If your relationship has ended, you might be carrying a lot right now: grief, worry about your children, fear about money, and the sheer number of decisions to make. That's completely understandable, and you don't have to sort it all out on your own. I'm Elisa Rothschild, principal at Fogarty Oliver Rothschild, and I've been practising 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. Family law is federal, so the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) applies in Wollongong exactly as it does in Melbourne, and de facto couples are covered by the same Act as married ones. I meet Illawarra clients by video, phone and email, and I look after every matter myself.
Separating in the Illawarra
Wollongong families often have a foot in two places — working in Sydney and commuting up the coast, or working locally in industry, health or at the university while extended family live nearby. When parents separate, keeping the children close to school, grandparents and friends is usually a big priority, and it's one I take seriously when we talk about parenting arrangements.
With homes from the northern beaches suburbs down to Shellharbour and Kiama, the family home is often the biggest asset and the most emotional one. Whether one of you keeps it or it's sold, I'll help you understand what's fair and what's realistic before you commit to anything.
Agreements that last
If you and your former partner can agree, consent orders turn your agreement into enforceable orders without anyone going to court. I draft them, check the financial disclosure behind them, and explain every clause before you sign. They're filed online with a $205 fee and decided on the papers. Property orders must be just and equitable, and parenting orders must be in the children's best interests.
A Binding Financial Agreement is a private alternative under the Family Law Act, available before or during a relationship as well as after separation. Each of you must get independent legal advice before signing, so I act for one of you only.
Divorce and the Wollongong registry
You can apply for divorce after 12 months of separation, on your own or jointly, through the Commonwealth Courts Portal. The filing fee is $1,125 ($375 with a concession). Divorce doesn't settle property, and there are time limits: generally 12 months after the divorce takes effect, or two years from separation for de facto couples.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court has a registry in Wollongong. For agreed matters you won't need to attend, and if a hearing is ever needed I appear by video link where the court permits, or in person where required.
What it costs
My fees for NSW clients are lower than my Victorian fees, simply because I'd rather more people get proper advice when they need it most. A joint divorce application is $750 and a sole one $990. Consent orders are $990 for property only or parenting only, and $1,490 for both. A straightforward BFA starts from $1,490, with complex agreements from $2,990 to $4,950. Court fees are extra. We confirm your fee in writing after the free 30-minute consultation, before any work starts.
If you need help to stay safe
In an emergency, call 000. For confidential support, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). Apprehended domestic violence orders are made by the NSW Local Court under NSW law. Please let me know about any safety concerns at the start so that any arrangement we make properly protects you and the children.
Frequently asked questions — family law in Wollongong
Can a Melbourne lawyer act for me in Wollongong?+
Yes. Family law is federal, so the same Family Law Act applies in NSW 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, which enables me to act in family law matters Australia-wide, and I work with Illawarra clients by video and phone.
Will I need to go to court in Wollongong?+
For an agreed outcome, no. Divorce and consent order applications are filed online and decided on the papers. If a contested hearing is needed, I appear by video link where the court permits, or in person where required.
Can I keep the family home?+
Sometimes, yes. It depends on the overall property pool, each of your contributions and future needs, and whether you can refinance. I'll give you an honest view of your options in the free consultation.
How much does a BFA cost for Wollongong clients?+
A straightforward Binding Financial Agreement starts from $1,490 for NSW clients, and more complex agreements range from $2,990 to $4,950. Your fee is confirmed in writing after the free consultation and before any work starts.
What happens in the free 30-minute consultation?+
It's a chance to tell me what's happening and what you're most worried about. I'll explain your options, the likely next steps and roughly what it would cost, by video or phone, confidentially and with no obligation.
Family law help for Wollongong, 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 Wollongong families — calmly, honestly, and always on your side.
Divorce lawyer in Wollongong
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 Wollongong
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 Wollongong
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.