates](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/wills-and-estates/): A Last Will and Testament more commonly referred to as a “Will”, is an important legal document which only comes into effect after your death.
- [Court Appearances](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/court-appearances/): Our solicitors are willing to travel to appear on your behalf to Circuit Courts and Interstate Courts. Our solicitors have appeared in rural areas such as Bendigo, Seymour and Shepparton and have appeared in Courts in Western Australia and Queensland.
- [Intervention Orders](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/intervention-orders/): Intervention Orders are civil orders that prohibit a person from committing a certain action against you. These actions can include violence, property damage and restrictions on publishing information in relation to you or another person under your application.
- [Divorce](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/divorce-lawyers/): During a separation things can become stressful and emotional between partners and families. Our professional family divorce lawyers in Melbourne are able to help with negotiations and mediation as the initial step towards a solution. This includes handling both issues with property and children that result from your divorce, including the settlement itself.
- [Property](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/family-law/property/): When splitting from a partner, there are many things that need to be considered, one of which is a property settlement that is fair for both parties. Your first and main concerns may be with the children, but it is also important to ensure that your financial future is secure so that you can move on with the next stages of your life.
- [Criminal Law](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/criminal-law/): Prior to being charged, the Police are likely to request an interview with you. We can provide advice to you prior to attendance at the Police Station, or we can attend with you. If you are unsure about the process and need assistance, please contact us immediately and speak with one of our solicitors.
- [Family Law](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/family-law/): Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium.
- [Children](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/family-law/children/): Family breakdowns can be emotional and confusing, and can result in anxiety and uncertainty about the future and wellbeing of your children.  At Hartleys Lawyers, we encourage our clients (where appropriate) to participate in mediation services and lawyer-assisted negotiation to formulate a suitable parenting arrangement for their children, without the need to resort to litigation.
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- [Areas of Law](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/areas-of-law/): When splitting from a partner, there are many things that need to be considered, including the settlement of any property tied up in the relationship. Our solicitors can help reach a settlement that is fair to both parties.
- [About Us](https://hartleyslawyers.com.au/about-us/): 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.
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