How much does a divorce cost in Victoria?
A sole divorce application in Victoria costs $1,100 in FCFCOA filing fees for 2025-26 (reduced fee around $365 for eligible concession holders). Victorian lawyer fees for an uncontested divorce typically sit at $800-$2,200, rising to $10,000-$50,000+ where property or parenting is disputed. The filing fee is set federally under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), so Victoria is aligned with the rest of Australia.
The filing fee is federal
Because the FCFCOA has national jurisdiction, the divorce filing fee is the same in Victoria as every other state — $1,100 for a sole or joint application in 2025-26, or around $365 with a concession. Melbourne and regional Victorian registries charge the same.
Melbourne vs regional Victorian fees
Melbourne CBD family lawyers generally charge $450-$650 per hour. Regional Victorian firms (Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong) typically sit at $350-$500 per hour. For an uncontested divorce the total cost ends up similar because the work involved is similar — 3-6 hours for a simple matter.
Typical Victorian cost ranges
Uncontested divorce, both parties cooperative, 12 months' separation: $800-$2,200. Contested on service or jurisdiction: $3,000-$8,000. Full property settlement negotiated alongside: $15,000-$60,000+. Same-sex and de facto applications follow section 90SM of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) with similar ranges.
Where I fit in
I draft the initiating application, review affidavit of service, and prepare supporting affidavits in the FCFCOA-compliant format. For Victorian family lawyers, this cuts the bookwork in an uncontested divorce by roughly half.
Common issues
- Joint applications are usually cheaper overall because only one set of documents is drafted
- Service on an overseas spouse under the Hague Convention can add $2,000-$5,000
- Filing in Dandenong vs Melbourne does not change the fee, only the hearing date
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