What is the Cost of a Divorce?

The Cost of Divorce

The costs of filing a divorce application can vary depending on the best approach for your needs. This page explains the costs involved in the most common circumstances.  See our divorce fees in the section below.

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What is Divorce?

Divorce is the process of legally ending a marriage. Sometimes, the term 'divorce' is also used interchangeably to mean property settlement and child arrangements; however, these are separate from the divorce.

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Property settlement can be completed before a divorce, at the same time as a divorce, or up to 12 months after a divorce order comes into effect, or in some circumstances, 12 months if certain requirements are met. 

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Child arrangements can be completed before, during or after a divorce.

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Divorce Filing Fees and Associated Costs

When you want a divorce, you must file an Application for Divorce with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. 

 

The filing fee for an Application for Divorce increases yearly on 1 July.  The current filing fees as of 1 July 2025 are:

1. Application for divorce    $1,125

2. Application for divorce – reduced fee*    $375

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*You may be eligible for a reduced filing fee if:

1. You are filing a sole divorce application, and you have a low income card or health care card or you can otherwise show financial hardship.

2. You are filing a joint divorce application and both spouses each have a low iIncome card or health care card or you can otherwise prove you are in financial hardship. 

 

Find more information about reduced divorce filing fees by clicking here.

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