When a relationship ends, even ordinary days can feel heavy. You may be worrying about how the children are taking it, whether you can stay in your home, and how you'll manage financially on your own. Those worries are completely natural, and it's okay to ask for help. Across Noarlunga, Christies Beach, Morphett Vale and Seaford, and out towards McLaren Vale and Aldinga, families come in all shapes — young couples with first homes, blended families, small business owners and people separating later in life. Family law is federal, so the law here is exactly the same as in Victoria: the Family Law Act 1975 applies to married and de facto couples alike, and applications go to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. I'm Elisa Rothschild, principal at Fogarty Oliver Rothschild. 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 southern suburbs clients by video, phone and email. I handle every matter myself, and you'll always be able to ask me questions directly.
Blended families and second relationships
Many separations involve more than two people's history: children from earlier relationships, property one of you brought in, or money from a previous settlement or an inheritance. The law looks at contributions made by each of you, before and during the relationship, as well as future needs, so these details genuinely matter.
I'll help you lay out the history clearly and explain how it's likely to be viewed. If you're starting a new relationship and want to protect what you have, a Binding Financial Agreement may be worth considering, and I can talk you through it.
Small businesses, vineyards and farms
Out towards McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu, some families own a small business, a vineyard or a rural property that is both a home and a livelihood. Separating doesn't automatically mean selling it. These assets usually need to be valued and considered alongside everything else, and there are often ways for one person to keep them with the other receiving a fair share in other ways.
It's worth getting advice before agreeing to anything, so you understand the options and the practical consequences.
Consent orders for the southern suburbs
If you've reached agreement about property or the children, consent orders make it final and enforceable. They're filed online with the Federal Circuit and Family Court, with a $205 filing fee, and decided by a registrar on the papers — no court appearance. My fee is $990 for property only or parenting only, or $1,490 for both, plus the court fee.
I draft the orders carefully, check the financial disclosure behind them, and go through every clause with you so you know exactly what you're agreeing to.
Divorce, BFAs and time limits
After 12 months of separation, you can apply for divorce online, alone or jointly. The court filing fee is $1,125 ($375 with a concession), and my fee is $750 for a joint application or $990 for a sole one. Divorce doesn't divide property, so the property settlement is a separate step.
A straightforward BFA is from $1,490, with complex agreements from $2,990 to $4,950, and each of you needs independent legal advice before signing. Married couples generally have 12 months after the divorce to apply for property orders; de facto couples generally have two years from separation.
Safety, courts and stamp duty
If you're not safe, call 000 in an emergency, or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for confidential support. Intervention orders in South Australia are made by the Magistrates Court. Family law matters go through the Federal Circuit and Family Court's Adelaide registry, where I appear by video link where the court permits, or in person where required.
If the home is transferred between you under family law orders or a BFA, South Australia generally provides relief from stamp duty, subject to conditions, and we'll check how that applies before anything is finalised.
Fees, confirmed before anything begins
My fees for SA clients are lower than my Victorian fees, because I don't want cost to keep anyone from the advice they need. We start with a free 30-minute consultation, and once I understand your situation, I confirm your fee in writing before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions — family law in Noarlunga
Can a Melbourne lawyer help me in Noarlunga?+
Yes. Family law is federal, so the Family Law Act applies in South Australia exactly as 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 southern suburbs clients by video and phone.
I brought property into the relationship. Does that count?+
It does. Contributions made at the start of a relationship, including property you brought in, are taken into account along with contributions during the relationship and each person's future needs. How much weight it carries depends on the circumstances, including how long you were together.
We own a small business or rural property. Will we have to sell?+
Not necessarily. Business and rural assets are usually valued and considered with everything else, and often one person keeps them while the other receives a fair share another way. Advice before agreeing is important.
How much do consent orders cost?+
The court filing fee is $205. My fee is $990 for property only or parenting only, or $1,490 for both — lower than my Victorian fees — confirmed in writing after the free consultation.
What happens in the free consultation?+
You tell me what's going on and what you're most worried about, and I give you an honest picture of your options. It's by video or phone, confidential, and there's no obligation.
Family law help for Noarlunga, 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 Noarlunga families — calmly, honestly, and always on your side.
Divorce lawyer in Noarlunga
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 Noarlunga
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 Noarlunga
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.