How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Australia?

In Australia, the cost of a divorce can vary significantly depending on the approach taken, with expenses ranging from just a few thousand dollars to tens or hundreds of thousands. You need to consider not just the emotional impact of divorce, but also the financial implications. Mediation offers a way to keep expenses under control while fostering better outcomes for families.

What Does Divorce Cost in Australia?

1. The Basics: Divorce Application Fees

To legally end a marriage in Australia, you must file for divorce through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
The application fees are as follows:

• $1,100 for the standard application.
• $365 for those eligible for a reduced fee (e.g., concession cardholders or individuals experiencing financial hardship).

This fee solely covers the legal dissolution of your marriage and does not include costs associated with getting to an agreement about property settlement or parenting arrangements.

2. Additional Costs You May Face

• Property Settlements and Parenting Agreements: These costs vary widely depending on how you handle them.
  • DIY Agreements: If you and your ex-partner agree on all terms without legal or third-party involvement, the cost could be as low as $3,000 – $5,000 per person just to get the agreements drafted and lodged with the court. 
  • Mediation: Mediation typically costs between $400 and $2,500 per person, making it one of the most cost-effective and time-efficient solutions.
  • Court Litigation: If you cannot reach an agreement and proceed to court, costs can exceed $50,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on complexity.
• Legal Advice:
  • Solicitors charge between $350 and $650 per hour.
  • Barristers, if required for court, can cost $1,500 to $6,000 per day.

3. Other Expenses to Consider

• Asset Valuations: If you have complex assets like businesses or properties, valuations can add to the cost.
• Tax Implications: While some exemptions apply, costs related to capital gains tax (CGT) or stamp duty may arise during the division of assets.
• Involvements of experts like child psychologists, accountant or financial advisors can add to the cost.
• If your conflict goes on for a long time there can be cost involved in relation to paying for rent that you would not be paying if the settlement was done, or having a property just sitting there without tenants in it for example. Or the fact that house prices keep getting higher so if you do not settle buying the other parent out will become more and more expensive. We would call this the cost of not doing anything. 

How Mediation Can Reduce Divorce Costs

Mediation is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional litigation, offering a more affordable, flexible, and amicable way to resolve disputes. Here’s how it helps:

1. Lower Costs Compared to Court

• Mediation fees are significantly lower than court costs, with an average range of $660 to $2,500 per person.
• The process is a lot quicker which helps with the cost that might be piling up because you are not settling whatever they might be. 

2. Faster Resolution

• Unlike litigation, which can take years, mediation is designed to resolve disputes quickly-saving both time and money.

3. Focus on Agreement, Not Conflict

• Mediation encourages cooperation and compromise, reducing the emotional and financial toll of drawn-out legal battles.
• Agreements made in mediation can often be formalised into binding agreements that can be lodged with court.
• When you get agreements in place often conflict will get less which is great for everyone. Living in limbo and feeling anxious can often fuel the conflict, which is not good for the children and your mental health plus and the more conflict there is the more cost you might incur. 

Benefits of Mediation Beyond Cost Savings

Mediation doesn’t just save money-it helps with the emotional turmoil associated with separating.

1. Maintains Family Relationships

Mediation is particularly beneficial when children are involved. It helps parents work together to create parenting arrangements that serve the best interests of their children, maintaining positive family dynamics post-divorce.

2. Decision-Making

In mediation, you and your ex-partner retain control over decisions about your finances, assets, and parenting plans, rather than leaving these choices to a judge who does not know your family. You give away all your decision making power in court and you might walk away with an outcome that you do not like at all. 

3. Flexible and Accessible Options

Life Mediation offers in-person, online, and phone mediation services, making it accessible no matter your circumstances or location.

How Life Mediation Can Help

At Life Mediation, we understand the emotional and financial challenges of divorce. Led by Lisanne Iriks and Karen Stubbs, our team is committed to providing affordable, compassionate, and client-focused mediation services. 

Why choose Life Mediation to help you through your divorce:

• Expert Guidance: Lisanne and Karen bring years of experience and a holistic approach to mediation, ensuring tailored solutions for every family.
• Accessibility: We offer flexible scheduling, including online and phone sessions, to accommodate busy lives.
• Transparent Pricing: Our mediation services are designed to be affordable and cost-effective, with no hidden fees.

Planning Your Divorce

• The cost of divorce in Australia varies widely depending on the approach, with court litigation being the most expensive and mediation without legal representation there the most affordable.
• Mediation not only reduces costs but also fosters better relationships, quicker resolutions, and empowered decision-making.
• Life Mediation is here to support you through the process with expert, compassionate, and accessible services.

Want to talk to caring and supportive divorce mediators?

If you’re ready to start the mediation process or want to learn more about how we can help, contact Life Mediation today. Let us help you move forward with confidence, knowing you’ve chosen an approach that saves money, reduces stress, and prioritises positive outcomes for everyone involved.

Contact Us:
Phone: (08) 6219 3679
Location: Perth, WA (in-person, online, and phone services available)