Less uncertainty. Less conflict. A clear path forward. Separation can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. For 9 years, we’ve helped many people protect what matters most, and achieve practical, legally binding agreements
Let us help you take control of what's next, and move forward with confidence and without unnecessary stress or expense.
how it works
Contrary to popular belief, going to court is not your only option.
At BrightSide, we help couples reach a fair, legally binding separation agreement without the stress and expense of a traditional court battle. We provide a clear, upfront fixed price and work with you to negotiate an agreement that is then submitted to the Family Court for approval.
This approach allows you to achieve a court-approved, legally enforceable family law agreement while maintaining greater control over the outcome. Compared to litigation, resolving your separation through negotiation can reduce conflict, minimise legal costs, save time, and provide more certainty for everyone involved.
If you're looking for an alternative to court for divorce, property settlement, parenting arrangements, or separation agreements, BrightSide offers a practical, affordable pathway to resolution.
WHAT WE DO
BrightSide offers fixed-fee family law services, so you’ll know your costs from the start. Unlike traditional law firms that charge by the hour, we provide clear pricing and tailored solutions to suit your circumstances. Whether you need help with separation, parenting arrangements, property settlement or consent orders, we’ll create a package that fits your needs and budget.
meet the team
Director/Principal Lawyer/FDRP Mediator
Susan Hewitt
Susan is the Principal Solicitor of BrightSide. She is a trained collaborative practitioner, an NMAS accredited family law mediator, and an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. Susan has extensive experience in collaborative practice, high and low conflict mediation, DV, and co-parenting.
After seeing the damage done to separating couples, Susan started BrightSide in 2018 to provide a viable alternative to a traditional court process.
Her mission is to practice law in a way that reduces and minimizes conflict, allowing the clients she works with to build personal confidence and mutual respect as a foundation of healthy future relationships.
Client Relationship Manager/ Practice Manager
Tim Cohen
Tim is our practice manger, problem solver and general factotum. He has worked as a cinematographer, photo journalist and chief of staff. He is trained in marketing, business management and human relations and is your first port of call if you have general questions.
Tim believes open, honest communication is key to minimising conflict – both with your ex and when you work with us. Working alongside and empowering clients with solid information around stages, timing and anything else keeping you up at night is Tim’s super power.
Born and bred in Perth, when not in the office you will find him in King’s Park with his bestie – 7 year old cavoodle Boo.
 Old chewing gum packets |  kids playing with trucks in the dirt |  old rotary telephone |  Ben and Jerry's joke ice cream label |  Danger high voltage sign |  People betting on horses |
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 Mum and child watewring garden |  Old western Australian number plates |  Empty cap gun |  Kids playing on Hills Hoist in backyard |  Boy pushing another in little red trolley |  Music cassettes |
 1972 car registration label |  1980's Telecom gold pay phone |  Kids paper picker symbolising choices |  Family net fishing on the river |  1970's kids on bicycles symbolising a happy childhood |  Commonwealth of Australia Bank cheque |
 Family pole fishing on south perth foreshore |  inside of old bus showing seats |  kids playing marbles in the dirt |