Increases to Family Court and Federal Circuit Court Filing Fees

There has been significant media attention recently about the increase to the filing fees in the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court.  However proposed changes which were due to be implemented on 1 July 2015 were initially blocked in the Senate.  Following further negotiation with the Government The Family Law (Fees) Regulation 2012 has now been amended by the Family Law (Fees) Amendment (2015 Measures No. 1) Regulation 2015 and the fee increases became effective from 13 July 2015.

A summary of the most significant increases are outlined below.
• The full filing fee for an Application for divorce in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia is now $1,200 (up from $845);
• The filing fee for an Application for Consent Orders is now $240 (up from $155);
• The filing fee for issuing a subpoena is $125 (up from $55); and
• A new fee category for the filing of amended applications of $125 which were previously free.

Reduced fees apply in some cases.

The full fee structure can be viewed using the link below:

http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/forms-and-fees/fees-and-costs/fees-fl/family-law-fees

If you have any questions in relation to any Family Law matter, please contact a member of our experienced Family Team on (02) 4731 5688.