Family and Estate Lawyers in Brisbane

Families face tough times, and Melrose Keys Lawyers is here to make them easier. As trusted Brisbane family lawyers with deep experience in family law, wills and estates, we walk beside you through life’s legal hurdles with genuine care, helping you find calm, clarity and a fresh start.

2025

Recognised as a Winner of the Inside Family Law Awards

Proud partner of

Melissa Paet Solicitor | MK-Law

Our Awards

ASSISTED OVER 10,000 CLIENTS

Brisbane's Leading Family and Estate Lawyers

Recognised as a winner of the Inside Family Law Awards, Melrose Keys Lawyers brings three decades of proven professionalism across family law, wills and estate planning, and commercial law. Our clients confirm this reliability with a consistent 4.9-star average from over 50 five-star Google reviews, which you can read in our testimonials. We proudly serve Kenmore, Indooroopilly and the wider Brisbane West region, with balanced, practical advice for families and businesses alike.

What Our Clients Say About Us

Brisbane West Family Lawyers

Melrose Keys is a firm of experienced, grounded, and knowledgeable lawyers in Brisbane. We’re based in the Brisbane West suburb of Kenmore and provide expert legal services to all surrounding suburbs.

As Brisbane family lawyers, Melrose Keys can travel to you to minimise any added stress. We also offer flexible meeting times, including after-hours options for those who cannot organise a meeting within business hours. 

Over time, the Family Law Act has been amended to reflect changing societal views and better protect children’s rights.

About Melrose Keys

Melrose Keys Lawyers offers experienced, personal service across Brisbane West. Based in Kenmore, we assist with a wide range of matters, including family law and divorce, and wills and estate administration, under the guidance of our director, Hayder Shkara.

We know not everyone can afford high-end legal fees, so we charge fair and reasonable rates without compromising quality. As a boutique law firm in Brisbane, our goal is to give clients clear, fair pricing, because everyone has the right to legal representation.

Our lawyers bring experience from large city firms and major public entities, and now apply it in a boutique practice. That means high-quality representation for families and estate clients without the usual high fees. Meet the full team.

Hayder Shkara

Director

Hayder has vast experience in family law, including financial and property settlements, divorce, custody matters, wills and estate, consent orders, and binding financial agreements.

Brianna Finnegan

Associate

Before moving into family law, she spent several years as a Federal Prosecutor with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, working closely with the Australian Federal Police and State police on serious and complex matters, including financial crime and other sensitive investigations.

Melissa Paet

Solicitor

Solicitor admitted in both New Zealand and Queensland, specializing in Wills, Estates, and Family Law, with a strong passion for Trans-Tasman legal practice.

Karly Muller

Solicitor

Karly graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 2021 and completed her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) with the College of Law in 2022. Shortly after she was admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court of NSW and also the High Court of Australia. 

Katherine Siotos

Associate

Katherine Siotos is the kind of lawyer clients remember—for all the right reasons. Warm, clear, and easy to talk to, she combines deep expertise in Family Law with a refreshingly human approach. Whether navigating property settlements, parenting arrangements, or divorce proceedings, Katherine brings calm, clarity, and confidence to every conversation.

Tait Hutchinson

Solicitor

Associate with a strong interest in Family Law, providing professional and empathetic support through legal research, court documentation, and case management.

Christine Fagan

Receptionist

Experienced legal professional (20+ years) specializing in Wills, estates, and safe custody document management, currently serving as a dedicated receptionist.

Why choose Melrose Keys Lawyers?

Our lawyers have worked in big firms and major public entities, and we understand the importance of professionalism and discretion. We aim to lessen stress throughout your legal matter and, where possible, settle outside court. At Melrose Keys Lawyers, you receive high-quality, personalised service from affordable family and estate lawyers in Brisbane.

We’re upfront about costs from day one. By working to resolve matters through negotiation and mediation rather than court, we help you save on hearing fees and avoid drawn-out timelines.

As a boutique Brisbane law firm, we give every client personalised attention. Our lawyers work closely with you to understand your circumstances, so the advice on your child custody, property or estate matter is tailored to you.

Many clients come to us during one of the hardest times of their lives. Our team is caring in every interaction, including sensitive matters involving domestic violence, so you feel supported throughout your case.

Our lawyers have extensive experience in family law, wills and estates. That depth of knowledge lets us build intelligent legal strategies that protect you long-term.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Costs depend on the complexity of your matter and whether it settles through negotiation or goes to court. At Melrose Keys Lawyers, we are upfront about fees from your first consultation and aim to resolve matters out of court where possible to keep costs down. Book a consultation for a clear idea of your options.

Our office is in Kenmore, serving Brisbane West and surrounding suburbs. We also offer phone and video consultations, plus after-hours appointments. Contact us to arrange a time.

Yes. You can book an initial consultation to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. We guide you through every step with clarity and confidence.

As a boutique law firm, we focus on personalised service, fair pricing, and reducing stress during legal matters. You get direct access to our experienced lawyers and a supportive approach.

Bring all relevant agreements, court orders, financial statements, and correspondence. Having these ready ensures we can provide thorough and accurate advice.

Yes. We support you through mediation and dispute resolution for parenting, property, and other family law matters, helping you reach agreements without court whenever possible.

Absolutely. We can draft, review, and advise on binding financial agreements to protect your assets and interests.

Timing depends on the complexity of your legal matter. Some cases resolve in weeks through negotiation or mediation, while more complex matters may take longer.

Yes. We offer flexible remote consultations via phone or video call to suit your schedule and make accessing legal support easier.

You are not legally required to use a lawyer, but a poorly prepared will can cause disputes and delays for your family. Our wills and estate planning team can prepare a will that reflects your wishes and is valid under Queensland law.

Melrose Keys Lawyers is a proud partner of Friends with Dignity, supporting adults and children escaping domestic violence. As part of the Justice Network, we're helping raise funds and awareness for this vital cause.

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