Free Family Law Resources
Knowledge is power. When you’re informed, you’re better equipped to make confident decisions during life’s toughest chapters.
That’s why we’ve created free resources to help you feel more informed, empowered, and less alone. From checklists to podcasts, you’ll find practical tools that make family law feel a little more human.
Pre-Separation Support Guide
Separation is never easy — but you don’t have to face it alone.
This free downloadable guide is designed to support you in the early stages of separation, before you’ve made any major moves. Whether you’re feeling scared, stuck, or simply unsure of where to start, this calm and practical resource can help you feel more grounded and informed.
Inside you’ll find:
Questions to guide your thinking
Safety and wellbeing reminders
Legal and financial preparation tips
A helpful pre-separation checklist
If you’re thinking about separating, this guide can help you take a breath, gather your thoughts, and plan your next steps with confidence.
(You’re welcome to save, print or share it with someone who needs it.)

Empowering Life and Relationship Advice with Dani Zetzer
Need a dose of clarity, courage, or just a reminder? You’re not alone.
This free podcast is full of honest conversations about relationships, separation, personal growth, and starting over. Hosted by family lawyer and Respect Legal founder Dani Zetzer, these episodes are real, raw, and full of empowering life advice.
Perfect for listening on a walk, in the car, or while you’re gathering your thoughts.
Listen on Spotify or search “Diary of a Divorce Lawyer” wherever you get your podcasts.
EXCELLENT Based on 66 reviews Luke Thorp2025-07-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot speak highly enough of Respect. Nadya is an amazing and compassionate lawyer. She listens with respect, offers advice with respect and acts with respect. Look no further for your legal needs. Respect really lives up to its name. They were able to support and guide me through a really challenging time and the outcome was more than satisfactory. Thanks to Respect I can now move on with my life. Joan L.2025-06-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sarah and her dedicated team at Respect Legal provided me with exceptional professional advice, outstanding client communication and an abundance of empathy, whilst successfully resolving my recent Property and Financial Settlement. Sarah's gentleness and care shone through during this difficult time, leaving no stone unturned in order to swiftly finalise my case. My heartfelt thanks to Sarah, Madeline, Dani and Associates. I highly recommend Respect Legal for the vital and authentic role they play in their advocacy of Family Law matters. Rebecca Monforte2025-05-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My best friend has left her husband, and asked me to go with her to meet with a lawyer as her support person. I was expecting stiff & serious, intimidating and overwhelming. But the experience at Respect Legal, was the exact opposite. Respect by name, and by nature, it seems! From the warm welcome and cosy seating, it felt safe, secure and comfortable from the first step inside the light & bright office in Bentleigh. The initial consultation with Dani was so helpful, so heartfelt, and so empathetic. The way this woman knows the system, and puts kids & families' welfare before making her firm money is commendable. My friend has now reached an amicable separation with her ex, custody and property sorted, and healing phase is underway. I wanted to share this experience in case someone needs to see it, to know there's light at the end of the tunnel and the women at the all-female Family Law firm will support you every step of the way. They're just so lovely. Highly recommend x Steve Rose2025-03-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sarah was wonderful to work with. She was always caring, understanding, respectful and interested in achieving a win/win as per my wishes. Will definitely use the team again if needed. Thida Son2025-03-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and understanding group of people. Thank you Mei for all your help and support! Ali2025-03-06Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I wholeheartedly endorse Mei for her exceptional legal skills and unwavering professionalism. Her in-depth knowledge of the law and strategic advice provided me with clarity and confidence throughout my case. She had a remarkable ability to simplify complex legal matters, ensuring I fully understood every step of the process. Mei kept me consistently informed, addressed all my concerns with patience, and responded to my inquiries promptly and efficiently. What truly sets Mei apart is her compassionate approach. She not only provided outstanding legal guidance but also showed genuine care for my well-being. Her empathy and emotional support eased much of the stress I faced, making a challenging situation far more manageable. I am deeply grateful for her dedication and highly recommend Mei to anyone in need of legal assistance. Michal Szalinski2024-10-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently engaged Respect Legal (and specifically Knarik Ovakimian) to manage a family matter and cannot speak more highly of Knarik's expertise, attention to detail and professionalism. It was super important to me to deal with my situation in a respectful manner and to make sure everything worked out as best as can be. Knarik delivered exactly that and, while expensive, I am very confident and happy with the result. Best investment into my future and I highly recommend Knarik to anyone facing family law issues. Kash rai2024-09-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently had the pleasure of working with Mei Ngo from Respect Legal Firm, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. From the very first consultation, Mei demonstrated exceptional professionalism and a deep understanding of the law. She took the time to listen to my concerns and provided clear, thoughtful guidance every step of the way. Thanks to her expertise, I was able to navigate my legal situation without an intervention order being put in place. Mei's strategic approach and dedication made all the difference, and I felt supported throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Respect Legal Firm and Mei Ngo to anyone in need of legal assistance. Their commitment to their clients is truly commendable, and I am grateful for the positive outcome we achieved together. Thank you, Mei! Brendan Gatt2024-08-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mei has helped me through a couple of family matters now, she has been amazing, not only did she get the results I hoped for, but she also managed to make me feel safe and comfortable through one of the scariest and most uncomfortable situations I have been through. I highly recommend respect legal and highly recommend Mei if you find yourself in unfortunate circumstances.
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