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Family Law

Our Process

When family relationships break down, it can be one of the most emotionally challenging and unsettling times in someone’s life. The uncertainty, grief and stress that often come with separation or divorce can be overwhelming, and navigating the legal side of things can make it even harder. Traditionally, family law has been approached in a way that can escalate conflict rather than ease it. At Respect Legal, led by Danielle Zetzer, we’re here to do things differently.

Our team is experienced across all areas of family law, including parenting matters, property settlements, financial agreements and more — but what truly sets us apart is how we approach our work. We don’t see our clients as just cases or files. We see them as people going through one of life’s toughest transitions, and we’re here to help them through it with clarity, support and care.

We’re committed to arming our clients with the knowledge and guidance they need to make informed decisions and feel more in control of their situation. We take the time to listen, understand and work with our clients to find the best path forward — whether that’s through negotiation, mediation or court proceedings where necessary.

During a time when emotions are high and the future may feel uncertain, we offer a process that is grounded in compassion, transparency and respect. It’s not just part of our name — it’s at the core of everything we do. Our aim is to help people move through separation in a way that reduces conflict, protects relationships where possible (particularly when children are involved), and lays the foundation for a more secure and hopeful future.

Whether you’re at the start of a separation, already deep into the process, or just wanting to understand your options, the team at Respect Legal is here to support you every step of the way.

This Is What Your Journey With Us Looks Like

Separation
Advice

We start by offering an initial consultation, where you’re invited into our office to discuss your current situation and ask any questions you may have before proceeding with separation.

During this meeting, we focus on three key areas of your relationship: parenting arrangements for any children, your financial circumstances and assets, and the nature of your relationship — including its length, type, and any immediate concerns such as family violence.

From there, we provide tailored advice on the legal implications of ending your relationship and begin working with you to develop a separation plan that prioritises the wellbeing of your family — both now and into the future.

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Negotiation

Once you’ve received initial advice and have a clear understanding of your options, we’ll guide you through the next steps to progress your matter toward resolution. Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

  • Mediation – A voluntary and confidential process where both parties work with a neutral mediator to reach an agreement on parenting or property matters.

  • Lawyer-assisted mediation – Similar to standard mediation, but with each party supported by their lawyer throughout the process to provide legal advice and negotiate on their behalf.

  • Round table conference – A structured negotiation involving both parties and their lawyers meeting face-to-face to work through the issues and seek a resolution without going to court.

  • Litigation – If all other avenues have been exhausted or are not appropriate, we may need to commence proceedings in the Family Law Courts. This is generally considered a last resort, and we will ensure you are fully prepared and supported throughout.

At every stage, our focus remains on achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family, with a process grounded in clarity, respect, and resolution.

Our Services

Parenting

We also recognise that prolonged legal disputes, particularly those driven by conflict, can have a lasting impact on children — both in the short and long term. That’s why our approach to parenting matters is guided by two key principles:

 

  1. Supporting and facilitating a meaningful relationship between the child and the other parent, where appropriate; and

  2. Protecting children from any risk of harm.

We work with you to find practical, child-focused solutions that prioritise your children’s wellbeing and stability. Our parenting services include:

  • Parenting plans – Flexible, written agreements that outline parenting arrangements without requiring court orders.

  • Parenting coordination – Ongoing support and conflict management to help parents implement and adhere to parenting agreements.

  • Consent orders – Legally binding parenting arrangements approved by the court, made by agreement between the parties.

  • Parental responsibility – Guidance on shared or sole decision-making authority for major issues affecting your child’s life.

  • Child support agreements – Legally recognised arrangements for financial support of children.

  • Adult child maintenance – Support arrangements for children over 18 in special circumstances, such as those still in school or with a disability.

We aim to support parents in making informed, respectful decisions that protect their children and foster long-term, workable outcomes.

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Property & Financial

When working out a property settlement between two people, we need to look at your assets and liabilities, including the family home, investment properties, cars and businesses. The right advice on these matters is crucial…

 

More importantly, we focus on achieving outcomes that support the financial stability of both parties and allow the family to move forward with confidence and clarity.

Our property and financial services include:

  • Property settlement – Advising on the fair division of assets and liabilities after separation.

  • Spousal maintenance – Assisting with claims where one party may require financial support from the other following separation.

  • Consent orders – Legally binding agreements formalised through the Family Court, without the need for litigation.

  • Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) – Private, legally enforceable agreements that set out how property, finances and spousal maintenance will be handled.

We are here to guide you through every step of the process with clarity, care, and respect for your unique circumstances.

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Divorce​

We can assist you in commencing formal divorce proceedings once you have been separated for at least 12 months. If, after this time, there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation, you are entitled to apply for a divorce.

If you wish to legally end your marriage — whether to move on with your life or to remarry in the future — a divorce order is required. Our team can guide you through this process with care and clarity, offering support with:

 

  • Joint applications – Where both parties agree to apply for divorce together.

  • Sole applications – Where one party applies for divorce on their own.

  • Applications involving children – Whether or not there are children under 18, we ensure all necessary requirements are met.

We’re here to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, while ensuring all legal obligations are properly addressed.

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Family Violence

At our firm, the safety and wellbeing of children has always been — and will continue to be — our highest priority. We offer a range of services and practical solutions for parenting matters that aim to minimise children’s exposure to conflict, with the ultimate goal of keeping both you and your children out of court wherever possible.

We also work closely with our extended network of trusted professionals to ensure you have the right support around you during this challenging time.

1300 697 377

hello@respectlegal.com.au

258 Centre Road, Bentleigh VIC 3204

ABN: 436 405 860 45