Client Reviews and Testimonials

"I would like to take a moment to talk about my experience with HOCW law firm and in particular Evan Avtzis. From my initial opening meeting I had with them I knew that this was the team I wanted behind me to help get me through the breakdown of my marriage. Evan is down to earth and a very relatable guy. He was always respectful of what I wanted and kept me calm in some otherwise uncomfortable situations and talked me back from making some decisions based purely on emotion a couple of times that ensured I would get the best outcome possible for my life moving forward. No two situations are ever the same but for mine they made it as smooth and simple as possible and always kept me informed of what was happening and what to expect. I would absolutely recommend anyone in a similar position to give the team at HOCW a call and see if they can help them too."
Richard - Family Law Client

"Thank you, Andrew. I really appreciate your help over the years. It was arduous to say the least, though this sum we’ve now received, allows the children and I to move upward to a new way of being."
Family Law Client

"Andrew, my family & I wish to thank you so much for guiding & helping us over such a long journey! May we also extend our sincere thanks to your staff who kindly supported us many times in various ways. Your email with regard to our divorce was such a welcome finalisation. Andrew, your consideration about how to go about things and your kindness, did not go unnoticed. All the best for the future, Andrew."
JB – Family Law Client

"Evan, Madison and Andrew, I’d like to thank you all in assisting and seeing my case through to closure. From the time I came into the office and throughout the process, the team was very professional. Guiding me through the potential options and the approach was critical in my partner and I reaching an amicable outcome. Explaining to me how the legal and court process works in each of the options was also front of mind as I approached each item with my partner. Going through the process can be emotional at times, but the team, especially Evan, was able to be empathetic but at the same time focus on the end game. The communications, both written and verbal was always prompt and included any follow up process if I wasn’t clear. In my case, our financial situation was quite basic, and I could see more efficiency in the processes on both sides if there was better collaboration in the industry, therefore reducing costs and timeframes. One way to do this is for both parties to agree a format of the financial analysis and it be used as a reference so that both parties can input without judgement. I believe in our case this reduced a lot of tension and accelerated the outcome when the basic format was used and both parties were able to agree on the values/items. This could then be translated into the official documents. I’d recommend HOCW to future clients as a professional and experienced firm, with an empathetic approach and considerations to both parties in the situation. The experience on how the courts and the legal process views each situation was key to removing the emotion and ensuring the best outcome for all parties involved. Thank you again team for your support on this matter."
Sam - Family Law Client

"Evan was an excellent family lawyer and a crucial support throughout my case. Referred to by a friend, choosing him was one of the best decisions I made. He had a remarkable ability to calm my nerves and made me feel completely unjudged. I trusted him completely due to his patience, empathy, and meticulous attention to detail from the very beginning. He listened carefully, explained complex matters clearly (often repeating them as needed due to my state of mind), and simplified everything right down for me. His consistent reassurance and guidance through each new development were invaluable during my time of anxiety. I couldn't recommend him highly enough. At HOCW, my experience remained exceptional. I received clear, actionable advice throughout, which significantly contributed to a smooth and reassuring legal process. Madison, who also assisted with my case, was incredibly kind, approachable, and responsive to all my emails and inquiries. She handled my files with great care and clarity, which was especially important to me during a period of uncertainty and stress. I am deeply grateful for the support and assistance provided by both Madison and Evan throughout this legal journey."
M.A. - Family Law Client

"I am so thankful for the help and support that I was provided by Evan and his team during my financial settlement. Evan was incredibly responsive, professional and made sure I was well informed and kept updated throughout the process. The team were extremely empathetic and understanding throughout, and I am grateful for all of the support they provided. I would highly recommend Evan and his team for family law matters."
Family Law Client

"Anita, thank you very much for the very efficient, timely and friendly way you dealt with my recent legal matter. I tried to leave a complimentary review on your web site but my limited technical experience with reviews meant that I was unable to do so. But a very big thank you anyway."
B.C - Wills & Estates Client

"Throughout lengthy family court proceedings Andrew has been personable and supportive every step of the way. In moments where the complexity of required documents has felt overwhelming, Andrew always promptly answered questions and translated legal jargon into easy-to-understand language. Thank you so much for your service, Andrew O’Sullivan-Newbold."
S.M. - Family Law Client

"I engaged HOCW Family Law to manage my matter and reach an agreement through mediation. The Principal Family Lawyer took over my matter after a failed voluntary mediation. Through her tenacity, legal acumen, and thoroughness the second court directed mediation was recently successful. Although the legal fees were significantly higher than I anticipated primarily due to the lack of co-operation from my ex-partner and his lawyer, the outcome warranted the additional costs. I would highly recommend her to act in the best interests of her clients."
B.H. - Family Law Client

"The Family Lawyer at HOCW is a highly knowledgeable and efficient lawyer. She came highly recommended by a family friend, and I am so grateful she was recommended to me. I used her to file my divorce and settle assets. Her wealth of knowledge made the process seamless and stress free. She was extremely patient and caring when listening to all my concerns. Initially I felt daunted by the whole process, however her compassionate nature and knowledge made me feel at ease. I was very grateful she was my lawyer."
A.K. - Family Law Client

