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Legal Services and Advice for Businesses, Families and Individuals in Melbourne
Experienced Melbourne Lawyers for Businesses, Families and Individuals
At Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams, we provide practical legal advice and representation for businesses, families and individuals across Melbourne and the south‑eastern suburbs. With offices in the CBD and Mount Waverley, our Principal Lawyers and Directors bring more than 150 years of combined experience, focusing on clear communication, realistic options and outcomes that protect what matters most to you.
Our lawyers work with start‑ups and family businesses, small to medium enterprises, professionals, retirees and growing families. Whether you need help with a one‑off issue or ongoing support, we aim to make the process straightforward and as stress‑free as possible.
We have experience across business and commercial law, commercial litigation and insolvency, family law, property and conveyancing, and wills, estates and probate. This means you can continue working with one trusted firm as your personal and business needs evolve over time.
Our Legal Services
We offer a broad range of legal services and advice for businesses, families and individuals in Melbourne and the south‑eastern suburbs. Our core practice areas include:
Business and Commercial Law: Advice on business structuring, contracts, transactions and day‑to‑day legal issues for start‑ups, family businesses and established companies. We assist with company, trust and partnership structures, shareholder and partnership agreements, commercial contracts, business sales and purchases, and governance and compliance.
We can assist if you are starting a business, entering a contract, or managing commercial risk.
Commercial Litigation and Insolvency: Dispute resolution, debt recovery and insolvency matters. We act in commercial and contractual disputes, partnership and shareholder disputes, property and leasing disputes, and employment or estate‑related litigation.
Family Law: Separation, divorce, parenting arrangements and property settlements. We help you address parenting arrangements, division of property and superannuation, spousal maintenance and child support, as well as financial agreements before or after a relationship. Our approach is to provide calm, practical guidance and to encourage negotiated, child‑focused outcomes wherever appropriate, while still protecting your entitlements.
We can assist if you are separating, negotiating parenting arrangements or resolving property matters.
Property & Conveyancing: Buying and selling residential and commercial property, leasing and related transactions throughout Melbourne and Victoria. We review and prepare contracts and vendor statements, advise on special conditions, liaise with lenders and other parties and manage settlement.
We also assist with commercial and retail leasing, property joint ventures, co‑ownership arrangements and other property rights, helping you understand the risks and obligations before you commit.
Wills, Estates and Succession Planning: Wills, powers of attorney, estate administration and succession planning for individuals, families and business owners. We prepare tailored wills and estate plans, including testamentary trusts and appointments of decision makers.
Our team includes Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialists in key areas such as Wills and Estates, Family Law and Commercial Litigation, reflecting recognised expertise, rigorous professional standards and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Why Clients Choose HOCW
Our Melbourne lawyers provide clear, practical and timely advice tailored to your business, personal and family needs. With decades of experience advising Victorian businesses, families and individuals, we focus on understanding your objectives, explaining your options and helping you make informed decisions with confidence.
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. We can meet with clients at our Melbourne CBD or Mount Waverley offices, as well as by phone or video conference where appropriate. We will work with you to arrange the most convenient way to discuss your matter.
Yes. While our offices are located in Melbourne CBD and Mount Waverley, we assist clients throughout Victoria. We also act for interstate clients in matters connected with Victorian law and property.
You do not need to know which lawyer to contact. When you get in touch, our team will discuss your situation and connect you with the lawyer best suited to assist with your matter.
An initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your circumstances, understand your legal options and ask any questions you may have. We will explain how we can assist, outline the likely next steps and provide information about costs and timeframes where possible.
Yes. We advise businesses, families and individuals across a range of legal areas, including commercial law, litigation and insolvency, family law, wills and estates, and property and conveyancing. Where a matter involves multiple areas of law, our teams work together to provide coordinated advice.