Family law
Divorce in Australia: process, costs and next steps
In Australia the divorce order legally ends the marriage; dividing property and arranging parenting are separate processes where most of the cost sits. A divorce application generally requires 12 months of separation and can be made jointly or on a sole basis.
Conflict clearance and written engagement are required before the firm acts.Quick answer
How much does a divorce cost in Australia and how does the process work?
In Australia the divorce order ends the marriage; property and parenting are separate. As at 1 July 2026 the Federal Circuit and Family Court lists a $1,170 filing fee for an Application for Divorce ($390 reduced for eligible applicants) - confirm before filing. A divorce generally requires 12 months of separation and can be joint or sole. Most cost and complexity sits in property settlement, not the divorce itself.
- The divorce order ends the marriage; property and parenting are separate processes.
- Court filing fee $1,170, or $390 reduced, as at 1 July 2026 - confirm before filing.
- A divorce generally requires 12 months of separation.
- Applications can be made jointly or on a sole basis.
- Property-settlement time limits apply after a divorce becomes final.
Jurisdiction: Australia (federal family law).
How much does a divorce cost in Australia?
The cost can include the Court filing fee, professional fees for advice and preparing the application, and expenses such as serving a sole application or translating an overseas marriage certificate. As at 1 July 2026 the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia lists a filing fee of $1,170 for an Application for Divorce, with a reduced fee of $390 for eligible applicants (confirm the current amount before filing).
- Court filing fee - paid to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
- Reduced filing fee - where eligibility or financial-hardship requirements are met.
- Professional fees - advice, preparation, filing and service assistance within the agreed scope.
- Service expenses - usually where a sole application must be formally served.
- Translation - where a marriage certificate is not in English.
Divorce is separate from property and parenting
A divorce legally ends the marriage. It does not itself divide property, determine parenting arrangements or resolve child support. Property-settlement time limits may apply after a divorce becomes final, so obtain advice promptly if financial matters remain unresolved.
Fees and scope
Legal Care does not publish fixed prices online. After an initial consultation we provide a written, fixed-fee quote for the divorce application, separate from the Court filing fee.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for divorce without a lawyer?+
You may prepare your own application. Legal advice can help where service is difficult, documents do not match, the marriage occurred overseas, you were separated under one roof, or related property and parenting issues remain unresolved.
Is a joint application cheaper?+
The Court filing fee is generally payable for either form of application. A joint application may avoid formal service and reduce some procedural work, but suitability depends on whether both parties will cooperate and sign.
Can the filing fee be reduced?+
The Court offers a reduced divorce fee for eligible concession-card holders and may consider financial hardship. Current eligibility rules appear on the Court's website.
Does Legal Care offer a fixed fee?+
Legal Care does not publish fixed prices online. After an initial consultation we provide a written, fixed-fee quote setting out clear inclusions and exclusions.