Umbrella Family Law

Umbrella Family Law www.umbrellafamilylaw.com.au

Family law firm based in Melbourne, dedicated to providing exceptional legal services with integrity, empathy, and a personal touch, respecting the uniqueness of every individual.

My child is 12… can they choose which parent they live with?” This is one of the most common questions parents ask after...
03/09/2026

My child is 12… can they choose which parent they live with?”

This is one of the most common questions parents ask after separation.

The short answer? No. Children do not get to make the final decision about where they live.

However, that does not mean their views are ignored.

When making parenting decisions, the Court will consider many factors, including:

A child’s age and maturity

Their views and experiences

Their relationship with each parent

Any safety concerns

What arrangements are in their best interests

Older children may have their views given more weight, but there is no automatic age where a child gets to “choose”.

The focus is always on creating arrangements that support the child’s wellbeing and best interests.

We explain what parents need to know about children’s wishes after separation in our blog here: https://umbrellafamilylaw.com.au/can-my-child-choose-which-parent-to-live-with-after-separation/

Children should have a voice, but they shouldn’t carry the weight of the decision. After separation, it’s natural for c...
01/09/2026

Children should have a voice, but they shouldn’t carry the weight of the decision.

After separation, it’s natural for children to have feelings and opinions about what happens next.

Many parents wonder:
“Should my child get to decide?”
“What if they want to live with the other parent?”
“What if they refuse to spend time with me?”

In family law, children’s views can be an important part of the picture, but children are not expected to choose between their parents.

The Court looks at the bigger picture, including:

The child’s needs and circumstances

Their relationship with each parent

Their safety and wellbeing

Practical parenting arrangements

The goal is not to “win” against the other parent. The goal is to create arrangements that support the child’s best interests.

Read our blog, which explains how children’s views are considered in parenting matters after separation: https://umbrellafamilylaw.com.au/can-my-child-choose-which-parent-to-live-with-after-separation/

Family law advice, on your schedule.Your working day shouldn’t dictate when you can access quality legal advice. You can...
29/08/2026

Family law advice, on your schedule.

Your working day shouldn’t dictate when you can access quality legal advice.

You can see your doctor after hours.
You can see your dentist on the weekend.
Now you can see your family lawyer too.

Umbrella Family Law now offers late Thursday evening and weekend appointments both Saturday and Sunday, providing greater flexibility for busy professionals, business owners and families.

Meet with us in person at our office or online, at a time that works around your commitments.

Whether you are considering separation, facing a complex property or parenting matter, or simply need strategic advice about your position, we are here when you need us.

Umbrella Family Law -Clear advice. Strategic direction. Greater flexibility.

What actually happens during a psychological assessment in family law?Many parents feel anxious when they hear they may ...
28/08/2026

What actually happens during a psychological assessment in family law?

Many parents feel anxious when they hear they may need to participate in a psychological assessment.

The process will vary depending on the circumstances, but it may involve:

· Interviews with parents (and sometimes children where appropriate)

· Reviewing relevant documents and reports

· Psychological testing (in some cases)

· Understanding family relationships and parenting circumstances

A psychologist conducting an assessment is not there to decide who is the “better” parent. Their role is to provide independent information to help the Court understand the issues affecting the family.

Preparation and understanding the process can help reduce some of the uncertainty.

Read our latest blog to learn more about psychological assessments in family law. https://umbrellafamilylaw.com.au/psychological-assessment-family-law/

Umbrella Family Law is now in Melbourne C*D!We’re delighted to announce that Umbrella Family Law has expanded its Melbou...
27/08/2026

Umbrella Family Law is now in Melbourne C*D!

We’re delighted to announce that Umbrella Family Law has expanded its Melbourne presence, with an office in the iconic Olderfleet building on Collins Street.

Alongside our South Melbourne office, our Collins Street location gives clients, colleagues and referrers another convenient place to meet with our team.

Book an appointment in our C*D office from the 1st of September by visiting https://umbrellafamilylaw.com.au/get-started/

Melbourne C*D | South Melbourne | Online
Clear, strategic family law advice focused on outcomes.

Psychological Assessment vs Family ReportIf you’re involved in parenting proceedings, you may hear both of these terms a...
25/08/2026

Psychological Assessment vs Family Report

If you’re involved in parenting proceedings, you may hear both of these terms and wonder whether they mean the same thing.

While they can both provide important information to the Court, they have different purposes.

A Family Report generally looks at:

· Family relationships

· Parenting arrangements

· Children’s needs

· What arrangements may be in a child’s best interests

A Psychological Assessment focuses more specifically on psychological factors, including:

· Emotional functioning

· Personality factors

· Psychological risks

· The impact of psychological issues on parenting

In some complex matters, both may form part of the evidence before the Court.

We’ve explained the difference and what parents can expect in our latest blog.

🔗 Read more: https://umbrellafamilylaw.com.au/psychological-assessment-family-law/

Does a Psychological Assessment mean the Court thinks something is wrong with me?This is a question many parents ask whe...
24/08/2026

Does a Psychological Assessment mean the Court thinks something is wrong with me?

This is a question many parents ask when they are told a psychological assessment may be part of their family law matter.

The answer is: No.

A psychological assessment does not mean the Court has made a decision about you or your parenting.

Instead, it provides the Court with expert information about factors that may be relevant to the parenting matter, such as:

· Emotional functioning

· Parent-child relationships

· Communication and conflict

· A child’s wellbeing and needs

The purpose is to help the Court better understand the family circumstances, not to label or criticise a parent.

We explain what happens during a psychological assessment, who conducts it, and how it may impact your parenting matter in our latest blog.

Read more: https://umbrellafamilylaw.com.au/psychological-assessment-family-law/

Many parents assume that once a Family Report is written, the outcome of their case is decided.That's a common misconcep...
21/08/2026

Many parents assume that once a Family Report is written, the outcome of their case is decided.

That's a common misconception.

A Family Report is an important piece of evidence, but it is not binding.

The Court will also consider:

· The evidence from both parents

· Witnesses and expert opinions

· Any Independent Children's Lawyer recommendations

· All other relevant circumstances

Ultimately, the Court makes decisions based on what is in the child's best interests.

Learn more about how Family Reports work and what they mean for your parenting matter in our latest blog.

🔗 Read it here: https://umbrellafamilylaw.com.au/family-report-family-law/

Today, our team visited the beautiful daffodils at the Rialto to mark Daffodil Day and show our support for this importa...
20/08/2026

Today, our team visited the beautiful daffodils at the Rialto to mark Daffodil Day and show our support for this important cause.

Daffodil Day is an opportunity to come together as a community to raise awareness and vital funds for cancer research, prevention and support services. We were proud to take a moment out of our day to enjoy the beautiful display and reflect on the importance of supporting those affected by cancer.

A beautiful display of daffodils for a cause that touches so many lives.

Address

142-144 Albert Road
South Melbourne, VIC
3205

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61392796800

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