Learn more about our family law practice
About Us - TEST
At Inca Lawyers, we provide dedicated and compassionate legal support in all areas of family law, helping clients navigate some of life’s most challenging transitions with clarity and confidence. Led by Principal Solicitor Silvana Santos, our practice is focused on delivering practical advice, personalised strategies, and strong representation across matters including divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlements, and financial agreements.
We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, ensuring you feel heard, supported, and informed at every stage. Whether resolving matters through negotiation or advocating firmly in court, our goal is to achieve outcomes that protect your interests and help you move forward with stability and peace of mind.
Our Approach to Family Law
At Inca Lawyers, we take a considered and strategic approach to family law, combining legal expertise with genuine care for our clients’ wellbeing. We understand that no two matters are the same. That’s why we take the time to listen carefully, understand your circumstances, and identify what matters most to you—whether that’s protecting your children, securing your financial future, or resolving matters as efficiently as possible.
Our approach is focused on clarity and practicality. We provide straightforward, easy-to-understand advice so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Wherever possible, we aim to resolve matters through negotiation or mediation to minimise stress, cost, and disruption. However, when court proceedings are necessary, we provide strong, strategic representation to protect your interests and achieve the best possible outcome.
Throughout the process, we remain committed to professionalism, transparency, and clear communication—ensuring you feel supported and informed every step of the way.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a trusted family law firm recognised for excellence, empathy and integrity. We strive to set a standard for compassionate advocacy, where clients feel heard, supported and confident in their future. We believe family law is not only about outcomes, but about helping people achieve secure and positive new beginnings.
Our Mission
Our mission is to guide clients through family law matters with compassion, clarity and strength. We deliver practical, high‑quality legal advice while supporting clients through significant life transitions. At Inca Lawyers, we aim to resolve matters in a way that protects dignity, promotes stability and empowers our clients to move forward with confidence.
Core Values
We are guided by compassion, excellence and integrity in everything we do. We provide clear and practical advice so our clients understand their options and feel confident in the decisions they make. Our approach is client‑centred, with strategies tailored to each individual’s circumstances and long‑term wellbeing. Above all, we are committed to helping our clients move forward, recognising that every ending can be the beginning of something new.
Our Team
Silvana Santos
Principal Solicitor & Legal Director Silvana Santos is the Principal Solicitor and founder of Inca Lawyers, with extensive experience in all aspects of family law. She is known for providing clear, strategic advice and strong, practical representation in matters including divorce, parenting disputes and property settlements. With experience gained in both boutique and national firms, Silvana brings particular depth in complex parenting and property matters. She is recognised for combining strategic expertise with a compassionate, client‑centred approach, ensuring each client receives advice tailored to their individual circumstances. Silvana adopts a pragmatic, results‑focused approach, emphasising efficient dispute resolution while protecting her clients’ long‑term interests. She is committed to guiding clients through challenging periods with clarity and confidence, helping them achieve fair and practical outcomes. Silvana acts for clients across Australia.
Cristina Passos
Cristina Passos is a highly experienced family lawyer with over 27 years of practice across Australia, New Zealand and Brazil. She is known for her compassionate and thoughtful approach, combined with clear, practical and strategic legal advice. Cristina brings significant experience across all areas of family law, including parenting matters, property settlements, separation and divorce, family violence and cross‑jurisdictional cases. She adopts a collaborative and client‑centred approach, guiding clients through complex situations with clarity and confidence. Cristina is committed to achieving fair, practical and lasting outcomes while supporting clients through significant life transitions with dignity and care. Cristina also serves as a Community Visitor with the Office of the Public Advocate, supporting people with disabilities and their families. Cristina offers consultations in both English and Portuguese.
Association & Membership
Speak with a Property Settlement Lawyer Across Melbourne and Australia
If you are going through a separation and need clarity on your financial position, early legal advice is essential.
At Inca Lawyers, we support clients across Melbourne and Australia with strategic, practical solutions for property settlements.