The filing fee for an application for divorce in 2026 is $1,125, or $375 for those eligible for the reduced fee. The core complication is that these fees only cover the legal dissolution of the marriage and do not include the costs of resolving property or parenting disputes.
Standard and reduced filing fees
A standard application for divorce costs $1,125, while a reduced fee of $375 is available for qualifying applicants. You will need to provide evidence of your financial circumstances to access the lower rate, otherwise the full fee applies.
Tax and fee regulations
Court fees are set by the Family Law (Fees) Regulations 2022 and are subject to annual increases, such as those gazetted from 1 July 2025. Because GST does not apply to court fees, the listed amount is the total cost payable to the court.
Costs for additional applications
Filing for divorce is often accompanied by other applications, such as consent orders which cost $205. If a matter is contested, initiating applications for parenting or financial matters range from $435 up to $860 depending on whether interim orders are sought.
The comprehensive filing gap
A common difficulty is the assumption that a divorce application resolves all legal ties. In practice, property settlements and parenting arrangements require separate filings and additional fees, meaning the total cost to the court increases as the complexity of the separation grows.
Questions to consider
- Do I meet the government criteria to apply for the reduced divorce filing fee?
- Will I need to file for consent orders or an initiating application to resolve property and parenting matters?
- How do these mandatory court fees impact my overall budget for legal representation?
This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact JB Solicitors.