Key Takeaways

Divorce fees in Queensland vary depending on whether you need help with just the divorce application or also property, parenting, or child support matters.
Court filing fees are separate from lawyer fees, with divorce applications currently costing $1,125 (or $375 if eligible for a reduction).
Uncontested divorces with lawyer assistance generally cost $2,000 – $3,000, while contested matters involving property or parenting disputes can range from $5,000 to $50,000+.
Some situations can be managed without a lawyer, but legal advice is essential if there are disputes, complex assets, or risks to your rights and safety.
A fixed-fee initial consultation for $380 can give you tailored advice on your rights, next steps, and likely legal costs.

Going through a separation is already stressful - and worrying about divorce fees on top of everything else can feel overwhelming. The emotional toll of ending a relationship, adjusting to change, and making important decisions for your future is heavy enough without the added uncertainty of how much it’s all going to cost.

If you’re researching divorce fees in Queensland or wondering how much a Family Lawyer might charge, you’re not alone - it’s one of the first questions most people have when separating. This guide is here to give you clarity and confidence by breaking the process down into simple, practical steps.

We’ve broken down the costs in plain English, so you can understand exactly what to expect, what factors influence divorce fees, and whether you actually need a lawyer for your situation - whether that’s divorce, property settlement, child support or parenting arrangements.

Part 1 - Understanding Divorce Fees and Why They Vary

Before we talk about complete divorce fees, it’s important to clear up one big myth: divorce, property settlement, parenting matters, and child support are all separate legal processes with separate costs.

Each has its own rules, timeframes, and fees. Understanding the difference is the first step in working out what your costs might look like.

Divorce:
- What it is: The legal end of a marriage, finalised through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
- Applications & forms: Application for Divorce (can be joint or sole), filed online via the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
- Typical Court filing fee: $1,125 (reduced to $375 if eligible for a fee reduction).
- Lawyer involvement: Drafting and filing the application, serving documents, attending court if required.
- Key point: Divorce fees only cover this application — they don’t include property, parenting, or child support matters.
Property Settlement:
- What it is: Deciding how assets and debts are divided - including your house, superannuation, debts, bank accounts, and other financial matters.
- Applications & forms: Application for Consent Orders (Form 11) if you’ve reached agreement, or Initiating Application if going to court.
- Court filing fee: $205 for Consent Orders; $435 - $860 for Initiating Applications depending on whether interim, final, or both types of orders are sought.
- Time limits: Must begin within 12 months of a divorce being finalised (or within 2 years of separation for de facto couples).
- Lawyer involvement: Negotiation, drafting agreements, financial disclosure, filing court documents, representing you in court if needed.
- Key point: Costs vary widely depending on complexity, whether agreement is reached, and if court hearings are necessary.
Parenting Matters:
- What is it: Deciding where children live with, how much time they spend with each parent, and who makes decisions.
- Applications & forms: Parenting Plan (informal), Application for Consent Orders (if agreed), or Initiating Application (if going to court).
- Court filing fee: $195 for Consent Orders; $435 - $860 for Initiating Applications depending on the orders sought.
- Lawyer involvement: Negotiation, drafting agreements, filing applications, representing you in court.
- Key point: Parenting matter fees are separate from divorce fees and depend heavily on whether the process is cooperative or contested.
Child Support:
- What it is: Ongoing financial support for children, usually handled by Services Australia’s Child Support Agency (CSA).
- Applications & forms: Child Support Assessment (through CSA), Binding or Limited Child Support Agreement (if agreed privately).
- Court filing fee: No fee for CSA assessments; $435 - $860 if making certain court applications (e.g. departure orders, agreement enforcement).
- Lawyer involvement: Advising on agreements, drafting legally binding agreements, representing in court for limited situations.
- Key point: Most child support is handled administratively, but legal fees may apply if formal agreements or disputes go to court.

Knowing which of these processes applies to you will help you get a clearer picture of your likely divorce fees. For some people, the costs are limited to a straightforward divorce application. For others, legal fees will also include property negotiations, parenting agreements, or child support disputes - each adding to the overall total.

Part 2 - Understanding Divorce Fees with a Lawyer Involved

Court filing fees are only one part of the overall cost of a divorce. Many people also choose to engage a family lawyer to guide them through the process, prepare documents, and ensure their rights and interests are protected.

Lawyer fees will vary depending on your circumstances. A straightforward, uncontested divorce is generally more cost-effective than one involving disputes over property, parenting arrangements, child support or spousal maintenance. The complexity of the matter, how quickly agreement can be reached, and whether court proceedings are needed will all influence the final figure.

