Learn more about our family law practice
About Us
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.

Andreza Green
Andreza Green is currently a law student at Flinders University in South Australia with a strong interest in family law and social justice. As an intern, Andreza is developing practical experience across a range of legal matters while building a foundation in client communication and legal research.
Known for a compassionate and approachable personality, Andreza is committed to supporting clients with professionalism, empathy and cultural understanding. Being fluent in both English and Portuguese, Andreza values clear communication and strives to make clients feel informed and supported throughout the legal process.
Alongside academic studies, Andreza is passionate about developing her practical legal skills and contributing positively to the community.
Association & Membership
What Our Clients Say
Posted on Google Ricky AbadTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Inca lawyers in paeticular Silvana was very caring and a true progessional in terms of me seeking some legal advice. She took her time and explained in details issiuses im.facing. i would deginately recommend her if you are looking for legal support. Well done silvana happy to contact you in future if a situation arises.Posted on Google Claudiana ArteiroTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Silvana is an incredibly caring lawyer who supports people through some of the most difficult moments in their lives. She helps you understand how the system works and works with you to identify goals that protect both your legal interests and your emotional wellbeing.Posted on Google Andre MassuhTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience working with this lawyer. From the very beginning, they were professional, attentive, and genuinely committed to helping me achieve the best possible outcome. They took the time to clearly explain every step of the process, which made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. What stood out most was their responsiveness and attention to detail. No question felt too small, and I always felt informed and supported throughout. Their expertise and strategic thinking were evident, and it gave me a great deal of confidence in my case. I’m truly grateful for their dedication and would not hesitate to recommend their services to anyone in need of reliable and knowledgeable legal support.Posted on Google JenDan NguyenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding support and professionalism provided by Silvana Santos during my divorce process. From the very beginning, she demonstrated not only deep legal expertise but also genuine compassion and understanding during what was a very difficult time in my life. Silvana was always clear, honest, and strategic in her advice, ensuring that I fully understood every step of the process. Her attention to detail and strong advocacy gave me confidence and peace of mind, knowing that my case was in capable hands. What truly sets Silvana apart is her ability to balance professionalism with empathy. She listened carefully, respected my concerns, and consistently worked toward achieving the best possible outcome for me. I highly recommend Silvana Santos to anyone in need of a dedicated, knowledgeable, and trustworthy divorce lawyer. Her support made a challenging situation much more manageable, and I am truly thankful for everything she has done for me. Thank you so much Silvana ❤️ From: Jenny NguyenPosted on Google Elton PalmieriTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Silvana was outstanding. She explained everything clearly, responded quickly to my questions, and handled my matter with great professionalism. I truly appreciate her support and would highly recommend her to anyone needing legal assistance.Posted on Google jesse truswellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. There’s only one lawyer I use and Thats Silvana, brutally honest and you feel like Silvana represent you to the moment the case is closed. Hard worker and her hearts with you. Number onePosted on Google Lucyane OliveiraTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Silvana highly enough. From the very first interaction, she showed genuine compassion, patience, and understanding during an incredibly difficult time for me. Silvana explained everything clearly, never made me feel rushed, and always treated me with respect and kindness. It was obvious she truly cared, not just about the legal process but about me as a person. Having a lawyer as calm, knowledgeable and supportive as Silvana made a world of difference, and I am deeply grateful for her guidance.Posted on Google Stephanie CreacoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have had an all round excellent experience with Silvana as my lawyer. She is very knowledgeable about the law and is prompt in her responses and strategy. What truly sets her apart from the rest is she also has a high level of emotional intelligence when dealing with her clients and shows kindness and compassion at the appropriate times. I feel confident and empowered in regards to Silvana representing me in what has been one of the toughest experiences of my life. Thank you for everything you have done for my case Silvana. Appreciate you 🙏❤️Posted on Google Elizangela MarotoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience with Silvana. She is extremely professional, knowledgeable, and truly cares about her clients. Throughout the entire process, she was patient, supportive, and always took the time to explain everything clearly.Posted on Google Lilian ChanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Silvana is absolutely amazing! She is not only highly professional but also genuinely cares about her clients, we even became good friends. I’m so grateful for her support and would highly recommend her to anyone needing legal assistance.
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.