Separating is exhausting, and it's even harder when you're already juggling long commutes, shift work and getting the kids where they need to be. The last thing you need is a trip into the city just to sit in a lawyer's waiting room. 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, and I meet Penrith clients by video and phone, at times that suit you. Family law is federal: the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) applies in Penrith exactly as in Melbourne, de facto couples are covered too, and applications are filed online. I handle every matter myself, and I'll always take the time to explain what's happening and why.
Life in Penrith, and what separation changes
Plenty of Penrith families have one or both parents travelling long distances to work, or working shifts in health, transport, trades or logistics. When parents separate, those rosters become part of the parenting conversation: which nights work, who does school pick-ups, how changeovers happen without a long drive in between. Good parenting arrangements are built around real life, and I'll help you think them through with the children's needs at the centre.
Many couples here bought in newer estates like Jordan Springs or Glenmore Park, or have family on the land nearby who helped them get started. Those contributions, and what each of you will need going forward, are the kinds of things a property settlement weighs up.
Reaching an agreement and making it final
If you can agree, consent orders are usually the least stressful way to finish. I draft the orders, check the financial disclosure, and explain each clause before you sign. They're filed online with the Federal Circuit and Family Court for a $205 fee and approved on the papers, so there's no court day to take off work. Parenting orders must be in the children's best interests, and property orders must be just and equitable.
A Binding Financial Agreement is the private alternative, made under the Family Law Act without court approval. Each of you needs your own independent legal advice before signing, so I act for one party only.
Divorce and time limits
You can apply for divorce after 12 months of separation, alone or jointly, online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal, for a filing fee of $1,125 ($375 with a concession). If you've had to live under the same roof for part of that time, separation can still count — there are extra documents to explain it, and I'll help you with them.
Property is dealt with separately, and the time limits are important: generally 12 months from the divorce taking effect for married couples, and two years from separation for de facto couples. If a contested hearing is ever needed, the court allocates the registry, and I appear by video link where permitted or in person where required.
What it costs
My fees for NSW clients are deliberately lower than my Victorian fees, because cost shouldn't be the reason anyone goes without proper advice. 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 you're worried about safety
If you're in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential support, 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) is there day and night. In NSW, apprehended domestic violence orders are made by the Local Court under NSW law. Please tell me about any concerns as early as you can — they shape what a safe parenting arrangement looks like.
Frequently asked questions — family law in Penrith
Can a Melbourne lawyer handle my family law matter in Penrith?+
Yes. Family law is federal, so the same Family Law Act applies in NSW as in Victoria, and applications are filed online. 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 Penrith clients by video and phone.
Can we be separated if we're still living in the same house?+
Yes. Many couples separate under one roof for a while, often for financial reasons or for the children. For a divorce, you'll need to explain how your relationship changed, usually with an affidavit, and I'll help you prepare it.
Can parenting arrangements work around shift rosters?+
They can, and often they should. Parenting orders or a parenting plan can be written to fit rotating rosters, as long as the arrangement works for the children. We'll talk through what's realistic for your family.
How much is a divorce for Penrith clients?+
My fixed fee for NSW clients is $750 for a joint application or $990 for a sole one, plus the $1,125 court filing fee ($375 with a concession). Your fee is confirmed in writing before any work starts.
Do I need to come into an office?+
No. Everything can be done by video, phone, email and electronic signatures, with local witnessing where a document needs it. You won't need to take a day off to travel.
Family law help for Penrith, 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 Penrith families — calmly, honestly, and always on your side.
Divorce lawyer in Penrith
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 Penrith
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 Penrith
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.