Divorce Applications in Queensland

Want the marriage legally over without the drama or the big legal bill? Fixed-fee divorce applications, prepared and filed with the Federal Circuit and Family Court.

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Fixed-fee pricing

Quoted upfront – $1,000 for a joint application or $1,500 for a sole application. No surprise invoices, no hourly billing.

Decided on the papers

Most divorces are decided on the papers. Nine times out of ten you won’t need to set foot in a courtroom – we handle the lot.

One dedicated team

Your matter stays with one solicitor from the first form to the final order. No handballing, no call-centre runaround.

What we actually do

Joint applications

Applying together? A joint application is the simplest, fastest route – there’s no need to prove service on the other party. We prepare it and file it with the court.

Sole applications

Going it alone? We prepare your sole Application for Divorce and arrange for the other party (the respondent) to be formally served before it proceeds.

Service of documents

For sole applications, the other party has to be formally served. We help arrange service and prepare the proof of service the court needs.

The court hearing

Most divorce hearings are decided on the papers, so you usually won’t need to attend. If a hearing is required, we walk you through exactly what to expect.

Your divorce order

One month and one day after the hearing, the divorce becomes final. We send you the sealed Divorce Order for your records.

Property settlement timing

Divorce starts a 12-month clock to sort your property settlement. We make sure you don’t miss it – and can handle that side of things too.

What does it cost?

Transparent fixed fees. No hourly tick-tick-tick.

Service	Empire Legal fixed fee	Typical family-firm range
Divorce Application (joint) Both parties apply together	$1,000	$1,200 – $2,500
Divorce Application (sole) One party applies, the other is served	$1,500	$1,800 – $3,500

Plus outlays:

Court filing fee – $1,125.00 (set by the Court, changes each financial year; a reduced fee is available for eligible concession card holders).

Process server fees, sole applications only, if the other party needs to be served – $200 to $400.

Get a fixed-fee quote

The 12-month property settlement trap

Here’s the one most people miss – and it’s a big one.

Divorce and property settlement are two separate things. Divorce ends the marriage. It does not divide your assets, super or debts. But the moment your divorce is final, a clock starts: you have just 12 months to apply for a property settlement. Miss that window and you need the court’s permission to apply at all – which you might not get.

So if there’s a house, super, savings or debt to sort out, get advice before (or at the same time as) your divorce – not after. That’s our bread and butter. See our family law property settlement page for BFAs, consent orders and the QLD stamp duty exemption that can save you tens of thousands.

One thing worth knowing: Empire Legal never acts for both parties in the same matter. If you both want us, we act for one of you and point the other to a trusted firm for independent advice.

How it works

1. Send us the basics. Your details, the relationship, any kids, a copy of the marriage certificate, and whether you’re applying jointly or solo. We’ll send a short form to confirm everything we need.

2. We prepare and file. We draft your Application for Divorce and lodge it electronically with the Federal Circuit and Family Court.

3. Service (sole applications only). If you’re applying alone, the other party must be formally served. We help arrange it and prepare the proof of service for the court.

4. Court hearing (usually not needed). Divorce hearings are normally decided on the papers. You’d only attend if you or the other party wants to, if the divorce is opposed, or if the court needs help with service.

5. Divorce order takes effect. One month and one day after the hearing, the divorce becomes final and we send you the Divorce Order.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a joint and sole divorce application?

A joint application is made by both parties together – there’s no need to prove service on the other party, which makes it simpler and faster. A sole application is made by one party alone, and the other party (the respondent) must be formally served with the divorce papers before the matter can proceed. If you’re unsure which applies to you, we’ll talk you through it.

Does a divorce affect my property settlement?

Divorce and property settlement are separate processes – divorce simply ends the marriage. But once a divorce is finalised you have a 12-month time limit to apply for property settlement orders. So get advice on your property matters before (or at the same time as) applying for divorce.

Do I have to go to court for my divorce?

Usually not. Divorce hearings are generally decided on the papers, so most people never attend. You’d only need to if you or the other party wants to attend, if the divorce is opposed, or if the court needs help with serving the other party.

How long does a divorce take?

After your application is filed there’s a court hearing, and the divorce becomes final one month and one day after that hearing. Exact timeframes depend on the court’s schedule – we keep you posted at each step.

Can I apply if we’ve been separated less than 12 months?

Generally no – you need to have been separated for at least 12 months before you can apply for a divorce in Australia. In some cases you can be ‘separated under one roof’ and still qualify. Tell us your situation and we’ll let you know where you stand.

Can Empire Legal handle both my divorce and my ex’s?

No – never. We don’t act for both parties in the same matter. If you both want us, we act for one of you and refer the other to a trusted firm for independent advice.

Whatu2019s the difference between a joint and sole divorce application?

A joint application is made by both parties together – there is no need to prove service on the other party, which makes it simpler and faster. A sole application is made by one party alone, and the other party (the respondent) must be formally served with the divorce papers before the matter can proceed.

Can I apply if we have been separated less than 12 months?

Generally no – you need to have been separated for at least 12 months before you can apply for a divorce in Australia. In some cases you can be separated under one roof and still qualify.

Can Empire Legal handle both my divorce and my ex divorce?

No – never. We do not act for both parties in the same matter. If you both want us, we act for one of you and refer the other to a trusted firm for independent advice.

Ready to get it sorted?

Call 07 3088 7675 or fire us an email – fixed-fee quote within 24 hours.

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Working through a separation as well? Our property settlement lawyers can help you divide assets fairly and make the agreement legally binding.

Services

Areas We Serve

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Contact

Phone
07 3088 7675

Email
info@empirelegal.com.au

Office hours
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 5:00pm

Our offices
Brisbane CBD – Spring Hill
9/83 Leichhardt St, QLD 4000

Bayside – Wynnum
98 Glenora St, QLD 4178

Gold Coast – Paradise Point
102b/14 Bruce Ave, QLD 4216

Let’s have a chat

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