Hilton Family Law is a specialised boutique firm in Melbourne providing clear, compassionate and highly personalised legal guidance. Practising exclusively in family and relationship law, we help individuals and families navigate life’s most challenging transitions with dignity, respect and strategic clarity.
Our Team
Shannon Hilton
Shannon is a Family Lawyer with almost 20 years of experience. Renowned for her empathy, skilled negotiation, and strong technical expertise, she assists clients across the full spectrum of family law matters, from straightforward parenting and property matters to complex financial settlements, trust disputes, and high-value asset cases.
Shannon provides strategic, practical advice tailored to each client's circumstances. She understands that the breakdown of a relationship is one of life's most stressful challenges, and her reputation is built on delivering clear, pragmatic guidance while acting as a resolute advocate for her clients.
Managing Director
Claire Cunnington
Claire is a highly experienced Accredited Family Law Specialist with over a decade of dedicated practice alongside Shannon. Widely recognised for her compassionate and constructive approach, she helps clients navigate their separation with dignity while achieving excellent results.
She has expertise in intricate financial portfolios, parenting and custody arrangements, and Western Australian (WA) family law matters.
Partner (joining soon)
Dora brings a powerful combination of operational leadership and financial expertise to her role as Practice Manager at Hilton Family Law. With extensive experience managing the complex financial landscapes of legal practices, Dora ensures the firm runs with absolute efficiency, precision, and stability.
Her deep understanding of trust accounting, strategic budgeting, and legal financial compliance allows our legal team to focus entirely on what they do best: advocating for our clients. Dora is passionate about creating a seamless, supportive environment for both our staff and the families we represent.
Practice Manager (joining soon)
Dora Smirnis
Bridget was recently admitted to the legal profession after completing her Bachelor of Arts and Laws with Honours from the University of Tasmania. Drawing on her extensive experience with Tasmania Legal Aid, she is deeply passionate about supporting vulnerable clients and has contributed to successful resolutions in complex parenting, family violence, and property matters.
She combines robust procedural knowledge with genuine empathy to help clients secure stable, long-term outcomes. Bridget ensures that those she represents feel heard, supported, and fiercely advocated for at every stage of the legal process.
Lawyer (joining soon)
Bridget Haydon
Testimonials
‘I was recommended to meet Shannon three years ago by a close friend. I can honestly say the best decision I have made was to engage her to take me through the process of my divorce.
She was kind and supportive and gave me options so I always felt like I was on top of all situations that arose.
Some days there were tears and some days there was laughter but at every point there was an amazing understanding across the whole brief regarding every element.
I cannot thank Shannon enough for her kindness and total focus it gave me not only a great outcome but the confidence that we had done everything to prepare for the court trial.
Thank you Shannon, our family will be forever thankful for your great advice and support.’
Louise
‘During a time of family crisis surrounding addiction and abuse by my ex-partner, Shannon and her team guided me with a steady hand through a very difficult custody process. I feel I was constantly aware of the best plan to progress my situation and the safety of myself and my children. Shannon confidentially and calmly laid out all of my options at every point in the journey. By the end of the process, I feel I received a fair conclusion. I highly recommend Shannon, she is willing to tackle tough challenges with the utmost professionalism.’
PaulBeing in the unfortunate circumstance of requiring legal assistance, and initially hiring someone, I soon realised that my concerns that this will not be a “run of the mill” case were not being taken seriously.
The decision to change my legal representation was not done lightly, but from the moment I met and commenced with Shannon and her team I knew I had made the right decision.
During my long arduous and complex case of nearly 2 years, requiring family, business and family violence representation, Shannon Hilton’s understanding, guidance, knowledge, diligence, for the task at hand was second to none. Shannon and her team, had their “fingers on the pulse” every step of the way. Their dedication and expertise ensured thorough and timely execution of all matters when they arose.
I have no doubt I would not be in the financially (and possibly emotionally) stable and independent position I am today if not for the care, wisdom and professionalism on all levels by Shannon leading her amazing team.
Rebecca ‘Over the last decade, Shannon has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Shannon has cultivated a reputation for having exceptional knowledge whilst maintaining a personalised approach to client care which is truly admirable. Shannon’s extensive experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of complex legal matters, enabling the provision of insightful guidance and strategic solutions. Shannon demonstrates genuine empathy which fosters trust and confidence throughout such a significant time in our clients’ lives.
In my opinion, Shannon is outstanding legal professional to whom I would refer all my clients.’
Rodney, Financial Planner
‘I met Shannon under circumstances I am sure no one anticipates they will ever have to encounter. My separation was, by far, the most distressing and uncertain time of my life. I was referred by a colleague who also had a positive experience with Shannon. After meeting a few other legal firms, I decided to engage Shannon’s services based on her pragmatism, fairness and her ability to connect personally and to tailor her advice.
A protracted settlement ensued, due to dealing with a very chaotic third party where no part of the process was a straightforward one. Shannon remained steadfast through some very irrational negotiations. I have been working as a professional myself and was able at times, to allow Shannon and her team to take leadership of legal proceedings at a time when I couldn’t afford to engage. I felt Shannon was mindful of my financial costs and gave this consideration throughout the proceedings. I think this speaks volumes for her professional integrity and personal respect for the human experience in these situations.’
Kate
I wanted to take the opportunity to offer my most sincere thanks to you and the entire team for everything you did for me and the boys.
From mediations to hearings, the interim hearing, through to final orders, the complexity of this matter was handled with such professionalism and genuine empathy. Having that level of advocacy from Claire across the past three years, and from yourself throughout 2025, made a real difference to me and I will not forget it.
We are hopeful that things settle down. But should I, or anyone I know, ever need representation, I know exactly where to find it.
Thank you 🙏
Belle
Just a note to say thank you for the excellent way in which you handled the negotiations at my son’s mediation.
It was a pleasant and friendly experience and you made us feel most relaxed during the mediation process.
Maurice