Understanding what influences these fees - and what’s typically included in a lawyer’s services - can help you plan with clarity and confidence.

Uncontested or Simple Divorce (With Legal Assistance)

An uncontested divorce is where both parties agree to the divorce and there are no disputes about property, parenting, or other matters. Because there’s no disagreement to resolve, the process is usually straightforward and can often be completed without attending court.

Legal fees: Generally $2,000–$3,000
What it covers: Advice on your situation, document preparation, filing the application, and serving documents
Example: You and your former spouse have been separated for over 12 months, there are no joint assets to divide, and you’ve both agreed to proceed with a divorce. A lawyer prepares the Application for Divorce, files it on your behalf, and arranges for it to be served. Aside from providing some information and signing documents, your involvement is minimal - keeping both stress and legal costs lower.

Divorce Involving Property or Parenting Disputes

A contested divorce is where there are disagreements over issues such as property division, parenting arrangements, or spousal maintenance. These matters require negotiation, and in some cases, court proceedings to resolve. The more complex the issues - and the longer it takes to reach an agreement - the higher the legal costs are likely to be.

Legal fees: Generally $5,000 to $50,000+ depending on complexity and whether court is involved. Most family lawyers charge on an hourly basis, so costs will often depend on the extent of our involvement and whether an early resolution can be reached
What it covers: Detailed legal advice, financial disclosure, negotiation or mediation sessions, preparing court documents, representation at court hearings, and ongoing correspondence with the other party’s lawyer.
Example: You and your former spouse disagree about how to divide your property, which includes a family home, investment property, superannuation, and business interests. There is also disagreement about the children’s living arrangements. Your lawyer works with you to gather financial documents, represent you in mediation, and prepare for court hearings when agreement can’t be reached. Because the matter involves multiple disputed issues and extended negotiations, the legal costs are higher than in a simple divorce.

It’s important to discuss costs with your lawyer from the very beginning. Ask for a clear fee estimate up front so you know what to expect, and request that it be broken down into stages - for example, initial advice, document preparation, negotiations, and court representation if needed.

A good family lawyer will also provide regular updates as your matter progresses, outlining the next steps, how much work is involved, and any changes to the anticipated costs.

This transparency helps you make informed decisions, avoid unexpected bills, and stay in control of your budget throughout the process.

Understanding When a Lawyer is Optional Versus Essential

Understanding when legal help is necessary can save you time, stress, and money. In some situations, you may be able to manage the process yourself. In others, getting a lawyer involved early can protect your rights and help you avoid costly mistakes.

You may not need a lawyer if:

You’re filing for divorce jointly: Both parties agree to end the marriage and there are no disputes to resolve. Joint applications are often simpler because there’s no need to serve documents or prove service to the court.
There’s no property to divide or parenting issues to resolve: If there’s nothing to divide and no decisions to be made about the care of children, the process can be handled more quickly and with fewer steps involved.
You’re confident with the forms and online process: You’re comfortable completing and lodging the Application for Divorce through the Commonwealth Courts Portal yourself, and you understand the requirements for eligibility, timeframes, and supporting documents.

But legal advice might be a good idea if:

You have an “informal” property settlement: Even if you’ve agreed on how to divide assets, it’s important to document the agreement formally. Without this, either party could make further claims in the future.
You need a property settlement involving shared super, a house, or business interests: These types of assets can be complex to divide and may require specific legal steps to ensure the settlement is binding and compliant with superannuation or business laws.
You’re making or formalising parenting arrangements: A lawyer can help draft Parenting Plans or Consent Orders that are legally enforceable, protecting the arrangements you’ve agreed to.
You need help understanding or negotiating child support, even if the CSA is involved: While the Child Support Agency handles most assessments, a lawyer can advise on Binding or Limited Child Support Agreements and help resolve disputes.
There’s conflict, a history of family violence, or a risk of being treated unfairly: Legal advice ensures your safety and rights are prioritised, and that any negotiations or court processes are handled with your best interests in mind.

Even if your situation appears straightforward, getting legal advice early can prevent misunderstandings, protect your rights, and give you peace of mind. A short conversation with a family lawyer can help you feel confident in your next steps and avoid costly mistakes down the track.

Need Support with Divorce, Property, Parenting or Child Support?

We’re here to help. Whether you're just starting the divorce process or you’re navigating property settlement, parenting agreements, or child support, our experienced Family Lawyers will walk you through it, clearly, honestly, and with your best interests in mind.

We offer a fixed-fee initial consultation for $380 including GST, where you’ll receive tailored preliminary advice on your rights and entitlements, the steps ahead, and the anticipated legal costs for your situation.

Get in touch today to book your consultation.

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