Emera Family Law

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Emera Family Law At Emera Family Law, we are guided by a clear purpose: to help people move forward with optimism.

We deliver all family law services from separation through to divorce including property matters, children and parenting, financial agreements, family violence and working with the LGBTI+ community. We focus on achieving settlements rather than arguments, and aim to settle matters outside of court. Our firm is built on four values that shape how we work with clients, colleagues and partners:
🡆 Collaboration – working together with respect, trust and a focus on outcomes
🡆 Authenticity – showing up with honesty, openness and integrity
🡆 Care – acting with compassion, empathy and a focus on outcomes
🡆 Wisdom – bringing clarity, judgment and experience to every matter

Founder Mona Emera has over 15 year’s experience and was formerly the head of family law at a national firm. She leads the experienced team with compassion, and a practical approach to family law. We’re proud to take the stigma out of notions of what it’s like to work with lawyers, offering expert guidance with warmth, down-to-earth communication, and a genuine commitment to outcomes.

Court orders in family law matters are legally binding, but what happens when a former partner ignores or breaks them? W...
25/09/2026

Court orders in family law matters are legally binding, but what happens when a former partner ignores or breaks them?

Whether it's a missed parenting arrangement or a stalled property settlement, the courts have real powers to enforce compliance - from make-up time to fines and even imprisonment in serious cases.

This article breaks down what counts as a breach, what excuses the court will accept, and the steps you can take to enforce your rights: https://dub.sh/3XktX1T

Thinking about hiring a barrister for your family law matter? Barristers specialise in courtroom advocacy, but they're n...
25/09/2026

Thinking about hiring a barrister for your family law matter? Barristers specialise in courtroom advocacy, but they're not needed in every case - most matters settle without one. This article breaks down when a barrister might be worth engaging, what they cost, and how your lawyer and barrister work together: https://dub.sh/5uFU5ee

A change of residence occurs when a child's primary home moves from one parent to the other - usually through an applica...
22/07/2026

A change of residence occurs when a child's primary home moves from one parent to the other - usually through an application to the Family Court, unless both parents agree. These cases are often complex, and the Court weighs up a number of factors before making a decision. This article explains what's involved: https://dub.sh/X1z67MB

Paternity questions can be emotionally tough.The law has ‘presumptions’ of parentage - for example, if someone is marrie...
30/03/2026

Paternity questions can be emotionally tough.

The law has ‘presumptions’ of parentage - for example, if someone is married to the mother, named on the birth certificate, or has acknowledged paternity in writing, they may be treated as the parent unless proven otherwise.

A DNA paternity test can confirm or rebut those presumptions, but it needs to follow strict identification and chain-of-custody rules.

If testing is court-ordered and someone refuses, the court may draw conclusions from that refusal.

Further, once parentage is established, it can change responsibilities and rights around child support and parenting.

Learn more in our latest article 👇
https://dub.sh/sC7KGqh

When a relationship ends, one of the biggest questions many couples face is what to do with the family home or other rea...
17/03/2026

When a relationship ends, one of the biggest questions many couples face is what to do with the family home or other real estate. In many cases, selling the property may feel like the best way to move forward financially and emotionally. But what happens if the property is sold before your family law property settlement is finalised?

In Australia, there is no rule that prevents a separated couple from selling property before formalising their property settlement. Without proper planning and agreements in place, selling too early can create disputes, delays and financial risk. This guide walks you through what to consider, what can go wrong, and how to protect yourself if you find yourself in this situation.

https://dub.sh/HYl3jjq

If you’re in the middle of or about to enter into parenting proceedings in the Family Court, you’ve likely come across t...
16/03/2026

If you’re in the middle of or about to enter into parenting proceedings in the Family Court, you’ve likely come across the terms “Child Impact Report” and “Family Report”.

In this article, we break down precisely what each of these reports are, when/why you might use them and also a few quick tips on preparing for an assessment with a report writer.
https://bit.ly/48FkaX3

When negotiating property settlement after separation, how an inheritance is treated can vary. Judges in family law matt...
02/03/2026

When negotiating property settlement after separation, how an inheritance is treated can vary.

Judges in family law matters have wide discretion to decide whether it’s included in the asset pool and, if so, how it should be divided.

Factors such as when the inheritance was received and its impact on the overall asset pool can affect the outcome.

If you're dealing with a property settlement and an inheritance is involved, it's essential to get the right legal advice to navigate the uncertainty and protect your interests.
https://bit.ly/4eN0J1W

While delays in property settlement can be common, some are strategic. Warning signs include ignored requests for docume...
23/02/2026

While delays in property settlement can be common, some are strategic.

Warning signs include ignored requests for documents, cancelled meetings, sudden refinancing, or ‘not ready’ with no explanation and no timeline.

You can take practical steps:
🡆 request disclosure
🡆 propose mediation
🡆 get independent valuations
🡆 put a sensible offer on the table once you have enough information.

If you are worried assets may be sold or hidden, urgent options like a caveat or injunction may help. Court proceedings can also set firm deadlines and keep the matter moving.

Learn more in our latest article 👇
https://bit.ly/4tP2XWi

Family violence in our communities is, sadly, all too abundant. It is insidious and leaves life-lasting scars for the vi...
16/02/2026

Family violence in our communities is, sadly, all too abundant. It is insidious and leaves life-lasting scars for the victims, both physically and psychologically.

Although not a silver bullet, Intervention Orders due to family violence can go some way to providing protection for those exposed to the violence.

This article explores the process of applying for Intervention Orders, and as always, if you need guidance or assistance, our team is here to help.
https://bit.ly/3S6jDaS

After separation, many parents are unsure who should make major decisions for their children. Decision making responsibi...
09/02/2026

After separation, many parents are unsure who should make major decisions for their children.

Decision making responsibility covers big issues such as schooling, medical treatment, religion, relocation and passports, while day-to-day choices are made by the parent caring for the child at the time.

This article explains the difference between shared and sole decision making, how family violence and safety concerns affect arrangements, and the options for agreeing on parenting plans or seeking court orders if parents cannot agree.
https://bit.ly/4toxKsO

Address

456 Lonsdale Street, Level 11
Melbourne, VIC
3000

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+61390068907

Website

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