HITCHENS LEGAL

Practical and understanding criminal and family lawyers in Melbourne

Providing legal services with clear pricing and a personal approach.

At Hitchens Legal, we provide family and criminal law services, and legal support for people and families across Melbourne. Our approach provides clarity and helps you better navigate the legal process.

★★★★★ 5.0

Google Reviews

Free 30-Minute Call

First phone call consultation

Fixed Fee

Pricing on Most Matters

18 Years

Legal Experience

Criminal and Family Law help that feels clear, calm and human

Legal matters can feel stressful when you are unsure where to start. Hitchens Legal understands the emotional toll on families and are here to make the process easier to understand and less intimidating.

If you need help with separation and divorce, family law, or criminal matters, you can expect honest advice in plain English, and a more approachable legal experience.

Get in Touch

Many people delay getting legal advice because they assume it will be complicated, expensive, or overwhelming. At Hitchens Legal, we do things a little differently. Most of our services are offered on a fixed fee basis, giving you understanding of costs from the start. We believe good legal service should feel accessible, practical, and grounded in real life. Especially in relation to family matters.

You do not need to be involved in a major dispute or be a high-net-worth client to get quality legal advice from experienced family lawyers. We work with everyday people, families planning ahead, individuals dealing with important life decisions, and those needing legal support without unnecessary complexity. Our role is to explain your options, guide you through the process, and help you make informed decisions with less stress.

Call us today, or schedule a free 30 minute phone consultation.

Rachael Hitchens

FAMILY LAW AND CRIMINAL LAW

Our Legal Services

We provide practical legal support across a range of family law, criminal law, and related matters, with expert advice to help you take the best action for your circumstances. And reach fair outcomes for all involved.

Family Violence

Supportive and practical legal advice for people dealing with family violence and needing help to understand their legal options quickly.

Intervention Orders

Assistance with applying for, responding to, or understanding intervention orders and the legal implications involved.

Divorce and Separation

Legal guidance to help you navigate divorce and separation while understanding your rights, responsibilities, and next steps.

Parenting and Children

Practical advice and support for parenting arrangements, children’s matters, and decisions focused on the best interests of your child.

Property Settlements

Advice on dividing property, assets, and financial interests after separation so you can work toward a fair and sensible outcome.

Binding Financial Agreements

Preparation and advice for binding financial agreements to protect your interests and clarify financial arrangements.

Spousal Maintenance

Guidance on spousal maintenance, including whether financial support may be payable or available after separation.

Criminal Law

Practical legal support for criminal law matters, providing clear advice and representation to protect your interests.

Traffic Offences

Straightforward legal advice and representation for traffic offences, including matters that may affect your licence, record, or future.

LEGAL COSTS

Fixed fees and clear expectations

One of the most common concerns people have about seeing a lawyer is uncertainty around cost. At Hitchens Legal, we believe pricing should be up front and transparent wherever possible. Most of our services are offered on a fixed fee basis, so you know where you stand before work begins.

If your matter is more complex, unusual, or likely to involve litigation, we will explain that openly and discuss the pricing structure with you before moving ahead. Clear expectations matter. We want you to feel informed, comfortable asking questions, and confident about the process from the beginning.

PRINCIPAL LAWYER

About Rachael Hitchens

Rachael Hitchens is an experienced criminal and family lawyer known for her practical approach, easy communication, and commitment to making legal advice feel more accessible. She works with clients who want straightforward guidance and a lawyer who shows empathy and explains things properly. For 15 years Rachael worked as a police prosecutor gaining insights into this side of the law.

Her style is calm, honest, and solutions focused. Rather than making legal matters feel more daunting, Rachael helps clients understand where they stand, what their options are, and what to do next.

18

Over 18 years’ experience in law, advocacy and prosecution.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 8 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   S Ghattas 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rachael is a Highly Recommended lawyer, Professional, Prompt and Punctual. I can’t recommend her enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tanya Hanson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rachael is so easy to talk too, she always responded to phone calls and emails related to my patenting plan. I would highly recommend Rachael.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ashleigh Bertos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I felt truly cared for by Rachael she was so supportive, approachable, and always explained things clearly. Her professionalism, kindness, and dedication made a difficult time so much easier to manage. I’m very happy with the outcome and truly grateful for her help. Rachael made a really tough time so much easier, Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rachel Cucinotta 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rachael at Hitchens Legal provided insightful and valuable advice that made all the difference in my situation. She combined deep legal knowledge with genuine care, ensuring I felt supported every step of the way. Her warm, professional approach made the process far less daunting, and I couldn’t recommend her highly enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Colin Larkin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hitchens Legal supported me through a really rough divorce.  All though it was drawn out over a long period of time Hitchens Legal were all over both the financial and parental issues the whole time. Racheals professional approach was exactly what I personally needed in what was an emotional time.  I always recived the right advice to help me achieve the out come that I wanted. Thanks to Rachel and Hitchens Legal I got my desired outcome of more time with my children which is priceless. I highly recommend Hitchens Legal from personal experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kate Ford 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend! Rachel's service is impeccable, handled professionally not only with clarity but also warmth whilst I was going through everything.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anthony Huynh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rachel is a professional family lawyer who has given great advice on one of my loved ones situations. She has my highest recommendation!

