Changes to family law fees from 1 January 2013

The following fees will apply in the Family Law Courts from 1 January 2013. The fees are fixed by Federal Government regulations.

Document or service Current fee New fee from
1 January 2013
APPLICATIONS
  • Application for consent orders

$84

$145
  • Application for nullity

$816

$1135
  • Application for a declaration as to validity

$816

$1135
  • Initiating application (children and financial orders)

n/a

*$500
  • Initiating application (family law)

$255

$305
  • Response to initiating application (family law)

$255

$305
  • Interim application

n/a

*$105
  • Issue subpoena

n/a

*$50
HEARINGS  
  • Daily hearing fee (for each hearing day, excluding the first hearing day)

$638

$765
  • Setting down for hearing fee (defended matters)

$638

$765
  • Conciliation conference

n/a

*$350
APPEALS  
  • Notice of appeal from a court of summary jurisdiction

$638

$765
  • Notice of Appeal to the Full Court including appeal from the Federal Magistrates Court

$1004

$1205
  • Application for leave to appeal

n/a

*$1205

In some cases a reduced fee may be sought for a divorce application, or decree of nullity, or in respect of other fees, an exemption if you hold certain government concession cards or you can demonstrate financial hardship.

A brochure reflecting the updated family law fees is available in the Fees section of this website.

*These are new fees introduced by the Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012

Please note: GST does NOT apply to the Family Law Court fees.