Hobart is a place where it can feel as if everyone knows everyone, and that can make a separation feel even more exposed. You might not want to walk into a local office where you could run into a neighbour, or you might simply not know who to trust with something this personal. I understand. 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 Hobart — from Sandy Bay and Battery Point to New Town, the eastern shore and Kingston — by video, phone and email. It's private, it fits around your life, and I handle every matter myself.
The same federal law applies in Hobart
Family law is federal. The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) applies in Tasmania just as it does on the mainland, 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, which has a registry in Hobart. If a hearing is ever needed, I appear by video link where the court allows, or in person where the matter requires it.
That means you don't need a lawyer down the road to get thorough, careful advice. What you need is someone who will take the time to understand your family and explain your options clearly — and that's what I do.
When one parent wants to move to the mainland
Living on an island adds a layer that mainland families don't always face. After a separation, one parent may want to return to family in Melbourne or elsewhere, or take up work on the mainland. When there are children, a move like that can seriously affect their time with the other parent, and the law looks closely at what's best for the children.
If you're thinking about moving, or worried your former partner might, please get advice early, before anything is decided. I'll help you understand how the court approaches relocation and what kinds of arrangements — longer holiday blocks, video calls, shared travel costs — can help children stay close to both parents.
Consent orders and Binding Financial Agreements
If you and your former partner have agreed on property or parenting, consent orders make that agreement final and enforceable. They're filed online, with a $205 court fee, and decided by a registrar on the papers. My fixed fee for Hobart clients is $990 for property only or parenting only, and $1,490 for both.
A Binding Financial Agreement is a private alternative, and couples also make them before or during a relationship. Each of you must have independent legal advice, so I act for one of you only. A straightforward BFA starts from $1,490, with complex agreements from $2,990 to $4,950.
Divorce, time limits and fees for Tasmanian clients
You can apply for divorce after 12 months of separation, jointly or on your own. The court fee is $1,125, or $375 at the concession rate. My fixed fee for Hobart clients is $750 for a joint application and $990 for a sole one. Remember that divorce doesn't divide property: 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.
My fees for Tasmanian clients are lower than my Victorian fees, because I'd rather you have proper advice early than struggle through alone. Your fee is confirmed in writing after our free 30-minute consultation, before any work begins. If you're worried about your safety, call 000 in an emergency or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). 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 Hobart
Can a Melbourne family lawyer act for me in Hobart?+
Yes. Family law is federal, so the Family Law Act 1975 applies in Tasmania exactly as it does in Victoria, and applications 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 Hobart clients by video, phone and email.
Can I move to the mainland with the children after separating?+
Not without either your former partner's agreement or a court order, if it would affect the children's relationship with the other parent. The court decides based on the children's best interests. Please get advice before making any plans or commitments.
Is it private if I use a lawyer outside Tasmania?+
Everything you tell me is confidential, wherever you live. Some Hobart clients tell me they feel more comfortable working with someone outside their local circle, and meeting by video means nobody sees you walk into a law office.
How much do consent orders cost for Hobart 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.
Do I have to go to court in Hobart?+
If you agree, usually not — divorce and consent orders are filed online and decided on the papers. If a hearing is needed, I appear at the Hobart registry by video link where the court permits, or in person where required.
What happens in the free 30-minute consultation?+
You tell me what's happening and what's weighing on you most. I'll give you an honest picture of your options, the next steps and roughly what it could cost — and I'll tell you if you don't need a lawyer at all. It's confidential and there's no obligation.
Family law help for Hobart, 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 Hobart families — calmly, honestly, and always on your side.
Divorce lawyer in Hobart
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 Hobart
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 Hobart
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.