Separating is hard enough without worrying about whether you can afford help. If you're in the northern suburbs and trying to work out what happens to the kids, the house and the bills, I want you to know that you're not alone, and that getting proper advice doesn't have to cost the earth. Many families in Salisbury, Elizabeth and the surrounding suburbs are working long hours, shifts or Defence postings around RAAF Base Edinburgh, and raising children at the same time. Those realities deserve to be reflected in whatever arrangements you make. Family law is federal, so the law here is 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 allows me to act in family law matters across Australia, and I work with northern suburbs clients by video, phone and email. I handle every matter myself, and I'll always explain things in plain English.
Children first
When parents separate, the children's wellbeing is usually the first thing on everyone's mind. Parenting arrangements can be agreed between you, written into a parenting plan, or made into consent orders so they're enforceable. They can be built around school, sport, shift patterns and the realities of each parent's work, rather than a one-size pattern.
The law asks what's in the children's best interests, and that's the same whether you were married or not. If you're unsure what's reasonable, I'll help you think it through calmly.
Defence families and shift workers
If you or your former partner serve at RAAF Base Edinburgh or work in Defence industry, separation can bring particular questions: what happens if one of you is posted interstate, how arrangements work around deployments, and how Defence superannuation is treated. Defence super can generally be split as part of a property settlement, though the valuation rules can be particular.
Shift work and rotating rosters are common across the north too. Parenting arrangements can follow a roster, with clear changeovers, so children have reliable time with both parents.
Making agreements final with consent orders
If you've reached agreement, consent orders make it final and enforceable. The application is filed online with the Federal Circuit and Family Court with a $205 filing fee, and a registrar decides it on the papers, so nobody needs to go to court. My fee is $990 for property only or parenting only, or $1,490 for both, plus the court fee.
I'll check the orders are fair, precise and workable, and explain each clause before you sign, so you can move forward with confidence.
Divorce, BFAs and time limits
Divorce is available after 12 months of separation, by a sole or joint online application. The court filing fee is $1,125, or $375 with a concession, and my fee is $750 joint or $990 sole. Divorce doesn't divide property: that's done separately by consent orders, a Binding Financial Agreement, or through the court if you can't agree.
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 takes effect to apply for property orders, and de facto couples generally two years from separating.
If you're not safe
If you or your children are at risk, call 000 in an emergency, or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for confidential support. Intervention orders in South Australia are made by the Magistrates Court. Please tell me about any safety concerns at the start, because they change what any arrangement should look like.
Fees you can plan around
My fees for SA clients are lower than my Victorian fees, and they're fixed for straightforward work, so you're not watching a meter tick over. We start with a free 30-minute consultation, I confirm your fee in writing, and nothing begins until you're comfortable. If money is very tight, I'll also be honest with you about other options, such as whether you might be eligible for help from Legal Aid SA.
Frequently asked questions — family law in Salisbury & Elizabeth
Can you help me from Melbourne if I live in Elizabeth or Salisbury?+
Yes. Family law is federal, so the same Act applies in South Australia as in Victoria, 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, and I work with northern suburbs clients by video and phone.
My ex is in the Air Force and might be posted interstate. What happens with the kids?+
Parenting arrangements can allow for postings, with plans for school holidays, travel and regular contact. If a move would take children away from a parent, it needs careful thought and advice before anything is decided. The children's best interests come first.
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. It's confirmed in writing after the free consultation.
We rent and don't have much property. Do we still need consent orders?+
Even when there isn't much property, formalising things can protect you both — for example, so neither of you can make a claim on the other's superannuation or future assets later. Parenting orders can also bring certainty. I'll give you an honest view of whether it's worth it in your situation.
What happens in the free 30-minute consultation?+
You tell me what's happening, and I explain your options and likely next steps in plain English. It's by video or phone, confidential, and there's no obligation.
Family law help for Salisbury & Elizabeth, 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 Salisbury & Elizabeth families — calmly, honestly, and always on your side.
Divorce lawyer in Salisbury & Elizabeth
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 Salisbury & Elizabeth
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 Salisbury & Elizabeth
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.