There's no easy way through a separation. Even when both of you know it's the right decision, it can leave you grieving, anxious about money and lying awake worrying about the children. If that's where you are, I want you to know you don't have to have all the answers today. I'm Elisa Rothschild, a family lawyer since 2012. My practice is in St Kilda, Melbourne, and because I'm admitted in Victoria and to the High Court of Australia I can act in family law matters right across Australia, including for people in Belconnen — from the town centre to Bruce, Kaleen, Holt, Charnwood and the newer streets out towards Strathnairn. We meet by video or phone, and I look after every matter personally from beginning to end.
Starting with the children
For most parents I speak with, the children come first — how they'll cope, where they'll live, and how to keep things steady at school and at home. The law starts from the same place: every parenting decision turns on what is in the children's best interests, including their safety and their relationship with each parent where that is safe.
If you and your former partner can agree on a parenting arrangement, you can record it in a parenting plan, or make it legally binding with consent orders. I'll help you think through the practical details that often get missed — school holidays, handovers, special occasions, how decisions get made — so the arrangement works for your family in real life. Consent orders for parenting only, or for property only, are a fixed $990 for Belconnen clients, or $1,490 for both, plus the $205 court fee.
Sorting out property and finances
Property settlement brings together everything you own and owe — the house or unit, savings, cars, super and debts — and considers what each of you contributed and what each of you will need. I'll help you work out what's fair, explain how the law approaches it, and make sure the financial disclosure on both sides is complete before anything is signed.
Belconnen has a mix of established family homes, townhouses and apartments around the town centre, and every property situation is different. Whether there's a lot of equity or very little, the steps are the same, and I'll explain each one. If you'd rather settle things by private agreement, a straightforward Binding Financial Agreement starts from $1,490, with complex agreements from $2,990 to $4,950. Each of you needs independent legal advice for a BFA, so I can only act for one of you.
Divorce, step by step
Once you've been separated for 12 months you can apply for divorce, either together or on your own, online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal. The court fee is $1,125, or $375 at the concession rate. My fixed fee for Belconnen clients is $750 for a joint application and $990 for a sole one. If there are children under 18 and you're applying on your own, the court may ask you to attend the hearing, usually by phone or video, and I'll prepare you for it.
It helps to remember that divorce and property are separate. Married couples generally have 12 months after the divorce takes effect to apply for property orders, and de facto couples generally have two years from separation, so it's wise to deal with property before those time limits arrive.
Lower fees for ACT clients, confirmed in writing
My fees for clients in the ACT are lower than my Victorian fees. I'd much rather you get good advice early than try to manage something this important on your own because of cost. After our free 30-minute consultation I'll confirm your fee in writing, before any work starts.
ACT matters that need a court hearing go through the Federal Circuit and Family Court's Canberra registry. If you're concerned about your safety, call 000 in an emergency or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for confidential support. Family violence orders are made by the ACT Magistrates Court, and I can help you understand how one fits with your family law matter.
Frequently asked questions — family law in Belconnen
Do I need a lawyer based in Belconnen?+
No. Family law is federal, so the same Family Law Act applies in the ACT and Victoria, and documents are filed online. I'm admitted in Victoria and to the High Court of Australia, which allows me to act in family law matters Australia-wide, and I work with Belconnen clients by video, phone and email.
What's the difference between a parenting plan and consent orders?+
A parenting plan is a written, signed agreement between parents. It's flexible, but it isn't enforceable. Consent orders are approved by the court and are legally binding. Many families start with a plan and move to consent orders when they want more certainty.
How much are consent orders for Belconnen clients?+
My fixed fee is $990 for property only or parenting only, and $1,490 for both, plus the $205 court filing fee. That's lower than my Victorian fees, and it's confirmed in writing after a free 30-minute consultation.
Can we sort things out without going to court?+
Very often, yes. If you can reach agreement, consent orders or a Binding Financial Agreement can finalise things without anyone appearing in court. Consent orders are decided by a registrar on the papers.
We were never married. Does family law still apply?+
Yes. De facto couples in the ACT are covered by the federal Family Law Act for property and parenting matters, in much the same way as married couples. The time limit for de facto property claims is generally two years from separation.
Family law help for Belconnen, whatever you're facing
Whatever stage you're at, you don't have to work it out on your own. Here's how I help Belconnen families — calmly, honestly, and always on your side.
Divorce lawyer in Belconnen
From the divorce application itself through to dividing property and sorting arrangements for the children — handled one calm step at a time, in plain English. See how I help with divorce →
Child custody & parenting lawyer in Belconnen
Where the children live, time with each parent, and how the big decisions get made — always guided by what's genuinely best for them, never point-scoring. Parenting & children's issues →
Property settlement lawyer in Belconnen
Dividing the home, superannuation, savings and debts fairly, with as little conflict as possible. How property settlement works → · What a family lawyer costs →
Reviewed by Elisa Rothschild BA/LLB — Principal Lawyer, Fogarty Oliver Rothschild. Last reviewed 2026-05-28.