Divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage in Australia. Each situation brings different considerations around separation, applications, and timing. Get clear, practical legal advice from a local, Brisbane-based divorce lawyer.
Book a free callDivorce involves a series of legal steps that must be completed correctly and in the proper order. Clear guidance early on helps ensure the process remains smooth and efficient.
On a fixed fee model, our Brisbane team assists with:
For matters involving children, financial complexities, or international disputes, our team offers structured advice and ongoing representation tailored to your circumstances.
We support clients who speak other languages, and our Brisbane office has lawyers who speak Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish, and lawyers across the firm who are multilingual, including Chinese, Taiwanese, Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian.
Our family law team in Brisbane comprises some of the most experienced and dedicated professionals in the field. Discover more about each of them by clicking on their profile below.
To apply for a divorce in Australia, you must show that your marriage has broken down irretrievably. This is demonstrated by being separated for at least 12 months
Separation can occur even if you are still living under the same roof, provided certain conditions are met. It is recommended to seek legal advice to determine the exact date of separation if you’re uncertain.
You can apply for a divorce either:
In either circumstance, you’ll need the following documents ready to file your application:
A divorce application in Queensland is filed online through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) via the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
For your application to be successfully filed, you must register for the Commonwealth Courts Portal to eFile and access copies of Court orders, pay the Filing Fee, and the Application for Divorce and Affidavit of eFiling needs to be sworn before an authorised witness.
For sole applicants, you are then ready to serve your divorce application by hand or post to the other party. DIY kits are available, or a legal professional can assist you in completing all legal forms and serving your divorce application correctly.
In many cases, attendance is not required for a divorce hearing, particularly for joint applications without children.
However, a court appearance may be necessary if:
Divorce hearings are heard electronically, with details available on the Commonwealth Courts Portal following filing.
If the Court grants your divorce, it becomes final one month and one day after the order is made. The divorce order can then be downloaded from the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
At this point, your marriage is legally ended.
For more information, check out our article on How to get a divorce in QLD.
The cost of a divorce in Queensland is primarily made up of court filing fees set by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, along with any legal costs if you choose to engage a lawyer.
To apply for a divorce, you must pay a filing fee when lodging your application:
A reduced fee may be available if you hold certain government concession cards or can demonstrate financial hardship. For joint applications, both parties must meet the eligibility criteria.
This fee covers the processing of your divorce application and, where required, a court hearing.
While many divorces only require the standard filing fee, additional fees may apply if you need to file related applications:
These are separate proceedings and are not included in the cost of a standard divorce application.
Legal costs are separate from court fees and depend on how straightforward your situation is. Simple, uncontested divorces are typically less expensive, especially if the documents are prepared and filed correctly.
For more complex matters, additional costs may apply when there are service issues, disputes, or international elements. Factors that commonly influence legal costs include:
Avoiding delays, rejected applications, or procedural issues is often what keeps overall costs down. Even in relatively simple matters, getting the process right early can prevent additional court fees or legal work later.
We provide clear, upfront guidance on likely costs and the most efficient way to proceed based on your situation.
We are a committed team of family lawyers dedicated to the swift and dignified resolution of your divorce. We know that divorce can be complicated and emotional, and our Australian team of divorce lawyers are here to ensure your divorce is finalised as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Book your free initial consultation todayWe are proud to announce we have been named as a finalist in the Australian Law Awards for Law firm of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025.
Award recipients represent a true cross section of the legal industry, recognising the contributions of the profession’s most senior ranks through to its rising stars.
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