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A divorce in Melbourne costs $1,170 in Court filing fees as of 1 July 2026, or $390 if you are eligible for the reduced fee. If you engage a family lawyer, legal fees are payable on top of the filing fee, and some firms (including Ramsden Family Law) offer fixed-fee divorce applications. You must have been separated for at least 12 months before applying, and a divorce order generally becomes final one month and one day after it is made.
If you are considering separating and officially ending your marriage, understanding the cost of obtaining a divorce is an important first step. One of the most common questions people ask is how much they should expect to pay to legally end their marriage in Melbourne.
In Melbourne, the cost of a divorce depends on whether you prepare and lodge the application yourself or engage a family lawyer to assist you. The type of application you make and whether any additional steps are required can also affect the overall cost.
This article explains the costs of obtaining a divorce in Melbourne in 2026, including Court filing fees, legal fees and the application process.
Divorce in Melbourne:
key facts for 2026
| Item | Detail |
| Court that handles divorce | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) |
| Full Court filing fee (from 1 July 2026) | $1,170 |
| Reduced filing fee (if eligible) | $390 |
| Minimum separation period | 12 months (continuous) |
| When the divorce becomes final | One month and one day after the divorce order is made |
| Types of application | Joint application or sole application |
| Legal fees | Additional to the Court fee; fixed-fee options available at some firms |
What is the Court filing fee for a divorce in Melbourne?
Divorce applications in Melbourne and across Australia are dealt with by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA).
As of 1 July 2026, the Court filing fee for an Application for Divorce is $1,170. This is the fee payable to the Court to lodge your application.
However, some applicants may be eligible for a reduced filing fee of $390. Eligibility may depend on whether you hold an eligible concession card, receive certain government payments, have been granted legal aid or satisfy the Court’s financial hardship requirements.
For a joint divorce application, both applicants must generally satisfy the eligibility requirements to receive the reduced fee.
The Court filing fee is separate from any legal fees you may incur if you engage a lawyer.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Melbourne?
If you choose to engage a family lawyer to prepare and lodge your divorce application, you will need to budget for professional legal fees in addition to the Court filing fee.
Legal fees vary between law firms, depending on their pricing structure and the work required. Some firms offer fixed-fee divorce services, while others charge according to the time spent working on your matter.
A fixed-fee arrangement may provide greater certainty about the cost of your divorce from the outset. However, it is important to check precisely what the fee covers and whether additional expenses may apply, which may be the case depending on the complexity of your matter.
At Ramsden Family Law, we offer fixed-fee Divorce Applications, subject to an assessment of the merits of your application and whether any complexities are involved that may warrant additional costs.
What are the requirements for getting a divorce in Australia?
Before applying for a divorce, you must satisfy certain legal requirements.
You must have been separated for at least 12 months
Australian law generally requires married couples to have been separated for a continuous period of at least 12 months before applying for divorce. It is possible to be separated while living under the same roof, although additional evidence may be required.
You must provide the required documents
This generally includes a marriage certificate and the information required by the Court. If your marriage certificate is not in English, a translation and the appropriate supporting documents may be necessary.
How long does a divorce take in Australia?
The time required to obtain a divorce will depend on the circumstances of your application and the Court’s processing times.
You must first satisfy the 12-month separation requirement before lodging your application.
Once your application has been filed, the Court will consider the information provided and determine whether the legal requirements have been met. If a divorce order is granted, it becomes final one month and one day after the order is made, unless the Court orders otherwise.
You should account for this timeframe when planning your divorce, particularly if you have a specific date in mind for when you would like the divorce to become final.
Joint vs sole divorce application: which one applies to you?
There are two ways to apply for a divorce in Australia. The type of application you choose can affect both the process and the cost.
Joint application
A joint application is made by both spouses together. Both parties participate in preparing and submitting the application, and neither party needs to serve the divorce documents on the other.
Sole application
A sole application is made by one spouse only. In a sole application, the applicant is responsible for ensuring that the divorce documents are served on the other party in accordance with the Court’s requirements.
A sole application may involve additional costs if a process server is required or further documentation must be prepared.
The appropriate application will depend on your circumstances and whether both parties are willing and able to participate in a joint application.
How can you manage the cost of your divorce?
There are several practical steps you can take to manage the cost of obtaining a divorce:
- Understand your options: Consider whether you are comfortable preparing the application yourself or would prefer assistance from a family lawyer.
- Ask about fixed fees: A fixed-fee arrangement may help you understand the anticipated legal costs before proceeding.
- Check whether you qualify for a reduced Court fee: If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to reduce the filing fee from $1,170 to $390.
- Prepare your documents early: Having your marriage certificate and other required information ready may help avoid unnecessary delays and additional work.
Understanding the process and costs involved can help you approach your divorce with greater clarity and confidence.
Speak with a Melbourne family lawyer
If you are concerned about the cost of getting a divorce or are finding it difficult to obtain timely legal advice, the team at Ramsden Family Law in Melbourne can help you understand your options and find the right way forward. We offer a free 30-minute consultation; please do not hesitate to contact us today or book online.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Please obtain advice about your specific circumstances.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DIVORCE IN AUSTRALIA
How much is the divorce filing fee in Australia in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the Court filing fee for an Application for Divorce with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is $1,170. Eligible applicants may pay a reduced fee of $390.
Who is eligible for the reduced divorce fee?
You may be eligible for the reduced fee of $390 if you hold an eligible concession card, receive certain government payments, have been granted legal aid or meet the Court’s financial hardship requirements. For a joint application, both applicants generally need to be eligible.
Can I apply for a divorce without a lawyer?
Yes. You can prepare and lodge a divorce application yourself, in which case you will generally only pay the Court filing fee. Many people choose to engage a family lawyer for certainty that the application is prepared correctly, particularly where there are complexities.
Can I get divorced if we separated but still live under the same roof?
Yes. It is possible to be separated while living under the same roof, although the Court may require additional evidence of the separation.
When does a divorce become final in Australia?
A divorce order generally becomes final one month and one day after it is made, unless the Court orders otherwise.
Is a joint or sole divorce application cheaper?
A joint application can be simpler because neither party needs to serve the documents on the other. A sole application may involve additional costs, such as engaging a process server or preparing further documents.
