Respect Legal

For the women in our online community - exploring the world of business ownership, freelancing, or side hustles in particular; this is a room you'll want to be in! Early Bird tickets on sale now x

⭐️ WE RISE NETWORKING - KINGSTON, VIC ⭐️

Early bird tickets are live for 48 hours!

👉🏻 BUILDING MORE THAN A BUSINESS. BECAUSE LIFE DOESN'T ALWAYS GO TO PLAN

In this honest and empowering conversation, Dani explores the connection between confidence, reinvention, and radical responsibility. Drawing on her experience as a business owner, lawyer, mother, and someone who has navigated her own life transitions, Dani will share why the most powerful thing a woman can build isn't just a successful business — it's the confidence, resilience, and self-belief to navigate whatever comes next.

Because life doesn't always go to plan. But when you invest in yourself, you create the freedom to reinvent what's next.
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GRAB YOUR TICKET HERE 👇
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/women-in-business-kingston-building-more-than-a-business-tickets-1991528604667?aff=KylieBrady

How do you apply for Divorce in Australia?

One of the most common questions we hear is: “Are separation and divorce the same thing?”

And the answer is no, actually.

To get officially divorced, you need to have been separated for more than 12 months. (And yes, separated but living under one roof still counts as being separated!)

To become divorced; you need to submit a Divorce application to the Court. You can apply on your own (a Sole Application) or together with your former spouse (a Joint Application). This can be done by family lawyers or you can do it yourself.

Once the Court approves your application, you'll receive a Certificate of Divorce. In most cases, your Divorce becomes final one month and one day after the Divorce Order is made.

Many people are surprised to learn that Divorce doesn't happen automatically, even after years of separation.
Another common question is: "How much does Divorce cost?" The current Court filing fee for a Divorce application is $1,125, although reduced fees may be available for eligible applicants. Legal fees are separate and depend on your circumstances.

If you've been separated for 12 months or more and are wondering whether you're eligible to apply for Divorce, our team can help explain the process, prepare the application, and answer any questions you may have.

Save this guide for later, or send it to someone who might find it helpful.

Some things can't be planned and can't be explained, they just land exactly as they should.

Jemima's mother Sharon O'Tool was our practice manager and one of the founders of this firm in every sense that matters.

She sat with Dani in their pyjamas during Melbourne's lockdown era, and helped build Respect Legal from a conversation into something really meaningful... She is woven into the fabric of this place, and when she passed away last year, we felt it in ways we are still finding words for.

Jem walking through our door is the kind of thing that makes you believe in something bigger than us all. We are so glad she is here.

Jem has earned her place at Respect Legal entirely on her own terms. She is a star. Currently completing her Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne, Jem came with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics, International Studies, Indigenous Studies and Psychology, and a background in paralegal work across criminal and community legal settings with a focus on children, young people and victim-survivors.

In the same way her mother poured her heart and soul into this work to support people who needed it, Jemima does exactly the same. She brings care, precision and a calm empathy to everything she does for the team.

These are some of the divorce trends we are seeing play out right here at Respect Legal.

Separation in Australia Is shifting. The conversations coming through our door in 2026 look different to even a few years ago. Grey divorce. Financial freeze. De facto confusion. Families navigating complexity we haven't seen before.

And through all of it, one thing stays the same. People want to be heard. They want clarity. They want to know there is a way through that doesn't have to destroy everything in its path.

That is what we are here for.

If any of these slides stopped you in your tracks, it might be time to have a conversation.

When you are ready, we are here.

Nobody gets married expecting to get divorced.... But here's the thing: Sometimes the chapter you're most scared to start becomes the one you're most grateful you wrote.

The one where you find your confidence again. The one where you remember who you are. The one where you realise there can be life, joy and possibility on the other side of all this.

Welcome to your fresh-start era. 💗

Send this to someone who needs the reminder xx

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Sharon. 🤍

Sharon was Dani Zetzer's dearest friend, and a beloved member of our Respect Legal family. She was the heart behind so much of what this business stands for.
We have our own quiet ways of keeping her near, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

To those who knew her, worked alongside her, or were fortunate enough to be supported by her — you'll know exactly what we mean when we say the world was a warmer place with Sharon in it.

We miss her dearly. We are grateful every day for what she gave this business, and for the people she touched along the way.

Always loved, never forgotten.

What if separation didn't have to mean a court battle? For 85% of the families we are working with right now, it doesn't.

We are not here to pit you against one another. We are here to help you make clear, empowered decisions that support your life, your family and your healing beyond this moment. With strategy, genuine care and a team that always returns your calls.

Putting the humanity back into family law. One family at a time.
If you are ready for the next chapter, we will meet you there.
Melbourne based. Serving clients Australia Wide.

📩 Book your free 15 minute chat