Family & Business Lawyers Melbourne & Mt Waverley

Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams (HOCW) is a Melbourne law firm providing practical legal advice for families, individuals and businesses, backed by over 150 years of combined principal‑level experience. Based in Melbourne CBD and Mount Waverley, our lawyers advise Victorian clients on family law, wills and estates, commercial law, litigation and insolvency, and property and conveyancing.

Why Choose HOCW?

Proven Heritage: Providing stable and reliable legal counsel to the Victorian community since 1961.
Principal-Led Experience: Access over 150 years of combined legal practice within our leadership team.
Specialist & Senior Expertise: A team featuring Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialists and highly skilled senior practitioners.

Our Melbourne-based team provides practical legal advice across commercial law, litigation and insolvency, wills and estates, elder law, family law, and property and conveyancing. We support Victorian individuals, families, and business directors with clear, strategic guidance across both personal and corporate matters.

From complex commercial disputes and insolvency issues to sensitive family and estate matters, we provide specialist advice backed by decades of professional experience. As a leading Melbourne firm, HOCW is committed to protecting the interests of our corporate, small business and private clients at every stage of life and business. About Us

Practical legal solutions for individuals, directors,

and families.

Commercial Law

Providing commercially focused advice for businesses of all sizes in Victoria. Our team handles contract drafting, regulatory compliance and mergers and acquisitions to help you manage risk and achieve strategic goals in the Melbourne market. Learn more about Commercial Law in Melbourne

Commercial Litigation & Insolvency

Acting in complex commercial disputes, including contractual claims, corporate misconduct and debt recovery. We provide practical insolvency and restructuring strategies to protect your commercial interests and resolve issues efficiently, with strong experience in the Melbourne and wider Victorian markets. Learn more about Litigation and Insolvency services

Family Law

Our family law team provides strategic advice on separation, property settlements and parenting arrangements. We focus on minimising conflict and stress through negotiation and mediation, and provide professional litigation support where court action is needed. Learn more about our Family Law expertise

Property & Conveyancing

Experienced Victorian property lawyers supporting residential and commercial transactions. We handle contract reviews, off‑the‑plan purchases, retail and commercial leasing, and land title updates for buyers, sellers and investors throughout the Melbourne area. Learn more about Property and Conveyancing in Victoria

Wills & Estates

Specialised advice on probate, estate administration and succession planning. Our team prepares wills and powers of attorney, and acts in estate disputes, trust disputes and VCAT guardianship and administration matters, providing sensitive support for elder law issues and tailored estate strategies for your long‑term wishes. Learn more about Wills, Estates and Elder Law

Legal services for businesses, families and individuals in Melbourne

We provide practical legal advice in family law, wills and estates, commercial, litigation and property matters from our Melbourne CBD and Mount Waverley offices. Explore all legal services

Not sure what kind of help you need?

Our Melbourne‑based team is here to help you understand your options with clarity. Contact us today to discuss your situation and the next steps available to you.

Our people

are the drive behind our passion

Our dedicated team brings together Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialists and highly experienced lawyers with deep knowledge across key areas of law, supported by a skilled and responsive support team. From our Melbourne CBD and Mount Waverley offices, we work collaboratively to give every client personalised attention, practical solutions and trusted legal advice. Meet the whole team