Court Filing Fees
Court filing fees can be an expensive addition to an already costly time. The good news is that some people are eligible for a reduction of these fees or an exemption altogether.
Court filing fees can range from $385-$625 for an application for Final Orders in financial and/or parenting matters, to $990-$1,405 for an application for divorce or annulment.
Clients seeking Final Orders may be exempt from filing fees if they fall into any of the below categories. Clients seeking a divorce or annulment may be eligible for a reduced filing fee of either $330 or $465.
Eligibility
Clients who fall into the below criteria are entitled to apply for an exemption or reduction of Court fees:
- Holders of a health care card, pensioner concession card, Commonwealth seniors’ health card, or any other card certifying entitlement to a concession issued by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
- Those who have been granted Legal Aid;
- Those who receive youth allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY payments;
- Those under the age of 18; and
- Those who are an inmate of a prison or otherwise detained in a public institution.
Clients may also apply for an exemption or reduction if they are suffering financial hardship. This is a three-part test consisting of an income, assets and day-to-day living expenses and liabilities test.
We can assist clients with the applications if you are eligible for an exemption or reduction. If you have any questions about obtaining an exemption or reduction or require assistance with your family law matter, please do not hesitate to contact our Family Law Team on 9523 5535.
For more information about the filing fee exemption or reduced fees please visit the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided as general information only. It is not intended to be legal advice and it should not be used or relied on as legal or professional advice.
