Working with me
What to expect, step by step.
A practical walk-through of what it is actually like to engage Fogarty Oliver Rothschild for a family law matter — from the first phone call to final orders.
Free initial consultation
30-45 min, free
We talk about what is going on. No charge, no obligation, no pressure to engage. By the end of the call (typically 30-45 minutes) you should have a clear picture of where you stand legally, what the realistic options are, and a rough sense of the likely cost and timeline. If I am not the right lawyer for your matter — sometimes a Family Violence specialist or a top-tier corporate firm is genuinely a better fit — I will say so and refer you on.
Engagement and cost agreement
Within 2 business days of initial consultation
If you decide to engage me, I send a costs agreement and a costs disclosure under the Legal Profession Uniform Law. The disclosure sets out my hourly rate, the realistic total cost range for your matter, the work that is in scope, and the work that is not. You have a chance to ask questions, propose alternative fee arrangements, and decide whether to proceed. Nothing is locked in until you sign.
Discovery and disclosure
Typically 4-12 weeks
You provide the documents and information relevant to your matter — financial records, communications with the other party, parenting plans, anything that touches on the issues. For family law property matters this includes the full disclosure required under the Family Law Rules: tax returns, super statements, valuations, business records. We may issue subpoenas if the other party is not disclosing. This phase often takes the longest in any family law matter.
Strategy and advice
1-2 weeks once discovery is reasonably complete
Once the facts are reasonably complete, I give you a written assessment of your position. For property settlement this covers the four-step process the Court applies, the realistic settlement range, and the path I recommend (direct negotiation, mediation, or litigation). For parenting it covers the best-interests-of-the-child considerations and the options realistically available. For Jewish family law matters it covers how the religious side will be sequenced.
Negotiation, mediation or court
From a few weeks (cooperative settlement) to 18+ months (contested hearing)
Most family law matters in Melbourne resolve through negotiation between the lawyers, or through formal mediation. Where direct negotiation will not work, I propose a structured mediation with a qualified mediator. Where mediation does not resolve things, I run the matter in the FCFCA — directions hearings, interim applications, family report writers where required, and a final hearing if it gets there. I keep you informed at every step.
Final orders and closure
4-8 weeks once terms agreed
Once terms are agreed, we draft consent orders or a Binding Financial Agreement and file with the Court. Consent orders typically take 4-8 weeks to be made. The orders are binding, enforceable, and give the stamp-duty exemption on any property transfer between spouses. After that, your matter is closed — but if anything changes in the future and orders need to be varied, I am still here.
What you can expect throughout
The service standards I commit to with every client.
Response time
Within 1 business day to phone calls and emails — usually faster.
Communication
Updates at every meaningful step. You will not be wondering what is happening.
Fee transparency
Itemised monthly invoices. You see what was done and how long it took.
No surprise charges
Where a step requires significantly more work than estimated, I discuss it with you first.
Confidentiality
Legal professional privilege applies. What you tell me stays with me.
Plain language
If a letter or document does not make sense to you, tell me. I will rewrite it.
Fees and affordability
Initial consultation
Free
Fee disclosure
In writing
Victorian Legal Aid. Available for eligible clients — generally low-income earners and Centrelink recipients. I act on Legal Aid grants directly and will assess your eligibility at the initial consultation.
Fixed fees. For some defined matters (a divorce application, a straightforward consent order, a will) I offer a fixed-fee option. Ask at the initial consultation.
Genuine hardship. If you are in genuine financial hardship and not eligible for Legal Aid, raise it. I will look at staged payments or scope adjustments where I reasonably can.
Ready to start?
The first conversation is free. No obligation to proceed.