Legal Advice: Divorce Costs

The cost of divorce

The divorce process is usually quite simple, and the expenses are often minimal. The fees associated with divorce may include:

• Our legal fees for drafting the application – in some cases, we can provide fixed fees.
• The Court’s filing fee – the cost for filing is around$930 (discounted fees are approximately $310 for those who qualify). You can review the current fees on the Family Court of Australia site.
• Service fees – documents can be served through this service. You might need to employ a “process server” to deliver the application to your ex-spouse personally. This service can assist you if you cannot locate someone or if they actively avoid service.
• Your lawyer’s costs for attending the Divorce Hearing – note that you can choose to attend the Divorce Hearing with or without a family lawyer.

If your divorce is complicated, there may be additional fees.

If you want to explore your options and the likely costs involved, schedule an initial consultation with a divorce lawyer in Townsville.

What other factors impact the costs of a divorce?

When hiring a family lawyer for divorce, there may be additional costs that are unrelated to the initial application process. You may encounter additional fees for other aspects of the legal proceedings, such as:

• Mediation. This can be a cost-effective way to resolve issues between former spouses. If both parties can attend, it can be a viable solution to make property settlement and custody arrangements.
• Property settlements. Finalising a property settlement can get complicated and become stressful. The more complex the asset distribution is, the more likely the legal costs will be higher.
• Child custody arrangements. These can have significant implications, especially if child custody needs to be resolved in a courtroom. It is often more cost-effective to reach a parenting agreement outside of court.
• Child support matters. This can range from negotiating agreements to enforcing or modifying child support arrangements.

Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial to safeguard yourself, your children, and your financial stability. Talk to our family law team in Townsville for a free no obligation quote.