Ian Fieldhouse

Meet Ian

Ian has over a decade of professional experience dedicated to family law matters including divorce, property settlements, and parenting arrangements.  Ian’s career in law began after making the major switch from a career as an aerospace engineer which spanned twenty years and include roles as an aircraft structures engineer and software developer. To make the switch, Ian completed a Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) at Monash University.

Attending Monash Law Chambers, located in Melbourne’s legal precinct, enriched Ian with both technical rigor and legal insight, a combination now vital in complex property and financial dispute resolution. As a result, Ian approaches complex property disputes with structured, analytical precision capable of unpacking business interests, trusts, and high‑value asset portfolios.

With a strong community focus, Ian’s commitment goes beyond private practice. He has volunteered for many years at a community legal centre providing free legal advice to disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals facing family breakdowns.  This has emphasised to Ian that resolving family law issues quickly and at minimal expense is key to a client’s wellbeing.

Ian grew up in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, not far from Chadstone Shopping Centre and continues to live in this part of Melbourne.  Ties to family who have lived on the Bellarine Peninsula and Mornington Peninsula mean he is also very familiar with these areas, including Ocean Grove, Geelong, Barwon Heads, Dromana, Sorrento and Rosebud.  Ian regularly acts for local clients and has a range of clients who live either interstate or overseas.

When not working, Ian loves nothing better than getting out of the city to bushwalk and cross-country ski in some of the remotest parts of the country. He particularly enjoys being outside of phone range. He is also a passionate landscape photographer and will spend hours looking for the right shot of an interesting waterfall.

Ian’s approach to family law is centred on compassion and personalised guidance. He prioritises early resolution through negotiation or mediation as a way to reduce cost and emotional burden. Clients commend him for helping them feel heard, empowered and supported through challenging decisions such as property division or parenting time arrangements.

Ian’s distinctive combination of technical precision, family law experience in Melbourne and beyond, and embedded community commitment ensures he delivers practical, empathetic legal support focused on long‑term stability and reduced stress.