Separation looks different at different stages of life, but it's painful at every one of them. Some people come to me with young children and a mortgage; others are separating after decades together, worried about retirement, superannuation and what the future now holds. Wherever you are, the feelings — grief, fear, sometimes relief, often exhaustion — are real and deserve to be taken seriously. Mandurah and the wider Peel region have both: growing young families in suburbs like Lakelands, and people who moved here to settle into a quieter life by the water. I'm Elisa Rothschild, principal at Fogarty Oliver Rothschild. 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 Mandurah clients by video, phone and email. I look after every matter myself, and I'll explain things patiently, as many times as you need.
WA's own Family Court
In Western Australia, family law matters are dealt with by the Family Court of Western Australia, based in Perth. It applies the federal Family Law Act 1975 to married couples and all parenting matters, and the Family Court Act 1997 (WA) to property disputes between de facto couples. It has its own fees and paperwork.
Working with me by video means there's no need to travel up to Perth for appointments, and for agreed outcomes there's usually no need to attend court at all.
Separating later in life
If you're separating after a long marriage or relationship, the questions often centre on security: will there be enough to live on, can I stay in the home, and what happens to the superannuation we built together? Superannuation can be split between former partners, and the court looks at contributions over the whole relationship as well as each person's future needs, including age and health.
These conversations can feel very personal, and sometimes adult children are caught up in them too. I'll go at your pace, explain your options clearly, and help you make decisions you feel settled about. It's also a good moment to think about updating your will, which I can point you towards.
Young families, FIFO and the children
For younger families in the Peel region, FIFO work is common, and parenting arrangements often need to fit around rosters rather than a standard week. Arrangements can be agreed in a parenting plan or made into consent orders, and they can include practical things like changeovers, school holidays and how the children stay in touch with a parent who's away.
Parenting matters in WA are decided under the federal Family Law Act for everyone, married or not, with the children's best interests at the centre.
Consent orders, financial agreements and de facto claims
Consent orders made by the Family Court of Western Australia turn your agreement into binding orders, usually decided on the papers. A financial agreement is a private contract instead: a Binding Financial Agreement under the federal Act if you were married, or a financial agreement under the Family Court Act 1997 (WA) if you were de facto. Each of you needs independent legal advice before signing.
For de facto couples, WA law usually requires two years together, a child together, or significant contributions, and there's generally a two-year time limit from separation. Superannuation can be divided as part of a WA de facto settlement.
If you feel unsafe
Your safety matters most. In an emergency call 000, and for confidential support call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). In WA, Family Violence Restraining Orders are made by the Magistrates Court. Please tell me about any concerns at the start, so we can make sure arrangements protect you and your children.
Fees
My fees for WA clients are lower than my Victorian fees. Separation is costly enough, and I don't want anyone in Mandurah going without proper advice because they're worried about the bill. As a guide: divorce is $750 for a joint application or $990 for a sole one; consent orders are $990 for property only or parenting only, or $1,490 for both; and a straightforward financial agreement is from $1,490, with complex agreements from $2,990 to $4,950. The Family Court of Western Australia sets its own court fees, and I'll confirm the current fees for your matter.
We begin with a free 30-minute consultation, and I confirm your fee in writing before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions — family law in Mandurah
We've been married for over 30 years. How is property divided?+
The court looks at what each of you contributed over the whole relationship, financial and non-financial, and at each person's future needs, including age, health and earning capacity. Superannuation is part of the picture and can be split. Every situation is different, and I'll give you an honest read in the free consultation.
Can I keep the family home?+
Sometimes, depending on the overall asset pool and whether the other assets can balance it out. If the home is transferred between you under family law orders or a financial agreement, WA generally exempts the transfer from duty, subject to conditions.
Do I have to travel to Perth?+
No. I work with Mandurah clients by video, phone and email, and agreed outcomes are usually decided by the Family Court of Western Australia on the papers, without anyone attending.
How do parenting arrangements work if I work FIFO?+
They can follow your roster rather than a fixed week, with clear changeover arrangements and ways for the children to keep in touch while you're away. The children's best interests are always the focus.
How much does it cost?+
My fees for WA clients are lower than my Victorian fees: divorce from $750, consent orders from $990, and financial agreements from $1,490. Court fees are set by the Family Court of WA and I'll confirm them. Your fee is confirmed in writing after the free 30-minute consultation.
What happens in the free consultation?+
You tell me what's happening and what you're most worried about, and I give you a clear, honest picture of your options. It's by video or phone, confidential, and there's no obligation.
Family law help for Mandurah, 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 Mandurah families — calmly, honestly, and always on your side.
Divorce lawyer in Mandurah
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 Mandurah
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 Mandurah
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.