From the Farm, the Bush or the Back of Beyond – We’re right here for you

Where you live shouldn’t decide the kind of support you get – especially during, what could be, one of the hardest chapters of your life.

Whether you’re calling from a paddock outside Ballarat, a quiet country town in Tasmania, or a kitchen bench way out west, Umbrella Family Law is ready to walk alongside you.

We’re based in Melbourne, with an additional presence in Ballarat. But over 80% of our clients meet with us online – because family law should work around your life, not the other way around.

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From the Farm, the Bush or the Back of Beyond – We’re right here for you

Why Families Across Australia Choose Online Family Law

We’ve supported farmers and FIFO workers, busy parents and people starting over later in life. City-dwellers, coastal families, and those deep in the bush. The questions are often the same:

Where do I start? Who can I trust? What will life look like after this?

Here’s why working with us online works so well for so many:

Less disruption – No travel, no long days off work, no sitting in waiting rooms
More privacy – We keep things private, so you can feel safe opening up
Fast, reliable support – You work with one dedicated lawyer from start to finish
Support that fits your world – Flexible appointments that suit your schedule

<p><strong>Why Families Across Australia Choose Online Family Law</strong></p>
<p data-start="977" data-end="1242">We’ve supported farmers and FIFO workers, busy parents and people starting over later in life. City-dwellers, coastal families, and those deep in the bush. The questions are often the same:</p>
<p data-start="977" data-end="1242"><br data-start="1166" data-end="1169" /><em data-start="1169" data-end="1242">Where do I start? Who can I trust? What will life look like after this?</em></p>
<p data-start="1244" data-end="1304">Here’s why working with us online works so well for so many:</p>

With You Locally. With You Nationally.

We’ve always called Melbourne home, with lawyers also based in Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh. But location has never defined who we can support.

Whether you’re in a busy regional centre or a quiet town far from the city, you’ll receive the same thoughtful, capable support Umbrella is known for — online or in person, wherever you are.

Because for us, it’s not about the map. It’s about the people.

Frequently Asked Questions

QI live in a remote or rural area - can you still help me?

Absolutely. Many of our clients are outside big cities. You’ll work with the same experienced lawyers – just in a way that suits your lifestyle.

QWill I be dealing with real lawyers, or a rotating team?

Real lawyers. No call centres, no outsourcing. You’ll be supported by a dedicated family lawyer who stays with you throughout.

QHow does it work online?

We meet via secure video calls, offer flexible scheduling, and guide you through every step so it never feels overwhelming. You can also meet us in person in South Melbourne, Ballarat or Bacchus Marsh if that suits you better.

Let’s Start Right Where You Are

Wherever you are, we’re here with you.

You don’t need to leave your farm, town, or familiar routines to get expert legal support. You don’t even have to know exactly what you need yet.

Just start with a conversation.

Get in touch with our team to see how Umbrella can support you.

From the Paddock to a Parenting Plan

Sarah, 42, runs a small vineyard in regional NSW. After separating from her partner, she and her ex were doing their best to co-parent without anything formal in place.

“We were kind of muddling through,” she says. “But then it started to get messy – forgotten pickups, mixed messages, tension. It wasn’t fair on the kids, and it was stressing me out.”

Driving to the city to see a lawyer felt completely out of reach. “I’ve got harvest, the kids, the house, the business. There was no time to take off and no energy left at the end of the day.”

A friend in town had used Umbrella and said they were good. “I didn’t really know how seeing a lawyer online worked, but I figured I’d give it a go. We had a video call and honestly, it just felt doable from the start.”

Her lawyer explained things in a way that made sense. No legal jargon, no judgment. Just someone who listened, helped her understand her options, and created a parenting plan that worked.

“All from my kitchen table. It was straightforward, and I felt like I was finally doing the right thing for my children.”

A Quiet Call That Changed Everything

Paul, 57, is a FIFO worker who lives in remote Queensland. After his 22-year marriage ended, he wasn’t sure what to do next.

“I’d never dealt with lawyers before. And I didn’t really want to – especially not in a smaller community where everyone knows your business,” he says.

He wanted things to stay private, but he also knew he couldn’t sort it all out on his own. “I was worried about my super, the house – all of it. I needed someone to explain things clearly and help me make good decisions.”

Paul found Umbrella online and booked a call on his day off. “It was just a quiet conversation, nothing heavy. They didn’t push me. Just helped me figure out what I needed to do.”

His lawyer worked around his schedule, explained each step, and handled things without fuss. “There were no surprises. I never felt out of the loop. And they weren’t just ticking boxes — they actually cared.”

Behind every family law issue is a real story. We take the time to understand yours.

Property Settlement

You and your former partner have separated, and the time has come for you to divide the assets and liabilities that you have.

Parenting

At Umbrella Family Law, we understand the complexities of family dynamics and are here to support you through this process with empathy and compassion.

Divorce

Transitioning through divorce can be overwhelming. Let our empathetic team provide you with the calm and knowledgeable legal counsel you need to navigate this journey.

Pet Custody

We are proud to have been Australia’s first law firm with all lawyers formally trained in pet custody, through expert guidance from Karis Nafte, the world’s leading specialist in pet custody.

Financial Agreements

A Binding Financial Agreement deals with what should happen to your property in circumstances where you and your partner separate.

Family Violence

Family violence is not limited to physical abuse. People often fail to recognise other forms of family violence experienced by them or their loved ones.

International Relocation

During separation, a parent may seek to relocate to their home country with the child without the other parent's consent.

Parenting Coordination

A child-focused dispute resolution process aimed at implementing parenting plans or orders.

Negotiation

Discover alternative approaches to resolving family law disputes at Umbrella Family Law: negotiation, mediation, and collaborative practice offer effective alternatives to litigation.

Family Support

Coaching, referral and planning for all aspects of dealing with your new life.

Guardianship & Administration

Guardians or administrators are appointed to make decisions for individuals with disabilities who cannot do so themselves.