Evan Avtzis
Associate | Family Law | Collaborative Lawyer

Expertise

Evan has practiced exclusively in Family Law since his admission in early 2020. He initially trained with a multi-disciplinary firm and, prior to joining Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams at the start of 2024, practiced at a national family law firm, managing matters across Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland.

Evan takes a practical and pragmatic approach to family law, guiding his clients through the often confusing and stressful minefield of parenting and property disputes with compassion and empathy. His goal is to empower clients to take control of their decisions, with a strong focus on litigation strategy when necessary. Evan's recent completion of Collaborative Practice training further enhances his approach, providing clients with an alternative, less adversarial method for resolving disputes. This collaborative approach prioritises cooperation and solutions-focused negotiations, reducing the stress and emotional toll often associated with traditional litigation.

A proficient advocate, Evan has appeared for clients in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, and in alternative dispute resolution processes. He is skilled in all areas of family law, with particular expertise in property and parenting matters. Evan has a keen focus on high-conflict parenting disputes, matters involving family violence, and financial settlements involving complex asset structures. He also has substantial experience in Binding Financial Agreements, both in drafting and setting them aside.

Evan’s gregarious personality enables him to leverage a wide network of professionals, both within and outside of HOCW, ensuring that his clients receive holistic advice, and the best possible support tailored to their needs.

About Evan

Outside of work, Evan enjoys travelling, good food (and a few drinks) with friends, and is an avid follower of the English Premier League.

Evan is passionate about providing opportunities for those less fortunate. He offers his free time as company secretary for a local educational charity, where he has volunteered for over 11 years, managing a scholarship program for financially disadvantaged school students.

Qualifications

• Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice training - MELCA Academy
• Bachelor of Arts – Monash University
• Bachelor of Laws – Monash University
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice – College of Law

Admissions

• Supreme Court of Victoria
• High Court of Australia

Memberships and Committees

• Law Institute of Victoria

Recent Testimonials

"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, January 2025

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"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. Sept 2024

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"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 Sept 2024