In this guide(4 sections)
First, take a breath. If today has thrown something frightening at you — papers served, a child not handed back, an order against you, a deadline you didn't see coming — you've reached someone who will genuinely help. You don't need to have it figured out, you don't need the right words, and you don't need to face it on your own. That's our job, not yours.
You can talk to a real person right now. Reach Eliana, our assistant, any time — day or night — on 03 4328 5084, or send us a message and we'll come straight back to you. The first conversation is free, confidential, and there is no obligation. We'll listen, help you steady the situation, and tell you the next small step.
If you are in immediate danger
If you or your children are not safe right now, please call 000 first. You can also reach Safe Steps (family violence, 24/7) on 1800 015 188, or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Your safety comes before anything legal — call us once you're safe, and we'll take it from there.
What's happening right now?
Find what's closest to your situation. Each one is something we can start helping with today — and none of it is too big or too small to call about.
You've been served with an intervention order (IVO)
It's a shock, and it feels permanent — but it isn't, and you have real options. Read every condition and follow them straight away, even the ones that feel unfair, and do not contact the protected person. Note your court date. Then call us before that date so we can talk through whether to contest it, consent without admission, or offer an undertaking. Here's a calm walk-through of how to respond to an IVO in Victoria.
You need protection urgently
If someone is frightening or hurting you, you don't have to wait. Make sure you and the children are safe first (the numbers above), then call us — we can move quickly on the legal protection you're entitled to, gently and without making you relive more than you need to.
Your child hasn't been returned, or has been taken
This is one of the most frightening things a parent can face. Try to stay calm — there are urgent legal steps (a recovery order) designed for exactly this, and the sooner we act the better. Call us straight away and we'll start today.
You're worried your child might be taken overseas
If you fear the other parent may remove your child from Australia, time genuinely matters — there are urgent protective steps, including airport measures, and Australia's obligations under the Hague Convention. Call us now, not tomorrow.
You have a court date coming up fast
Being handed a date — or court papers — is overwhelming, especially if you don't yet have a lawyer. Don't ignore it, and don't panic. Bring us what you've been given and we'll explain exactly what it means and what happens next, in plain English.
Your property settlement is about to fall over
A settlement deadline slipping — penalty interest, a contract about to go wrong, finance not coming through — feels like the floor giving way. These problems almost always have a path through them if we act in time. Call before you sign anything or miss a date.
You've been served with a bankruptcy notice
A bankruptcy notice usually gives you a short window — around 21 days — to act, and doing nothing has serious consequences. If this overlaps with a separation or property settlement, the two need to be handled together. Bring it to us quickly so nothing lapses.
There's an urgent estate or funeral matter
Grief and legal urgency are a cruel combination — a dispute over a funeral or burial (which in some communities must happen quickly), an estate that needs an urgent grant, or assets frozen at the worst possible moment. We handle these with care and speed, and with deep respect for your family and your faith.
You are not on your own in this
Whatever has happened, here is what we promise you: you will speak to a real, experienced lawyer — not a call centre — who will treat you kindly and tell you the truth. The first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. We'll help you breathe, work out the one next step, and carry the legal weight so you can look after yourself and the people you love.
Reach Eliana, our assistant, any time — day or night — on 03 4328 5084. If it's easier to write than to talk, send us a message and we'll come straight back to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I actually speak to someone right now?
Yes. Eliana, our assistant, is available around the clock on 03 4328 5084 to listen, take your details, and make sure your matter reaches Elisa quickly — and you can start a chat with her on this page any time. You won't be left navigating a phone tree while you're frightened.
What if it's late at night or the weekend?
That's exactly when these things tend to happen, and exactly why Eliana is available 24/7. Leave your details any time and we'll prioritise getting back to you. If you're in danger, call 000 first — your safety comes before anything legal.
How much does the first call cost?
Nothing. The first conversation is free, confidential, and there's no obligation. It's simply a chance for you to be heard and for us to help you work out the next step. If we go further, we explain any fees clearly and in writing first — no surprises.
I'm not sure my situation is "urgent enough" to call. Should I still reach out?
Please do. If it's weighing on you, it's worth a call — there's no such thing as a question too small, and it's always better to ask early than to wait until a deadline has passed. We would much rather hear from you now.
I've been served with court documents and I don't have a lawyer. What do I do?
Don't ignore them and don't sign anything yet. Note any date on them, keep everything together, and call us. We'll read them, explain in plain language what they mean and what's required of you, and tell you what happens next.
Is everything I tell you private?
Yes. Anything you share with us is confidential and protected by legal professional privilege. You can speak freely.
This page is general information to help you act quickly and safely — it isn't legal advice about your specific situation, and we'd never promise a particular outcome. For advice on your circumstances, have a free, confidential conversation with Elisa.
Written and reviewed by Elisa Rothschild BA/LLB — Principal Lawyer, Fogarty Oliver Rothschild. Admitted to legal practice in Victoria. Family and property law in Melbourne since 2012.Last reviewed 10 June 2026.
This guide is general information about Australian family law, not legal advice for your specific situation. For advice on your matter, book a free initial consultation.