"My husband and I engaged the HOCW family law team for a complex family matter. We are eternally grateful to our wonderful lawyer who fought relentlessly to ensure our children’s best interests. Our lawyer is extremely knowledgeable in Family Law, with many years of experience. Our family matter was notably stressful, and her compassion and patience were wonderful. It felt as though you were speaking to a friend. She was always patient in listening to our concerns and keeping us calm throughout the entire process. Her responses to all our emails (which were quite lengthy at times) were prompt and efficient. She was always there for whatever we needed and stayed focused on the best interests of the children, and this was apparent in the final result. It is evident that our lawyer loves what she does as her passion for Family Law shines through her work and when dealing with clients. She is not just any family lawyer, but the epitome of family law. We are indebted to her."
M & A - Family Law Clients

"I have used Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams for employment matters, debt collecting and dealing with the ATO. Results have been excellent. Highly recommend them."
A.S. - Commercial Litigation & Insolvency Client

"I am a relatively new client after my lawyer retired. Nicole Russell has given me great comfort and reassurance through her professionalism, knowledge and impeccable service. Nicole looks after both my personal and business matters and highly recommend her unquestionable attention to detail !"
M.G. - Conveyancing Client

"Settlement on our property went very smoothly and all information was requested early which made the whole process less stressful."
S.S. - Conveyancing Client

"Nicole Russell has done an amazing job helping with the sale of my property and purchase of another one. She is very quick to respond and will go above and beyond to help with anything. We will continue to use her and couldn't ask for better service!"
L.G. - Conveyancing Client

"A big thank you to Steve Shelley for all his hard work. We were especially impressed by his thoroughness and patience in explaining contracts from the outset. Not often that someone invests so much time without the promise of financial gain. Customer service is king, and yours was exemplary. We wish you all the best for the future!"
R.I. - Conveyancing Client

"Lachlan Vallance and Andrea Bolitho assisted me with a deceased estate case that originally did not belong to your firm, but rather to Weston Gambetta, which is now closed due to Clive Weston retiring. However, they were more than happy to assist me in the matter and my brother, and I are so thankful for their willingness to help us out. Fabulous service. It looks like we have now found our new family solicitors. Thank you so much."
N V, Wills & Estates Client

"My wife and I approached Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams Lawyers to review our present wills, also to update our Powers of Attorneys, from the moment we walked in the door we were approached with total professionalism and understanding, they listened to our wishes and advised us as to the best course of action. We were completely happy with all aspects of our dealings and very impressed with the manner that we were treated, we would totally recommend this firm to anyone."
S & P - Wills & Estates Client

"My wife and I have been very happy clients of HOCW city office. It was convenient to use the Mt Waverley office to assist my mother-in-law with various legal documents including will and POA. Samantha and the office team provided excellent service. They were very patient with my mother-in-law who is not fluent in English. They arranged translators when necessary. We were very happy with the outcomes."
L.M. - Wills & Estates Client

"Andrea, we just wanted to pass on our sincere thanks to you and all your colleagues for making the process of administering our brother's estate as straight forward as it has been."
A S & D S, Wills & Estates Client

"Andrea & Lachlan, we would like to thank you both for your help and guidance in enabling us, as executors, to deal with Mum's affairs and to complete probate and the administration of her estate. The journey was a new one for both of us, and the recommendation to use HOCW by a friend was definitely a good one. We will happily direct work to your office. Your help, in cheerful, clear and understandable English, made our task far easier, and more fulfilling."
E W & R W, Wills & Estates Client

"The team at HOCW was an amazing help with their vast knowledge of franchise businesses, they were completely switched on when it came to the purchasing our business. I would highly recommend Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams. Thank you so much for making me feel like you always had our backs and explaining everything to us in depth. Also always taking our call at all times of the day and nights and for your professional advice and caring nature."
T.R. - Commercial Law Client

"I first reached out to the commercial team at HOCW with quite a large scale project involving a purchase of an existing business I was planning to convert into a franchise whilst negotiating favourable leasing terms and fit out cost. The HOCW team who were involved in every aspect of the project brought such professionalism, superior advice and immersed themselves in producing the best outcome for me. I will be forever grateful and can't promote them enough. They have a client for life and I will be proud to recommend them to anyone looking for a great team of commercial solicitors."
G.B. - Commercial Law Client

"I want to say how impressed I was with Vincent Caruso in my recent mediation in which I needed lawyers that really knew their stuff. As a layperson I could not fault their expertise in any way which resulted in a satisfactory resolution for everyone. The time and effort in preparing my case, keeping me in the loop throughout the whole process was reassuring. HOCW did an amazing job in a difficult matter, and I would recommend them without reservation."
M.F. - Commercial Law Client

"...I am delighted with my whole Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams experience and would have no hesitation in recommending and referring your expertise. Thanks again for your collective determination in achieving a most successful financial outcome."
Geoff, Mulgrave 3170, Family Law Client

"Let me take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks as I don’t know how I would have got to where I am today, without you. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending you and your team at Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams."
Jane, Mordialloc 3195, Family Law Client