However it happened, the end of a relationship is hard. You may be grieving, angry, relieved or all three at once — and at the same time trying to keep the kids settled and work out how the money will stretch. I want you to know that's normal, and that you can take this one step at a time. I'm Elisa Rothschild, principal at Fogarty Oliver Rothschild, and I've practised family law since 2012. I'm admitted in Victoria and to the High Court of Australia, which enables me to act in family law matters Australia-wide. Family law is federal: the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) applies on the Gold Coast exactly as in Melbourne, and Queensland de facto couples are covered by the same Act as married couples. I work with Gold Coast clients by video, phone and email, and I handle every matter myself.
Gold Coast families and separation
A lot of Gold Coast families moved up from interstate for the lifestyle or for work, so grandparents and old friends are often in another state. When a couple separates, one parent may want to move back closer to family — and that can be one of the hardest issues to resolve. If you're considering a move with the children, please get advice first. Relocating without agreement or orders can lead to urgent court proceedings, and there are better ways through.
Many people here work in tourism, hospitality, construction or run their own businesses, often with irregular hours and incomes that change from season to season. That affects both parenting arrangements and how a business or fluctuating income is treated in a property settlement, and I'll help you get a clear picture of where you stand.
Consent orders and BFAs
If you and your former partner can agree, consent orders make your agreement final and enforceable without anyone going to court. I draft the orders, check the disclosure behind them, and explain every clause before you sign. They're filed online with the Federal Circuit and Family Court for a $205 fee and decided on the papers. Property orders must be just and equitable, and parenting orders must be in the children's best interests.
A Binding Financial Agreement is the private alternative under the Family Law Act — useful before moving in together or marrying, as well as after separating. Each of you needs independent legal advice for it to be binding, so I act for one of you only.
Divorce, time limits and filing
You can apply for divorce after 12 months of separation, on your own or jointly, through the Commonwealth Courts Portal. The filing fee is $1,125, or $375 with a concession. Property is a separate step, and the time limits matter: generally 12 months from the divorce taking effect, or two years from separation for de facto couples.
Applications are filed online, so for agreed matters nobody needs to attend court. If a hearing is ever needed, the court allocates the registry, and I appear by video link where the court permits, or in person where required. If you live just over the border in Tweed Heads, the family law is exactly the same.
What it costs
My fees for Queensland clients are lower than my Victorian fees — I'd much rather you get good advice early than put it off because of cost. A joint divorce application is $750 and a sole application $990. Consent orders are $990 for property only or parenting only, and $1,490 for both. A straightforward BFA starts from $1,490, and complex agreements range from $2,990 to $4,950. Court fees are extra. Your fee is confirmed in writing after the free 30-minute consultation, before any work starts.
If property is transferred between you, Queensland generally exempts transfers made under family law orders or a BFA from transfer duty, subject to conditions, and we check that before anything is finalised.
Safety first
If you're in danger, call 000. For confidential support, 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) is available any time. Domestic violence protection orders are made under Queensland law by the Magistrates Court. Please tell me about any safety concerns early so we can make sure any arrangement protects you and your children.
Frequently asked questions — family law in Gold Coast
Can a Melbourne family lawyer act for me on the Gold Coast?+
Yes. Family law is federal, and applications are filed online with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. I'm admitted in Victoria and to the High Court of Australia, which enables me to act in family law matters Australia-wide, and I work with Gold Coast clients by video and phone.
I want to move back interstate with the kids. Can I?+
Only with the other parent's agreement or a court order. Moving first and asking later can go badly. Talk to me before you make any plans, and we'll look at how to approach it in a way that puts the children first.
My partner runs a business. How is that treated?+
A business is generally part of the property pool and needs to be valued, and its income may also be relevant to future needs. Proper financial disclosure is essential, and I'll explain what to ask for.
How much are consent orders for Gold Coast clients?+
My fixed fee for Queensland clients is $990 for property only or parenting only, or $1,490 for both, plus the $205 court filing fee. Your fee is confirmed in writing after the free consultation and before any work starts.
What happens in the free 30-minute consultation?+
You tell me what's going on and what's worrying you, and I give you an honest picture of your options, the likely next steps and roughly what it would cost. It's by video or phone, confidential, and there's no obligation.
Family law help for Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast families — calmly, honestly, and always on your side.
Divorce lawyer in Gold Coast
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 Gold Coast
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 Gold Coast
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.