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How Can We Help
At Respect Legal, we’re here to support you through every step of your family law journey — with clarity, compassion, and expert guidance. If you’re not sure where to start, this page will help you find the right direction.
Got questions? Head to our Frequently Asked Questions page for clear answers to the most common queries about separation, divorce, parenting, property and more.
Looking for resources? Visit our Freebies page, where you’ll find helpful tools including our Pre-Separation Guide and podcast series hosted by our Principal Lawyer, Danielle Zetzer — covering practical insights, legal tips and real-life family law issues.
Ready to speak with someone? Go to our Contact Us page to book a free 15-minute phone chat or a comprehensive 90-minute initial consultation with one of our experienced family lawyers.
No matter where you’re at, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence and respect.
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.