Preparing, filing and managing your divorce application so you understand the steps, timeframes and likely outcomes, and can make informed decisions about your future.
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Divorce applications
Preparing and filing your application with clear guidance on eligibility, timing and service requirements.
Joint vs sole divorce
Advice on the most suitable pathway and what you’ll need to file and prove.
Service and substituted service
Practical steps when the other party cannot be located or will not cooperate.
Divorce and children
Guidance on what the Court needs to be satisfied about for children under 18.
Post-divorce planning
Helping you understand timing implications for property and financial matters.
A clear path to divorce
Divorce can feel administrative, but it often sits alongside complex issues like children, property and future planning. At Bedrock Legal Group / BRLG, we manage divorce applications carefully and efficiently, ensuring you understand the steps, timeframes and what the Court requires.
We assist with sole or joint applications, service requirements and document preparation, and we help you avoid common delays. If your divorce is happening alongside parenting or financial issues, we’ll help you understand how the pieces fit together, including key time limits.
Our aim is to keep the process clear, calm and cost-effective.
Practical guidance, minimal stress
A divorce application is a formal court process, but it shouldn’t add unnecessary stress to an already difficult time. We guide you through eligibility (including separation periods and jurisdiction), the correct application type, and how to file properly. If the other party is uncooperative, we can advise on service steps and alternatives where appropriate.
Where children are under 18, the Court needs to be satisfied proper arrangements are in place. We help you present this clearly and accurately. Divorce can also trigger important timing considerations for property settlement and spousal maintenance. We’ll flag these issues early, so you do not lose options by delay.
Our approach is straightforward: we prepare the documents properly, keep you updated on progress, and focus on getting the application finalised efficiently. If any complications arise, we explain the options in plain English and recommend the most proportionate next step.
Efficient preparation and filing.
Clear advice on service rules.
Support for sole or joint applications.
Early guidance on time limits.
Plain English explanations throughout.
Practical coordination with other issues.
Your Bedrock Team
Meet the team behind Bedrock Legal Group / BRLG. When things feel uncertain, you don’t have to handle it alone. We’re committed to guiding you through each step, so you feel supported, informed, and in control from start to finish.
Brendan Rothschild
Principal Solicitor
Jessica Szylkrot
Practice Manager
Rebecca Rothschild
Business Support Manager
Pavani Weeratunge
Solicitor
Michael Brkic
Solicitor
Tiffany Vainer
Solicitor
Jananie Munasinghe
Solicitor
Thomas Arrigo
Solicitor
Damian Van Gaans
Graduate Lawyer
Chloe Ziola
Bookkeeper
Ellen Creagan
Bookkeeper
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my ex’s permission to divorce?
No. A sole application can proceed even if the other party disagrees, provided eligibility and service requirements are met.
How long after separation can I apply?
Generally, you must be separated for at least 12 months. We’ll confirm your dates and whether any special circumstances apply.
Am I divorced from the date of the court hearing?
Usually, no. In most cases, the divorce order becomes final one month and one day after the Court makes the divorce order. That later date is the date you are legally divorced. In some exceptional circumstances, the Court can shorten that period, but this is not common.
What if I can’t find my ex to serve them?
There may be options such as substituted service or dispensation of service in limited circumstances. We’ll advise on evidence and steps.
When does the divorce become final?
After the Court grants the divorce, it becomes final after a short period (subject to the Court’s order). We’ll confirm the relevant date for you.
Do I need a lawyer to get a divorce?
You do not need a lawyer to apply for a divorce. However, legal advice can be helpful if there are issues about service, children, family violence, or related parenting or property matters.
Does the other person need to agree to the divorce?
No. Since 1975, Australia has had a no-fault divorce system, which means you do not need the other party’s agreement to apply for a divorce. However, you do need to properly serve them with the divorce application unless the Court orders substituted service or dispenses with service.
Will divorce decide parenting or property?
No. Divorce does not decide parenting arrangements, and it does not automatically finalise property settlement. Those issues are handled separately.
However, divorce is important in property matters because, once your divorce becomes final, you generally have 12 months to apply to the Court for property settlement or spousal maintenance if agreement has not already been reached. In some cases, this 1-year limit can be ignored or extended in special circumstances. (learn more)
Languages
We assist clients from diverse backgrounds and can provide support in multiple languages,
including through interpreters where required.
