Start with the court filing fee if you are thinking about filing for divorce. As of July 1, 2026, the standard cost to file divorce papers in Australia is $1,170. However, some applicants may qualify for a reduced fee of $390.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia sets these fees specifically for divorce applications. These costs do not cover all potential expenses related to ending a marriage, so it is wise to prepare for any additional financial obligations that may arise.
Understanding these costs before filing can help you prepare financially and avoid unexpected expenses.
Current Divorce Filing Fee
The standard filing fee applies when you submit your application to the court. No matter whether you file alone or with your spouse, the fee stays the same. Just a quick note: the court does not add GST to its filing fees, so that’s one less thing to worry about!
Reduced Divorce Filing Fee
You may be eligible for the lower fee if you hold an eligible government concession card, receive certain government payments, have been granted Legal Aid, or meet other qualification requirements. If you are filing a sole application, only you must meet the requirements. Joint applications must qualify both applicants for the reduced fee if only one person qualifies, the full fee applies instead. The court may also consider financial hardship when deciding whether you can pay the lower fee.
What Does the Divorce Filing Fee Cover?
The court filing fee covers the cost of submitting your divorce application and having the court process your request.
The court will review whether your application meets the legal requirements for divorce, including whether:
- You have been separated for at least 12 months and one day
- The marriage details are correctly provided
- Required documents have been submitted
- Proper arrangements are in place for children under 18, if applicable
The filing fee is only for the divorce application itself. It does not cover:
- Property division
- Financial agreements
- Parenting disputes
- Child support arrangements
- Legal advice
- Solicitor fees
- Translation services
Who Qualifies for a Reduced Divorce Fee?
Government concession cards and other eligible categories
You may qualify for a reduced fee if you have an eligible concession card or meet other court-set criteria. The court’s guidelines include specific health care cards, pensioner concession cards, Commonwealth Seniors Health Cards, and other concession cards issued by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. You may also qualify if you receive Youth Allowance, Austudy, or ABSTUDY, or if you have received Legal Aid. Additionally, if you are under 18 or legally detained in a public institution, you may qualify. The court needs proof to support your eligibility for example, if you have a health care card, provide a copy of both sides.
Financial hardship
You can apply for the reduced rate if paying the full amount is too much for your finances. The court will evaluate your income, assets, living expenses, and debts using specific guidelines to assess financial hardship. They may also consider situations where your income is higher than usual, but your reasonable expenses or debts make it difficult to pay in full. You must provide proof to support your application simply claiming hardship does not guarantee approval. The court will make a decision based on the information you provide.
Is There Any Other Cost to File Divorce Papers in Australia?
Legal fees
Legal representation isn’t required to start a divorce. Individuals can file on their own and pay only the court fee and any related costs. However, seeking legal counsel beforehand can help you make informed choices. Legal fees vary based on the attorney’s rates, case complexity, and needed services, which may include document review and hearing representation. To manage costs, request a detailed estimate before hiring a lawyer and confirm whether it includes the court fee.
Service, translation, and document costs
A divorce application may incur costs beyond the filing fee. For instance, if you file a sole application, you may need to arrange service of the application on your spouse. Additional expenses may include fees for document copies, translation, or other administrative services. These costs can vary the court fee itself is fixed, but professional and administrative costs depend on the application’s specific requirements. To manage expenses effectively, identify potential costs before submitting the application.
Does a Sole or Joint Divorce Application Cost More?
Sole application
When one spouse files a sole application, the standard fee applies unless the applicant qualifies for the reduced rate. The applicant alone must meet the eligibility requirements – so if one spouse qualifies but files solo, they benefit from the lower fee regardless of the other spouse’s situation. Keep in mind that a sole application might involve extra steps, such as arranging for documents to be served.
Joint application
Both spouses can file a joint application together and pay the standard fee. If both applicants qualify, they can pay the reduced rate together. If only one spouse qualifies, the full fee applies. A joint application can be easier if both spouses agree to the divorce and can complete the application together.
How Much Does a Simple Divorce Cost in Australia?
The total cost depends on how much assistance you need.
Example 1: Self-filed divorce
| Expense | Cost |
| Court filing fee | $1,170 |
| Solicitor fees | $0 |
| Extra documents | $0-$100 |
| Approximate total | Around $1,170+ |
Example 2: Divorce with professional assistance
| Expense | Cost |
| Court filing fee | $1,170 |
| Solicitor assistance | Depends on service |
| Document/service costs | Additional |
| Approximate total | Varies |
A simple divorce is usually much cheaper than cases involving disputes, property issues, or court hearings.
How to File Divorce Papers Online in Australia
Prepare your documents
Before you file, make sure you have all the documents required for your application. Typically, you will need your marriage certificate and the information required to complete a divorce application. You might need to provide more information if you got married overseas. Review eligibility requirements and separation rules before filing. The court offers guidance on the divorce application process, including a checklist of the documents you’ll need to submit.
Submit and pay through the Commonwealth Courts Portal
You can file a divorce application online using the Commonwealth Courts Portal. This process allows you to fill out the application and pay the fee online. To qualify for the reduced rate, you must provide the right supporting paperwork. For the latest fee information, check the court’s official family law fees page.
How to Budget for Your Divorce
Before filing, consider these costs:
- Court filing fee: standard rate, or a reduced rate if eligible
- Legal fees: only if you choose to use a lawyer
- Service costs: may apply to sole applications
- Translation costs: may apply if documents need translation
- Document and administrative costs: may apply depending on your circumstances
This checklist helps you distinguish court fees from other expenses. It may cost you close to just the filing fee if your divorce is straightforward. Depending on how much help you need, or if you require extra services, the total could go up.
When to seek legal advice
Legal advice may be advisable if you are unsure about eligibility, separation arrangements, or required documents. You should also seek legal advice in cases involving complex divorce circumstances. The divorce application represents only one aspect of dissolving a marriage. Other matters, such as property settlement, parenting arrangements, and financial issues, may require separate legal processes and are not covered by the court’s filing fee.
FAQs
Can I file for divorce without a lawyer?
Yes. You can file a divorce application yourself through the Commonwealth Courts Portal. You do not have to use a lawyer. However, you should make sure you understand the requirements before filing.
What is a silent divorce?
A silent divorce describes couples who live together but have emotionally checked out of the marriage with no real communication, connection, or intimacy without formally separating or divorcing. It’s sometimes called living separate lives under one roof.
Is the divorce filing fee refundable?
The court fee is generally not refundable simply because you change your mind or decide not to continue. If you have a question about a particular payment or refund, contact the court directly.
Does the fee include property settlement?
No. The divorce filing fee is for the divorce application only. It does not include property settlement, parenting proceedings, or other family law matters.
Can I pay the fee online?
Yes. The court accepts online payment when you file electronically through the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
Conclusion
Australia’s standard divorce filing fee is $1,170 from 1 July 2026, with a reduced rate of $390 available if you qualify. The total cost of a divorce may be higher if you need legal advice, document service, translations, or other professional assistance. Before filing, check the current court fees and make sure you understand the requirements for your application.