Empower your family
 

expert family lawyer

Tailored family and relationship law solutions

 
 
 
Book a Consultation
 
for home2 (1).jpg
 
 
 

Our Approach

At Focus on Family, we specialise in helping clients navigate separation, divorce, and family law matters across Melbourne and Victoria. We understand that seeking legal advice can feel overwhelming — and it's often hard to know where to begin.

Our approach is personalised to your unique situation, with a focus on child-centred and interest-based solutions that prioritise the wellbeing of everyone involved. Whether you need help with parenting arrangements, property settlement, intervention orders, or other family law matters, our goal is to provide clear, compassionate advice and achieve the best possible outcome for your future.

Based in Melbourne's inner north, we offer both in-person and online appointments — making expert family law advice accessible to clients across Victoria and Australia. Book in with us today.

 
 

Our Services

We specialize in providing expert legal advice on property and parenting matters that arise during separation. Our focus is on early resolution, helping you achieve the best possible outcome in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

Learn more

Family Law Resources

Our blog offers unbiased information on the issues that commonly affect separating couples and provides guidance on navigating the family law system. Stay informed with our up-to-date content and practical advice.

View All Resources
 
 

Latest Articles

Featured
What happens when all the assets were brought in by one party?: What a 2025 Full Court case teaches about family law property settlements

A recent Full Court decision, Voight & Zunino [2025] FedCFamC1A 201 provides some guidance, but it can’t necessarily be applied to all circumstances.

The case involved a seven-year de facto relationship, a farming business worth many millions of dollars, and a relationship where almost all of the capital sat in one party’s name.

The Court, on appeal, ordered a payment to the other party, but only to achieve 3% of the pool in their favour.

Read More →
What happens to money that’s spent before the family law property settlement is finalised?

If you’re going through a separation, one of the biggest questions is often: what happens to money that’s spent before the property settlement is finalised?

For many years, the courts used a concept called “add backs” to deal with this issue. However, a recent decision of the Full Court in Shinohara v Shinohara [2025] FedCFamC1A 126 has changed the way the law approaches money spent after separation but before a property settlement is complete.

Read More →
Is property always divided after separation or relationship breakdown?

Despite the passage of 12 years since the Stanford decision, a common misconception persists that the asset pool is automatically divided 50/50 following a relationship breakdown. There is no default position of equal division, and in some cases, the court finds that no adjustment is required at all.

Read More →
 
 

 During a traumatic time Bonnie Esposito guided me, rather than directed me through a very emotional and unfamiliar process. I was provided with advice, particular to my situation, rather than being forced down a one size fits all approach. Being involved in the decision making enhanced my awareness of the process and alleviated many of my fears. Thanks Bonnie for your professionalism and support throughout my separation and divorce.

— G.L., Western Australia

 
 

Bonnie immediately made me feel understood and reassured that I had found the right person to provide me with help and advice. I have never had to deal with a legal issue before, and that combined with it being related to my past experience with domestic violence made the whole experience very confronting and scary for me. I can't thank Bonnie enough for her expert and caring assistance through a difficult process.

— S.R., richmond, victoria

Separating from a long term relationship has definitely been the most difficult 18 months of my life.I needed specialist help and thankfully was referred to Bonnie. I find Bonnie to be at all times professional, compassionate, pragmatic ( excellent knowledge of how the system works - I had no idea!), strong ( when I was not), able to deal with challenging behaviours " from "the other side" with experienced non judgement included and helpful advice, unbelievable patient ( took at least 3 explanations for me get it.), looked for the lowest but best options for multiple court appearances, ensured all documents were done on time and always open and honest in style. Bonnie, through her hard work, has brought hope again to my life. I highly recommended her services.and wish her and her team all the best.

— S.G., Victoria

 
 

Discover the pathway to separation that works best for your family

Get in Touch