with Melody van der Wallen, Principal Lawyer at Wallen Family Law

When people walk through our doors, they’re often facing one of the hardest moments of their lives.

They’re not just looking for a lawyer — they’re looking for clarity, calm and a sense that things can be put back in order.

Melody van der Wallen, Principal Lawyer at Wallen Family Law, founded the firm with a simple goal: to make family law clear, transparent and human.

“People deserve to understand what’s happening and what it will cost,” she says. “Legal advice shouldn’t make your situation feel harder — it should make it feel lighter.”

A Calm and Structured Approach

Melody’s approach to family law is grounded in empathy and strategy.

“Our table is round,” she explains. “That means everyone has a voice. We focus on negotiation, mediation and collaboration before litigation — but when court is necessary, we approach it with strength, purpose and professionalism.”

Her goal is to guide clients through a clear, step-by-step process — from the first consultation to final resolution.

That begins with an initial fixed-fee meeting, followed by structured stages of disclosure, negotiation and formalisation through Consent Orders or a Binding Financial Agreement.

“Structure brings calm,” Melody says. “When people know what’s next, they can breathe again.”

Family Law, Made Clear

Melody believes that clarity is the most powerful tool in any family law matter.

“Once people understand their rights, their responsibilities and their options, everything changes,” she says. “It turns fear into confidence. That’s what our work is about — helping families move forward with dignity and certainty.”

This philosophy inspired the firm’s tagline: Family Law, Made Clear.

It represents not just the way the firm communicates with clients, but also the way cases are handled — with transparency, structure and genuine care.

A Modern Practice for Modern Families

Wallen Family Law was built around accessibility and modern legal solutions.

That means fixed fees, online consultations, and legal funding options for clients who need flexibility.

“We know that legal costs can feel overwhelming,” Melody explains. “Our fixed-fee model gives clients control. You’ll always know exactly what each stage costs — no hidden fees, no surprises.”

The firm operates across Wollongong, the Illawarra and the Sutherland Shire, combining local connection with specialist family law experience.

“We’re proud to serve our local communities,” Melody says. “These are families just like ours — people who want fairness, stability and a way forward.”

Empathy, Strength and Clarity

Clients describe Melody’s approach as calm, reassuring and strong when it matters most.

Her style reflects Wallen Family Law’s core philosophy — that strength and empathy can exist together.

“We never confuse compassion with weakness,” Melody explains. “You can be kind and firm at the same time. That’s how real progress happens.”

At the heart of the firm’s work is the belief that family law doesn’t have to be a battlefield. It can be a process of rebuilding — done with honesty, respect and expert guidance.

From Melody

“Every family law story is different, but clarity always brings calm. My job is to help clients see the path ahead clearly — to replace confusion with confidence, and to help them find resolution that feels fair and grounded.”

– Melody van der Wallen, Principal Lawyer, Wallen Family Law