Family Law Fees and Expenses
While lawyers’ fees typically make up the majority of the costs incurred in a family law matter, other fees and expenses may also apply, depending on your individual circumstances. The longer your matter takes, particularly if you are in court, the more your matter is likely to cost. It is important that you are aware of what those fees might involve so you can be prepared.
Some of the other fees in your matter that are charged by third parties may include:
- Mediator fees;
- Single Expert fees (such as Family Report Writers);
- Property valuer fees;
- Property title searches and ASIC business searches;
- Barrister’s fees;
- Subpoena conduct money; and
- Court filing and event fees.
Your lawyer will discuss the likely fees or expenses that may apply at the start of your matter and again at significant stages, such as before going to court, as part of the mediation process, and before a Final Hearing.
Court Fees
Most matters that start in court, do not go all the way to a Final Hearing. However, you should be aware that you could still be liable for some court fees even if you and your former partner reach an agreement without the Court making the final determination.
For example, if you reach an agreement through private negotiations, negotiations between your lawyers, or mediation, that agreement can be formalised by way of Consent Orders, which must be filed with the Court. In addition to your lawyers’ fees, you will also need to pay $215 to the Court before it can review the proposed orders.
Similarly, if you are in the court process, the Court charges non-refundable fees to list your matter for a hearing. If you do not pay the fee, you could lose your hearing dates.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) has recently announced updated family law filing and event fees, which apply from 1 July 2026.
The table below shows the FCFCOA fees before and after the 1 July 2026 increase:
| FILING FEES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application Type | Before 1 July 2026 | From 1 July 2026 |
| Application for divorce | $1,125 | $1,170 |
| Application for divorce — reduced fee* | $375 | $390 |
| Application for consent orders | $205 | $215 |
| Application for decree as to nullity | $1,595 | $1,660 |
| Application for decree as to nullity — reduced fee* | $530 | $550 |
| Initiating Application (Parenting OR Financial, Final only) | $435 | $455 |
| Initiating Application (Parenting OR Financial, Final AND Interim) | $585* | $610* |
| Initiating application (Parenting AND Financial, Final only) | $710 | $740 |
| Initiating Application (Parenting AND Financial, Final AND Interim) | $860* | $895* |
| Response to initiating application (Final) | $435 | $455 |
| Notice of appeal or an application for leave to appeal | $1,705 | $1,775 |
| Interim order application/Application in a case (Parenting AND/OR Financial) | $150 | $155 |
| Issue subpoena | $65 | $70 |
* Initiating applications that seek interim AND final orders also attract the interim order fee.
Examples:
• Initiating Application (Parenting AND Financial) $740 + Interim order application $155 = Total filing fee $895
• Initiating Application (Parenting OR Financial, Final) $455 + Interim order application $155 = Total filing fee $610
* Reduced fee for an application for divorce (both parties must be eligible if filing a joint application) or decree of nullity.
| COURT EVENT FEES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Event Type | Before 1 July 2026 | From 1 July 2026 |
| Setting down for hearing fee (defended matter) (This fee is not refundable) | $790 (Div 2) $1,070 (Div 1) |
$820 (Div 2) $1,115 (Div 1) |
| Daily hearing fee (for each hearing day, excluding the first hearing day) | $790 (Div 2) $1,070 (Div 1) |
$820 (Div 2) $1,115 (Div 1) |
| Conciliation conference | $490 | $510 |
Exemption or Reduced Court Fees
You may be eligible for an exemption or a reduced court fee if:
- You hold certain Government concession cards;
- You are in receipt of certain Government payments;
- You have been granted Legal Aid;
- You are under the age of 18; or
- You are an inmate in a prison.
You may also be eligible for an exemption or concession if you can demonstrate financial hardship.
If you have questions about which fees may apply in your matter, or if you think that you may be eligible for a fee reduction or exemption, please reach out to arrange an appointment with one of our specialised family lawyers.
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Article By: Claudia Maruca
Family Lawyer
Claudia began her career with Farrar Gesini Dunn as a Legal Assistant in 2022 and is now a Family Lawyer practising across a broad range of property and parenting matters. She brings a strong understanding of the complexities of property settlements, drawing on her previous experience as a Senior Conveyancer before transitioning into legal practice.