Experienced Legal Advice

Why choose Hitchens Legal as your legal representation in Melbourne

Choosing a lawyer is about more than legal knowledge. It is about working with someone who listens, communicates clearly, and helps you on your legal journey. At Hitchens Legal, we focus on giving clients experienced advice, honest communication, and a service that feels personal rather than intimidating. Why clients choose us:

Practical legal advice in plain English

Fixed pricing for most services

A personal and approachable service

Support for everyday people and families

Clear communication at every stage

A focus on real outcomes, not unnecessary legal jargon or drawn out legal battles

Who we help

We work with and help a range of clients across Melbourne who need practical and affordable legal support. Whatever your situation, we aim to make the legal process feel more manageable, and less overwhelming.

You may be:

Unsure what type of legal help you need in a criminal matter.
Needing an intervention order to protect you and your children
Served with an intervention order.
Facing a court appearance for a traffic matter.
Dealing with a separation, divorce, child custody or other family law issue.

Areas we service across Melbourne

Hitchens Legal assists clients across Melbourne’s northern, eastern and inner suburbs including but not limited to:

Who we help

You may be:

Unsure what type of legal help you need in a criminal matter.
Needing an intervention order to protect you and your children
Served with an intervention order.
Facing a court appearance for a traffic matter.
Dealing with a separation, divorce, child custody or other family law issue.

Areas we service across Melbourne

Hitchens Legal assists clients across Melbourne’s northern, eastern and inner suburbs including but not limited to:

CLEAR LEGAL STEPS

How Our Process works

Our process is designed to be simple, clear, and supportive from the first conversation. Urgent matters relating to recovery orders for children, or family violence intervention orders require a faster process that Hitchens Legal can advise you on.

Get in touch

Contact us by phone, email, or through the website and let us know a little about your matter. If you are not quite sure what service you need, that is completely fine.

We listen and understand your situation

We take the time to understand what is happening, what you need help with, and what outcome you are hoping to achieve. The first one hour consultation is free.

Providing clear advice and pricing

Hitchens Legal will explain your options and where possible, provide fixed fee pricing so you know what to expect.

We help you negotiate and resolve disputes

Once you are ready, we guide you through the next steps with legal advice and planning, clear communication, and ongoing support. We help represent you in mediation and out of court settlements.

Legal counsel and court representation

We prepare legal documentation and arrange legal representation for you in court if necessary.

Implementation and finalisation

Ensuring all financial agreements, payments, property transfers, court orders and parenting arrangements are in place and carried out. Legal documentation is finalised and the case is closed.

A more reassuring legal experience

When people seek legal advice, they are often already dealing with stress, uncertainty, or an important decision. The right support can make a significant difference.

At Hitchens Legal, we aim to provide a service that feels calm, responsive, and helpful from beginning to end. You can expect:

Clear explanations without legal jargon

Honest and practical advice

Prompt and professional communication

A more personal and approachable experience

Support that helps reduce stress rather than add to it

Frequently asked questions about our legal services

CLEAR LEGAL STEPS

Do you offer fixed fee legal services?

Yes. Most services are offered on a fixed fee basis. If a matter falls outside standard fixed fee work, we will explain the pricing clearly before any work begins.

What happens in the free consultation?

In the initial free consultation, Rachael gets an understanding of your situation by asking questions and identifying the core issues and needs. You can also ask questions and gain some understanding of what to do next. Rachael will give you an outline of what Hitchens Legal can do to help and if you will be a good fit.

What types of legal matters do you help with?

We assist with a wide range of criminal matters and family law matters relating to divorce and separation.

Do I need to know exactly what legal service I need before contacting you?

No. Many clients are unsure at first. You are welcome to get in touch, and we can help guide you to the right next step.

Can you help clients across Melbourne?

Our focus is helping clients in the northern, and inner suburbs of Melbourne. However, we welcome enquiries from a range of suburbs and surrounding areas.

Need legal advice you can actually understand?

When family law, family violence and criminal law issues overlap, the right advice early can make a significant difference.

If you are looking for a lawyer who is approachable, practical, and clear about costs, Hitchens Legal is here to help. Whether your matter is straightforward or you are not sure where to begin, the first step is simply getting in touch.

Contact Hitchens Legal today to discuss your situation and take the next step with greater clarity and confidence. Book a free 30 minute phone consultation, or call us today.