Ready to formalise the end of your marriage? We make the divorce application simple — sole or joint — and keep property and parenting on track alongside it.
A divorce legally ends your marriage. In Australia it's 'no fault' — you don't need to prove wrongdoing, only that the marriage has broken down and you've been separated for at least 12 months.
Divorce is separate from dividing your property or arranging care of your children. We handle the application and make sure those other issues aren't left behind.
There are two ways to apply, and we'll help you pick the simpler path:
You and your spouse apply together. It's usually smoother — nobody has to be formally served, and if there are no children under 18 you generally don't have to attend court at all.
You apply on your own, even if your spouse doesn't agree. They simply need to be served with the documents. We arrange proper service and handle it if they can't be found.
We confirm the 12-month separation and that the Court has jurisdiction.
We complete and file your sole or joint application correctly the first time.
For a sole application we arrange proper service on your former spouse.
We attend to the hearing where required; the divorce takes effect one month and one day later.
We're on High Street in Epping and act for people right across Melbourne's north — Lalor, Mill Park, South Morang, Mernda, Craigieburn and beyond. Because a divorce application is mostly paperwork and advice, you don't have to come in: we offer online consultations by video or phone, so you can get it done around work and family.
Uncontested divorce — $990 + GST (excl. the Court's filing fee).
More complex or contested matters are handled on a case-by-case basis after your consultation — typically $2,500–$3,300. We always set your fee out up front, in writing.
At least 12 months. You can be separated while living under the same roof — we can help prove that if needed.
No. You can apply on your own (a sole application) even if your spouse doesn't agree — they just need to be served.
No — divorce only ends the marriage. Property and parenting are separate, and we handle those too — and there's a time limit, so don't leave them.
Often not. For a joint application, or a sole application with no children under 18, you usually don't need to attend. We'll tell you exactly what your matter requires.
Yes, the Federal Circuit and Family Court charges a filing fee, with a reduced fee available if you hold a concession card or are in financial hardship. Our fixed fee is separate and we set it out up front.
You can still divorce. Where a spouse can't be located, we can apply to the Court for substituted service or to dispense with service — we handle these applications regularly.
Usually yes, as long as you or your spouse regard Australia as home and intend to live here indefinitely, are an Australian citizen, or ordinarily live here. We can confirm eligibility and deal with a foreign marriage certificate.
Yes. A divorce doesn't change your name automatically, but you're free to revert to a previous name — we can point you to the simplest way to do it.
Waters & Co makes divorce straightforward — fixed-fee, no judgement, in plain English.
Book or send a free enquiry →