Family Law
When family law crosses into business, property, and wealth, you need more than a family lawyer.
Hitch is a specialist law firm for high-net-worth individuals and private business owners. When family law intersects with complex assets and significant wealth, that depth makes a real difference.
From Reactive to Deliberate
Family Law
Most people going through separation need a good family lawyer. Some need more than that. When significant assets are involved, when a business is part of the picture, when trusts, investment structures, or cross-border interests complicate the equation, family law doesn’t exist in isolation.
It intersects with commercial law, property, tax, and estate planning in ways that can have long-term consequences if they’re not properly managed from the start. Our family law clients benefit from a team that already understands business structures, asset complexity, and the commercial implications of how a matter is resolved.
We resolve disputes collaboratively where we can and advocate firmly where we need to.
Who We Work With
Existing Hitch clients
Individuals with business interests, investment properties, or complex asset structures
Business owners and directors navigating separation while protecting what they’ve built
High-net-worth individuals and families requiring discretion and sophisticated advice
Clients already working with Hitch on commercial, property, or estate matters
Clients seeking the elevated service and confidentiality of Hitch Private
Contact the Employment Law Team
Meet us
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Elise Fordham
Principal
Industry focus
Education
Doyle’s Guide · Leading Family Lawyer 2025
Admitted · High Court of Australia
Accredited Parenting Coordinator
BJuris LLB · BFinAdmin (Accounting)
Hague Convention International Family Law
BIOGRAPHY
Recognised by Doyle’s Guide as a Leading Family and Divorce Lawyer, Elise brings a background that is genuinely uncommon in family law: dual qualifications in law and accounting, which she applies directly to complex financial matters involving businesses, trusts, and significant asset pools.
Admitted to the High Court of Australia, Elise has represented clients across the full spectrum of family law, from parenting and property matters through to international child abduction proceedings under the Hague Convention. She is also one of a small number of practitioners in Australia accredited as a Parenting Coordinator.
Elise practises across our Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide offices.
How We Can Help
Services
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Property and Financial Settlements
Dividing assets after separation is complex when the asset pool includes a business, company structures, discretionary trusts, superannuation, investment portfolios, or third-party interests. Valuations need to be right. The structure of any settlement matters as much as the amount. We work with clients to reach outcomes that are properly constructed and built to hold.
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Binding Financial Agreements
A Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) is one of the most important legal documents a couple can put in place. Whether you call it a prenup, prenuptial agreement, or cohabitation agreement, a BFA protects both parties by documenting how assets will be divided if the relationship ends. For clients with businesses, trusts, or significant assets, we ensure the BFA accounts for the full complexity of your situation and works alongside your broader estate and commercial planning. We also advise on post-nuptial BFAs for couples who want to formalise arrangements after marriage.
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Parenting Arrangements
We assist parents in establishing workable, child-focused arrangements through negotiated agreements, consent orders, or court proceedings when necessary. We keep the focus on the children and on arrangements that function well over the long term.
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Divorce
We guide you through the formal process of ending a marriage, including all procedural requirements of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, clearly and without unnecessary complexity.
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De Facto and Same-Sex Relationships
We advise on the rights and obligations that apply when de facto and same-sex relationships end, including matters involving complex asset situations and parenting arrangements.
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Child Support
We advise on assessments, private agreements, and disputes, helping parents understand their position and their options at every stage.
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Spousal Maintenance
We advise on entitlements and obligations for spousal and partner maintenance, including urgent interim applications where circumstances require it.
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Family Violence and Intervention Orders
We assist clients seeking or responding to intervention orders and related proceedings, with care and urgency where safety is a priority.
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Mediation and Dispute Resolution
Most family law matters are better resolved outside a courtroom. We represent clients in mediation, family dispute resolution, and collaborative processes, and bring full litigation capability when it is needed.
The best time to review your broader legal position is before something forces you to.
Hitch Private
Hitch Private is our dedicated offering for high-net-worth individuals and families. If your family law matter requires an elevated level of discretion, personalised access, and integrated advice across family, commercial, and estate law, speak to us about Hitch Private.
Want to learn more? Get in touch
Contact us