Divorce Filing Fee (2025)
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia charges:
Standard filing fee: $1,060Reduced fee: $355Qualifying for Reduced Fee
You qualify for the reduced fee if you:
Hold a Health Care CardHold a Pensioner Concession CardHold a Commonwealth Seniors Health CardAre under 18Are in prisonCan demonstrate financial hardshipDIY Divorce Costs
If you file yourself (no solicitor):
Filing fee: $1,060 (or $355)Marriage certificate (if needed): $50-$75Affidavit witnessing (if needed): $50-$100Total: approximately $1,100-$1,200Solicitor Costs
Solicitor fees vary based on complexity:
Simple Divorce
Joint application, no complicationsCost: $1,000 - $2,500Sole Application
Need to serve papersCost: $2,000 - $4,000Complex Divorce
Service issues, overseas parties, contested mattersCost: $5,000 - $10,000+Process Server Costs
If using a sole application:
Professional process server: $150-$300May cost more if spouse is hard to locateHidden Costs to Consider
If Settlement Is Needed
Divorce only ends the marriage. Settling property and parenting can add:
Mediation: $500-$3,000Property consent orders: $2,500-$5,000Contested property: $20,000-$100,000+Emotional Costs
Consider budgeting for:
CounsellingTime off workMoving expensesHow to Reduce Costs
- File jointly: No service costs, simpler process
Use online portal: No postal costsDIY if simple: Straightforward divorces don't need a solicitorGet reduced fee: Apply if you qualifySettle first: Resolve property before divorce to avoid court
