Child safety misinformation and the importance of getting individualised advice

 
 
 
 
  Excellent rating  
 Based on 79 reviews 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Disappointing experience, especially because when choosing a lawyer I read so many positive reviews for this company.
From the beginning, I felt unsupported and as though my matter was not genuinely being progressed. Despite paying for legal fees when necessary, I saw little to no meaningful progress and ultimately felt that my matter went nowhere.

The other party was repeatedly able to not respond, and I felt there were limited options or consequences available to move things forward, even in light of previous court arrangements.
I understand that solicitors cannot control the other party or guarantee an outcome. However, I expected clear communication, genuine support and reasonable efforts to progress my matter, particularly when ongoing concerns and behaviours were being raised. Instead, I was left feeling unheard, frustrated and out of pocket, with no meaningful change to the parenting arrangements and continuing difficulties around communication and parenting responsibilities.

I also questioned whether my age affected my experience, although I cannot say that this was the case. I simply hope that being a younger client did not influence the level of attention or support I received, as I was still a paying customer seeking legal assistance.

Alison and Seren both seemed lovely on a personal level, but unfortunately I was left feeling that my matter was not a priority. Overall, I unfortunately would not choose to use this firm again.
I will add though, Seren understood my circumstances and worked with me to ensure I could afford each step of the process, it’s just unfortunate nothing more could be achieved with the obvious act of neglect from the other party.
  
 
  
 
 
 Tameka Bickford 
 
27 September 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Would highly recommend using there services.
  
 
  
 
 
 Amanda Britton 
 
1 September 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Very Helpful with lots of information regarding our requirements. Also very professional in the manner they conducted the teams meeting.
  
 
  
 
 
 Jimmy Lewis 
 
30 July 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Best lawyers in Melbourne thank you Durra
  
 
  
 
 
 raf kiswani 
 
1 July 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Highly recommend Romer Maud for their legal expertise in family law and professionalism, but equally their care and support throughout the process - in particular Emina Hiddick who was an absolute rock and guiding light throughout, always patient, responsive and generous with her time, knowledge of the legal system and advice. I felt confident and fortunate to have Emina representing me and helping me navigate a challenging time.
  
 
  
 
 
 Sara Newman 
 
25 May 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
I had such wonderful support through one of the most difficult times of my life from Emina at Romero Maud Family Lawyers. She handled my case with kindness and respect and was able to guide me whilst also allowing my to maintain my core goals and outcomes. Would highly highly recommend.
  
 
  
 
 
 Belinda Dixon 
 
29 April 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Seren from Romer Maud was absolutely amazing. She was professional, supportive, and genuinely cared about getting the best outcome for me and my daughter.

She made a stressful process much easier and kept everything clear and straightforward. I’m so grateful for her help and highly recommend her to anyone needing a family lawyer.

Thank you so much Seren and the team at Romer Maud, we couldn't of done it without you.
  
 
  
 
 
 Glenn 
 
29 April 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Communication was not effective I was confused about my situation and after taking their first appointment I didn’t felt like I have been heard or suggested what would be my next steps
  
 
  
 
 
 Sravya Raavi 
 
29 April 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
In response to the comment from Romer Maud below - I use a pseudonym online, the reason for which should be plainly obvious especially to you given what you’ve been privy to of my situation. The fact that you cannot recall a 22 month long separation which you were part of says it all really. I have included more than enough specific details that the case should be obvious to you. I was not your client, my previous partner was. However we were both massively negatively impacted on every level by your ineptitude, highlighted here by the very fact you’ve no recollection even of the case, that only concluded in April of this year.

My original review post:
At every point where an agreement should have been reached, this firm failed to effectively guide their client toward resolution. As a result, the separation was unnecessarily prolonged.

This was not over a complex or high-value asset pool. It was modest, and the limitations were clear, if not from their client, then certainly from the accurate information repeatedly provided by my lawyer and barrister.

Their approach cost both their client and myself over $50,000 each in unnecessary legal fees.

They provided incorrect advice regarding financial separation and were unable to manage their client’s expectations. At mediation, my barrister (with 20+ years’ experience) had to explain, in front of one of this firm partners and their junior barrister, what a court would consider fair and reasonable.

Even after eight hours of negotiation that day (which they only attended because their client failed to appear), no agreement was reached.

Ultimately, their client accepted an offer I had made two years earlier, before lawyers were involved, based on my own accurate research. By that point, we had spent over $50,000 each and endured 22 months of entirely avoidable litigation.

Our combined legal fees equated to roughly one-fifth of the asset pool, with this firm’s fees representing more than one-third of their client’s share. The cost of reaching agreement was excessive.

For nearly two years, they allowed their client to believe they were entitled to far more than a court would award. We came close to a final trial, a costly and stressful outcome we narrowly avoided.

Their conduct prolonged financial limbo and, in my view, enabled ongoing financial abuse. The court was aware of this.

It is unclear whether this reflects inexperience, an inability to manage difficult clients, or prioritisation of fees over resolution. Regardless, the outcome was the same: delay, cost and psychological distress.

If this firm represents you or your ex, expect prolonged timelines, significant legal costs, and repeated inaccuracies in correspondence and financials. I routinely had to pay my lawyer to correct their errors.

They operated on a deferred payment model, taking fees from their client’s settlement. This likely reduced their client’s awareness of escalating costs. In contrast, I paid regularly, making the financial impact of litigation immediate.

Following mediation, progress improved slightly (though settlement still took another five months), likely once the financial reality became clear they would not be paid appropriately for a final trial out of their clients realistic share of the asset pool.

Communication was consistently delayed, court ordered deadlines were never respected and responses were often almost always incomplete or incorrect.

Even post-settlement, finalisation of court-ordered matters was delayed by SIX months. I had to re-engage my lawyer just to obtain responses and ultimately complete required work myself to ensure compliance after this firm sent confirmation that proved their client lodged a highly questionable tax return, attempting to avoid paying CGT entirely, which was outside what was legally required.

I strongly recommend avoiding this firm. If they are acting for your ex, be prepared for an unnecessarily prolonged and costly process.
  
 
  
 
 
 Lucky Leonard 
 
28 April 2026
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Very professional and lovely to speak to, gave me confidence to move forward knowing they will support me all the way
  
 
  
 
 
 Kris Balfour 
 
31 March 2026