Mairead Melia

Senior Lawyer

I'm Mairead. I have been working exclusively in family law since being admitted to practice in 2011.

I spent eight years working for a large multi-national law firm before joining Emera Family Law as an Associate. I am experienced in a broad range of family law areas including:

  • Divorce;
  • parenting matters;
  • property and financial settlements;
  • de facto matters;
  • spousal maintenance;
  • financial agreements; and
  • child support agreements.

My focus is on giving my clients clear and concise advice in terms they can understand and providing quality legal services that are personalised for everyone I work with.

I enjoy engaging with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and work hard to achieve sensible, practical and realistic solutions for my clients.

I grew up in regional Victoria and now call the western suburbs of Melbourne home. I work between our Melbourne and Sunshine offices as needed. I serve on the Executive Committee of the Western Suburbs Law Association. 

When I am not at work, I enjoy brunching at cafes and road trips to the coast or country with my family.

Memberships

  • Member of the Law Institute of Victoria
  • Member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
  • Member of Western Suburbs Law Association
  • Member of Lawyers for Animals

Recent articles by Mairead

Understanding the best interests of the children in family law matters

Understanding the best interests of the children in family law matters

When a Court order is made in relation to children, the most important consideration is the best interests of those children. This is known as the paramount consideration and is enshrined in Section 60CA of the Family Law Act.
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4 tips for separated parents to navigate custody battles in family law

4 tips for separated parents to navigate custody battles in family law

In this article, rather than examining the legal considerations of parenting arrangements, we set out some practical measures separated parents can take, and things they can consider, in order to put their children first when negotiating co-parenting arrangements.
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Can I relocate with the children after separation, without the consent of the other parent?

Child relocation in family law

If you wonder whether or not you or your former partner are able to relocate with the children, this article will assist you to understand your obligations and options.
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What is disclosure in family law?

Duty of disclosure in family law

As separating couples navigate the family law system, they might hear the term “disclosure” referred to frequently by their lawyer or the Court. In this blog, we look at your duty of disclosure in family law.
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