How Much is the Divorce Filing Fee?
The cost of filing for divorce in Melbourne, Australia, is $1,060 as of September 2023. This fee is set by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and is subject to change.
The cost can be as low as $350 for those who qualify for a reduced fee.
What is Divorce Filing Fee?
A divorce filing fee is a mandatory payment to the court when initiating a divorce proceeding. This fee is separate from other costs like:
Property Settlement Fees: Filing an application for consent orders, which often includes property settlement, costs $195 as of July 2023. Additional costs may consist of asset valuation fees.
Child Custody Arrangements: The filing fee for initiating applications related to parenting orders ranges from $410 to $810. Mediation services may add an extra cost of around $2,500 per person.
Legal Representation Fees: Legal fees can vary, with solicitors commonly charging $350 to $650 per hour and barristers between $1,500 and $6,000 daily. Some lawyers offer fixed fee agreements.
The filing fee is a set cost that applies to everyone, although some may be eligible for a reduced fee.
How Much is Divorce Online?
Understanding the costs involved is an important step in preparing for an online divorce in Australia.
As of the latest information, the filing fee for an online divorce application is approximately $1060. It is advisable to check the Court’s website for the most recent fee structure because the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia set this fee, which is subject to change.
For individuals facing financial hardship, options for a reduced fee may exist. The reduced fee for eligible applicants is around $350. To qualify, applicants must usually provide evidence of their financial circumstances, such as income, assets, and liabilities.
In addition to the filing fee, an online divorce may involve other costs. These can include expenses for obtaining legal advice, costs for serving divorce papers if necessary, and any other administrative fees. However, the convenience and efficiency of an online application can often make it a more cost-effective option than traditional methods.
🔑 Key Takeaway: An online divorce in Australia costs approximately $1060, with a reduced fee of around $350 available for those in financial hardship. Applicants should know potential additional costs and check the latest fee information.
Do I Split the Costs with My Ex-Partner?
The divorce filing fee is generally the responsibility of the person filing for divorce. However, some costs, like mediation fees, may be shared between both parties. Clarifying this with your ex-partner and legal counsel is essential to avoid misunderstandings.
Also read: Mediation for Separation: 2 Helpful Benefits
How to Pay for Divorce Filing Fee
Payment options for the divorce filing fee include online payment through the Commonwealth Courts Portal, EFTPOS, debit card, and credit card. If you don’t have a credit/debit card, you can purchase a pre-paid debit card from various retail outlets.
Exemption of Fees in Family Law Matters
If you hold a government concession card or can demonstrate financial hardship, you may be eligible for a reduced fee or an exemption. Exemptions can also apply if you have been granted Legal Aid or receive youth allowance or Austudy payments.
How to Plan Financially for Divorce
Paying Outright
If you have readily available funds, paying outright for divorce-related fees is the most straightforward and hassle-free option. This approach eliminates the need for loans or payment plans, allowing you to focus solely on the legal process. However, ensure this doesn’t strain your finances, as divorce can have other unexpected costs.
Personal Loans
Personal loans can be viable if you don’t have the funds upfront but are confident in your ability to repay the loan within the given terms. These loans often have flexible repayment plans but come with interest rates. Make sure to read the fine print and understand the total cost of the loan, including any potential fees or penalties.
Legal Fee Loans
Legal fee loans are specialised personal loans tailored to cover the costs of family law matters. These loans can be beneficial if you expect a property settlement but need immediate funds for legal representation. Unlike standard personal loans, legal fee loans may not require regular repayments, allowing you to settle the loan once you’ve received your property settlement.
Helping Our Clients Understand Divorce Filing Fee
A client walked into our office and was clueless about the costs of filing for divorce.
We started by explaining the divorce filing fee, which is $1,060 as of July 2023. John was relieved; he had enough saved up to cover that. But we didn’t stop there.
We outlined the other potential costs, like property settlement fees and child custody arrangement fees. Unfortunately, he hadn’t considered these.
Then, we discussed payment options. Paying outright was his first choice, but we also introduced him to legal fee loans tailored for family law matters.
This piqued his interest, especially since he expected a property settlement to help him repay the loan later.
Divorce is not just emotionally draining but can also be financially taxing.
Knowing the costs involved, especially the divorce filing fee, can help you plan better for this challenging period.
Being aware of the financial landscape can also reduce stress and help you make more informed decisions.
That’s why seeking legal advice is crucial; a knowledgeable lawyer can guide you through the maze of fees and payment options, ensuring you’re aware of unexpected expenses.
Director of Melbourne Family Lawyers, Hayder manages the practice and oversees the running of all of the files in the practice. Hayder has an astute eye for case strategy and running particularly complex matters in the family law system.
