Divorce Application Fee 2022: What It Was and How It's Changed

There were two federal divorce application fees during 2022. For applications filed from 1 January through 30 June, the fee was A$940, or A$310 at the reduced rate. From 1 July through 31 December, it was A$990, or A$330 at the reduced rate. The filing date determines which amount applied.

These were government-set court fees for applications through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA). Western Australia uses its own Family Court and eCourts Portal, so WA applicants should check that court's fee information and filing process.

If you're looking up the 2022 fee because you're budgeting for a divorce now, the fee has risen since then. This article separates the two 2022 rates and shows the current federal fee.

Why the 2022 Fee Matters

Most people searching for the 2022 divorce application fee fall into one of three situations:

1. You're budgeting based on outdated advice. An older article may quote A$940 or A$990, but neither is the current fee.
2. You started the process in 2022 but didn't file. If you did not lodge the application then, check the fee that applies when you file.
3. You're checking a past payment or financial record. A 2022 payment should be compared with the rate for the half of the year in which the application was filed.

In all three cases, the key point is the same: the court fee is set at the time you actually lodge and pay, not when you first consider filing.

How the Fee Has Changed Year by Year

Federal divorce application fees are indexed each 1 July. Here's how the standard and reduced rates have moved:

The figures are drawn from the official fee regulations and annual fee notices. The court does not choose the amounts; they are set under federal regulations and indexed annually.

What You'll Pay If You File Now

As of 1 July 2026, the current federal divorce application fee is A$1,170 (standard) or A$390 (reduced). Compared with the two 2022 rates, that is A$180–A$230 more at the standard rate and A$60–A$80 more at the reduced rate.

This fee covers the divorce application only — the legal dissolution of the marriage. It does not cover:

• Property or financial orders — separate applications and filing fees may apply
• Parenting orders — also separate from the divorce application
• Service costs — a sole applicant must arrange service on the other party; the cost depends on the method used

Who Qualifies for the Reduced Fee

The reduced rate (A$390 at current rates) may apply if you are the primary holder of an eligible concession card, including:

• Health Care Card
• Pensioner Concession Card
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
• Another concession card issued by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans' Affairs

Other eligibility categories include receiving Legal Aid or certain government payments. There's also a financial hardship pathway if you do not qualify under a general category. The court assesses hardship using your income, expenses, liabilities and assets.

One important detail for joint applications: both applicants must qualify for the reduced fee. If only one person qualifies, the full fee applies to a joint application.

Filing Today vs. 2022: What Else Has Changed

The fee increase isn't the only thing that's shifted since 2022. A few practical changes worth noting:

Online filing is the standard method outside Western Australia. Applications should be eFiled through the Commonwealth Courts Portal. Western Australia uses the eCourts Portal of Western Australia.

Hearing availability varies. When eFiling, applicants can choose from the dates available in the portal. Sole applications also have service deadlines tied to the hearing date.

The separation requirement hasn't changed. You must have been separated for at least 12 months and one day before filing.

The Practical Decision: Check the Fee Before Filing

Do not rely on a 2022 quote or assume the next annual increase. Check the court's current fee page shortly before lodging your application.

Divorce legally ends the marriage; it does not decide property, financial or parenting issues. The Queensland Divorce Filing Process Guide explains the portal process, fee-reduction steps and documents to prepare before you start.

Key Takeaway

For federal applications in 2022, the fee was A$940 standard or A$310 reduced through 30 June, then A$990 standard or A$330 reduced from 1 July. As of 1 July 2026, the fee is A$1,170 or A$390. Check the official fee page before filing because fees are normally reviewed each July.

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