When you live on the North-West Coast, or further out on the West Coast or in Circular Head, getting legal help can feel a long way off — sometimes literally a couple of hours' drive. And when you're already coping with the end of a relationship, the last thing you need is another obstacle. I want to make this part easier. I'm Elisa Rothschild, a family lawyer since 2012, based in St Kilda, Melbourne. I'm admitted in Victoria and to the High Court of Australia, which allows me to act in family law matters anywhere in Australia, and I work with people in Burnie, Wynyard, Somerset, Penguin, Smithton and the West Coast towns by video, phone and email. I handle every matter myself, so you'll always know who you're dealing with.
Distance shouldn't stand between you and good advice
Family law is federal: the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) applies on the North-West Coast just as it does anywhere else in Australia, and it covers de facto couples as well as married couples. Divorce applications and consent orders are filed online with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, so where you live doesn't decide whether you can get help.
We can talk by video or phone at a time that suits you, including if you work long or irregular hours. Documents can be signed and witnessed locally by a JP or another approved witness. If a hearing is ever needed, I'll explain which registry will deal with it and appear by video link where the court permits.
Long hours, rosters and parenting arrangements
Work in this part of Tasmania often means shifts, long hours or time away — in mining, manufacturing, farming, health care and transport. Parenting arrangements need to reflect that reality, while keeping the focus where the law puts it: on the children's best interests.
I'll help you design arrangements that work around rosters and travel, with clear rules for notice and changes, so the children know what to expect. When you've agreed, consent orders make the arrangement legally binding. My fixed fee for Burnie clients is $990 for parenting only or property only, and $1,490 for both, plus the $205 court filing fee.
Property, divorce and time limits
Property settlement looks at everything you own and owe, what each of you contributed, and what each of you will need. That might include a home, a block of land, a boat, a work vehicle, business assets or super. If you prefer a 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 advice.
You can apply for divorce after 12 months of separation, together or on your own. The court fee is $1,125, or $375 at the concession rate, and my fixed fee for Burnie clients is $750 for a joint application and $990 for a sole one. Married couples generally have 12 months after the divorce takes effect to apply for property orders, and de facto couples generally two years from separation.
Lower fees for Tasmanian clients
My fees for Tasmanian clients are lower than my Victorian fees. Regional households have enough extra costs already, and I don't want anyone to go without advice because of the price. Your fee is confirmed in writing after our free 30-minute consultation, before any work starts.
If you don't feel safe, please reach out now. Call 000 in an emergency, or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for confidential support at any hour. Family violence orders in Tasmania are made by the Magistrates Court of Tasmania under Tasmanian law, and I can help you understand how one fits with your family law matter.
Frequently asked questions — family law in Burnie
I live on the West Coast. Can you still help me?+
Yes. I work with clients anywhere in Tasmania by video, phone and email. Agreed matters are filed online and decided on the papers, and documents can be witnessed locally, so you don't need to travel to Burnie, Launceston or Hobart.
Can a parenting arrangement work around a mining or shift roster?+
Yes. Parenting orders can be built around a roster — for example, time with the children during days off — with clear notice and swap arrangements, as long as the arrangement is in the children's best interests.
How much do consent orders cost for Burnie clients?+
My fixed fee is $990 for property only or parenting only, and $1,490 for both, plus the $205 court fee. That's lower than my Victorian fees and confirmed in writing after a free 30-minute consultation.
Can I get a divorce without going to court?+
Often, yes. Joint applications, and sole applications where there are no children under 18, generally don't require you to attend. Where a sole applicant has children under 18, the court may require attendance, usually by phone or video, and I'll prepare you for it.
What happens in the free 30-minute consultation?+
We talk about your situation and what you're most worried about. I'll give you an honest picture of your options, next steps and likely cost, by video or phone. It's confidential and there's no obligation.
Family law help for Burnie, 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 Burnie families — calmly, honestly, and always on your side.
Divorce lawyer in Burnie
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 Burnie
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 Burnie
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.