Trusted Divorce and Family Lawyers in Sydney

The court filing fee is currently $990 (or a reduced fee of $330 if eligible for concession). Legal representation costs vary, depending on whether your divorce is simple or involves parenting/property disputes. Our firm offers fixed fees for straightforward divorces.

  View our Divorce Pricing Guide

No, not in all cases. If you and your spouse apply jointly and there are no children under 18, the court may grant the divorce without requiring attendance. If children are involved, or if only one person applies, court attendance may be necessary.

You may not need to attend court if you and your former partner can reach an agreement. Learn more about property settlement options here.

Yes — you can apply online via the Commonwealth Courts Portal. However, many people choose to work with a lawyer to ensure all forms are correctly completed and to handle any issues around parenting, spousal maintenance or financial settlement.

Separation simply means you’re no longer living as a couple, even if you’re under the same roof. Divorce is the legal process that ends your marriage. You can remain legally separated without divorcing — though this may affect your rights around property, wills, or remarriage.

There’s no fixed formula. The Family Law Act considers:

• Each person’s financial and non-financial contributions

• The length of the relationship

• The future needs of each party

• Whether children are involved

A fair and equitable outcome is the goal. You can divide assets by agreement, via a Binding Financial Agreement, or by applying to the court.

  Learn about property settlements

Super is considered property and can be split between spouses, even if not accessible yet. This requires a superannuation splitting order or inclusion in a financial agreement.

You have similar rights to married couples. After separation, you must finalise your property and parenting arrangements within two years. We help de facto couples access the same protections available under family law.

  De facto separation info

If you’re unable to support yourself after separation and your ex-partner has the financial capacity to assist, you may be eligible for spousal maintenance. This can be short-term or ongoing, depending on your situation.

  Read about eligibility

Not necessarily. Many couples resolve property and parenting disputes through mediation or Consent Orders. This keeps costs lower and avoids stress. We offer both negotiation and court representation.

While “best” is subjective, our clients consistently rate us 5 stars for clarity, compassion, and results. Book a free consultation to see how we can support your case.

A consent order isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended if both parents agree on parenting arrangements. It formalises the agreement through the Family Court, making it legally enforceable — offering peace of mind and legal protection.

If no formal order is made, either parent can later change the arrangement without legal consequences, which may lead to disputes. A consent order ensures the agreement is respected by both parties.

👉 Learn more about parenting and child custody here