If you're separating and money is tight, it's easy to feel that proper legal advice just isn't for you. Maybe you're already juggling rent, school costs and work, and the thought of legal fees on top is frightening. Please don't let that stop you from at least having a conversation. 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 throughout Australia, and I work with people in Glenorchy and Hobart's northern suburbs — Moonah, Derwent Park, Montrose, Rosetta, Claremont, Austins Ferry and out to Bridgewater — by video, phone and email. My fees are fixed and confirmed upfront, and I handle every matter myself.
Fixed, lower fees — so you know where you stand
My fees for Tasmanian clients are lower than my Victorian fees, and they're fixed, so there's no meter running every time you have a question. Divorce is $750 for a joint application or $990 for a sole one. Consent orders are $990 for property only or parenting only, and $1,490 for both. A straightforward Binding Financial Agreement starts from $1,490, with complex agreements from $2,990 to $4,950. Court fees are separate: $1,125 for divorce ($375 at the concession rate) and $205 for consent orders.
Your fee is confirmed in writing after our free 30-minute consultation, before any work starts. If you're eligible for the court's reduced divorce fee — for example because you hold certain concession cards or are experiencing financial hardship — I'll help you apply for it. And if Legal Aid Tasmania or a community legal centre would suit your situation better, I'll tell you honestly.
Putting the children first
When parents separate, children need stability more than anything — the same school, familiar routines, and time with the people who love them. The law asks what is in the children's best interests, including their safety and their relationships with each parent where that is safe.
If you've reached an agreement, I'll help you put it into a parenting plan or make it binding with consent orders, filed online without anyone going to court. If you haven't agreed yet, I'll explain the options, including family dispute resolution, which most parents need to try before applying to court for parenting orders, unless an exception such as family violence applies.
Divorce and property, explained simply
You can apply for divorce after 12 months of separation, together or on your own, online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal. Divorce ends the marriage but doesn't divide property, which is a separate step. Even if there isn't much to divide, it's often wise to formalise who keeps what and who is responsible for which debts, so neither of you is caught out later.
There are time limits: 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. Federal family law applies to de facto couples in Tasmania in much the same way as married couples.
Your safety comes first
If you're afraid of your partner or former partner, please put your safety first. 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 a family violence order fits alongside parenting and property arrangements.
Tasmanian family law matters that need a hearing go through the Federal Circuit and Family Court, which has a registry in Hobart. I appear by video link where the court permits, or in person where the matter requires it.
Frequently asked questions — family law in Glenorchy
I can't afford a big legal bill. Can you still help?+
My fees for Tasmanian clients are fixed and lower than my Victorian fees: divorce from $750, consent orders from $990. The first 30 minutes are free, and your fee is confirmed in writing before any work starts. If Legal Aid Tasmania or a community legal centre would suit you better, I'll say so.
Can I get a reduced court fee for my divorce?+
Possibly. The court's divorce filing fee is $1,125, or $375 at the reduced rate if you hold certain government concession cards or can show financial hardship. I'll help you check whether you're eligible.
Do we have to go to mediation before court?+
For parenting matters, most parents need to attempt family dispute resolution and obtain a certificate before applying to court, unless an exception applies, such as family violence or urgency. Property matters have their own pre-action steps. I'll explain what applies to you.
We don't own a house. Do we still need a property settlement?+
It's often still worth formalising. Savings, cars, super and especially debts can all be dealt with, and formal orders protect each of you from future claims. Consent orders for property only are a fixed $990 for Tasmanian clients, plus the $205 court fee.
Can a Melbourne lawyer act for me in Glenorchy?+
Yes. Family law is federal and applies the same way in Tasmania as in Victoria. 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 Glenorchy clients by video, phone and email.
What happens in the free 30-minute consultation?+
You tell me what's happening and what's worrying you most. I'll explain your options and next steps in plain English and give you a clear idea of cost. It's by video or phone, confidential, and there's no obligation.
Family law help for Glenorchy, 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 Glenorchy families — calmly, honestly, and always on your side.
Divorce lawyer in Glenorchy
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 Glenorchy
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 Glenorchy
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.