When your relationship ends, it can feel as though everything you counted on has been pulled out from under you. Add a demanding job, perhaps rostered shifts, and children who need you to stay steady, and it's no wonder people tell me they don't know where to start. Let's start with a conversation. I'm Elisa Rothschild, and I've practised family law since 2012. I'm based in St Kilda, Melbourne, and I'm admitted in Victoria and to the High Court of Australia, so I can act in family law matters all over Australia. I work with people across Woden Valley — Phillip, Garran, Curtin, Hughes, Lyons, Mawson, Torrens and further south — and neighbouring Weston Creek, by video, phone and email. Every matter is handled by me, from beginning to end.
Parenting arrangements around shift work
Woden is home to the Canberra Hospital, and many people in the area work in health, emergency services and other jobs with rotating rosters. A standard week-on, week-off arrangement doesn't always fit a roster that changes from fortnight to fortnight. The law focuses on what's best for the children, and that includes arrangements that are practical enough to actually work.
I'll help you think through options that suit a rostered life — arrangements tied to the roster, clear notice periods, and agreed ways to handle swaps — so there's less to argue about later. When you've agreed, consent orders make the arrangement binding. My fixed fee for Woden Valley clients is $990 for parenting only or property only, and $1,490 for both, plus the $205 court filing fee.
Property, super and the fair division of what you've built
Property settlement takes in the whole picture: the home, savings, investments, debts and superannuation, together with what each of you contributed and what each of you will need. Superannuation can be split between you, and some public sector and defined benefit schemes need careful valuation before anything is agreed. I'll explain how it all fits together in plain language.
If you'd prefer a private agreement rather than court orders, a Binding Financial Agreement may suit you. For ACT clients a straightforward BFA starts from $1,490, with complex agreements from $2,990 to $4,950. Each of you needs independent advice, so I act for one of you only.
Applying for divorce
Once you've been separated for 12 months, you can apply for divorce, together or on your own, online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal. The court fee is $1,125, or $375 at the concession rate. My fixed fee for Woden Valley clients is $750 for a joint application and $990 for a sole one. I'll prepare the application, explain what the court needs to see, and answer your questions as we go.
Divorce doesn't divide property. Married couples generally have 12 months from the divorce taking effect to apply for property orders, and de facto couples generally two years from separation.
Lower fees for ACT clients
I charge ACT clients less than I charge in Victoria. It's my way of making sure that the cost of advice isn't one more weight on you at an already heavy time. After our free 30-minute consultation, I'll confirm your fee in writing, before any work starts.
ACT matters needing a hearing go through the Federal Circuit and Family Court's Canberra registry, where I appear by video link where the court permits or in person where required. If you're concerned for your safety, call 000 in an emergency, or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for confidential support.
Frequently asked questions — family law in Woden Valley
I work rotating shifts. Can parenting orders work around my roster?+
Yes. Parenting orders don't have to follow a fixed weekly pattern. They can be tied to a roster, with clear rules about notice and swaps, as long as the arrangement is in the children's best interests.
Can a lawyer in Melbourne act for me in the ACT?+
Yes. Family law is federal and applies the same way in the ACT as in Victoria. I'm admitted in Victoria and to the High Court of Australia, which allows me to act in family law matters Australia-wide.
How is superannuation dealt with when we separate?+
Super is treated as property and can be split between you by consent orders, a Binding Financial Agreement or a court order. Some schemes, particularly defined benefit schemes, must be valued in a specific way, so it's important to get advice before agreeing to a split.
What will it cost?+
For Woden Valley clients: divorce $750 joint or $990 sole; consent orders $990 for property only or parenting only, or $1,490 for both; BFAs from $1,490. Court fees are extra. These fees are lower than my Victorian fees and confirmed in writing before any work starts.
What happens in the free 30-minute consultation?+
You tell me what's happening and what you're most worried about. I'll explain your options and likely next steps in plain English, and give you an idea of cost. It's by video or phone, confidential, and there's no obligation.
Family law help for Woden Valley, 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 Woden Valley families — calmly, honestly, and always on your side.
Divorce lawyer in Woden Valley
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 Woden Valley
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 Woden Valley
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.