Family law cost guide · Updated May 2026
Consent orders typically run $1,500–$3,500. Negotiated property settlements $8,000–$20,000. Contested final hearings $40,000–$120,000. Drawn from our 312-firm survey and Family Court fee schedules.
Family law costs in Australia depend almost entirely on whether the matter resolves by agreement or proceeds to a final hearing. The difference between these pathways is one zero on the bill.
Median combined costs (both parties’ legal fees combined) for property and parenting matters, May 2026:
| Resolution pathway | Combined cost | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Consent orders (you agree the terms) | $1,500–$3,500 | 2 to 4 months |
| Binding Financial Agreement | $3,500–$8,000 | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Family Dispute Resolution mediation | $2,000–$6,000 | 3 to 6 months |
| Negotiated property settlement | $8,000–$20,000 | 6 to 12 months |
| Contested final hearing (property) | $40,000–$120,000+ | 18 to 36 months |
| Contested parenting final hearing | $30,000–$80,000+ | 18 to 24 months |
Approximately 70% of Australian family law matters resolve without a final hearing (AIFS 2024 data). The earlier and more cooperatively a matter resolves, the dramatically lower the cost.
Filing fees are charged by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (current at May 2026):
| Item | Standard fee | Reduced fee (concession) |
|---|---|---|
| Application for divorce | $1,060 | $355 |
| Application for consent orders | $190 | $190 |
| Initiating Application (financial) | $420 | $140 |
| Initiating Application (parenting) | $420 | $140 |
| Final hearing setting-down fee | $1,225 | $410 |
Fee reductions are available for applicants in receipt of Centrelink benefits, holders of a Health Care Card, or where the applicant can show financial hardship.
Family lawyers in Australia generally use one of three pricing structures: hourly ($350–$650/hr for solicitors, $700–$1,400/hr for senior counsel), fixed-fee staged packages (e.g. $3,000 for FDR preparation), or blended structures where simple work is fixed and contested work is hourly.
Under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (or its state equivalents), a written costs disclosure must be provided before the firm starts acting. Read it carefully — the total estimate is usually the most useful number on the page.
Aim for consent orders. The court’s sealing of an agreed position costs $190 and takes weeks, not years.
Use FDR mediation early. An accredited Family Dispute Resolution practitioner can resolve property and parenting issues for a fraction of what court will cost.
Limit the lawyer’s scope of work. Many family lawyers offer "unbundled" advice — you handle correspondence and the lawyer reviews critical documents. Cheaper, but requires you to be capable and organised.
Disclose fully and early. Most cost blowouts in family matters come from arguments about disclosure. Doing it properly the first time avoids weeks of correspondence.
We’ll match you with verified Australian lawyers near you. Free for clients. Lawyers pay a published flat fee per accepted enquiry.
Find a lawyer →