The cost of a divorce in NSW varies significantly, ranging from a few hundred dollars for a fully consented, straightforward matter, to tens of thousands of dollars if the matter is contested and requires court hearings. The final cost depends on the complexity of your situation and whether you can reach an agreement with your spouse.
What are the Court Filing Fees?
The Federal Government sets court fees, and these are subject to annual increases. As of 1 July 2025, the application for a divorce costs $1,125, or $375 if you qualify for a reduced fee due to financial hardship or holding a Government concession card. Applying for consent orders, where you and your spouse agree on the terms of your separation, costs $205. More complex applications, such as those involving both parenting and property settlement, can range from $710 to $860 depending on whether they seek interim and final orders.
What other Court Fees might apply?
Beyond the initial filing fee, other court event fees may apply. Setting down a defended matter for a hearing costs between $790 and $1,070, and daily hearing fees are also payable. Conciliation conferences cost $490 for both parties. You should also factor in costs for subpoenas ($65) if you need to compel information from third parties. These fees are payable online or in person at court registries.
How much will a lawyer cost?
Lawyers typically charge an hourly rate for their time. As of 2025-2026, the standard rate for a lawyer’s time is $194.69 per hour. The total legal fees will depend on the complexity of your case and the amount of work required. Simple, uncontested divorces will attract lower fees than complex cases involving disputes over property or parenting arrangements. It’s important to obtain a cost estimate from your solicitor upfront.
The Enforcement Gap
Even after obtaining court orders, enforcing those orders can incur further legal costs. If your former spouse does not comply with the orders, you may need to take further legal action, such as filing an enforcement application. This can involve additional court fees and legal costs, and there is no guarantee of success. Recovering legal costs from your former spouse is also not always possible, even if you are successful in court.
Questions to consider
- What steps can we take to minimise the legal costs associated with my divorce?
- What is the likely range of legal fees for my specific situation, given its complexities?
- How can we ensure a smooth and efficient process to reach a fair property settlement?
This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal
advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact JB Solicitors.