Family Lawyer Fees & Consultation Costs
How Our Fees Work
Most family law firms bill by the hour once a matter is underway, and Eckert Legal is no different for ongoing work. What we do differently is make sure you’re never guessing at the start.
Initial Consultation: Fixed Fee
Our initial family lawyer consultation is offered at a modest fixed fee, so you can get meaningful legal advice without uncertainty around cost.
During your first appointment, we’ll discuss your situation, explain your options and outline how any further work is likely to be billed. Different family law matters require different levels of work, so understanding the likely scope and costs early can help prevent unexpected fees later.
Unlike some free consultations that may be brief or introductory, a paid consultation allows more time for tailored, substantive advice about your circumstances.
Transparent Family Law Fees
At Eckert Legal, we understand that family law fees can be an important consideration when choosing a lawyer. That’s why we provide clear and transparent information about our legal costs from the outset.
Our family lawyers will explain how our fees are calculated and, where possible, provide cost estimates for each stage of your matter. We focus on practical, cost-effective and affordable solutions and work efficiently to progress your case while avoiding unnecessary delays and expenses.
You’ll be kept informed about the work being completed and the costs involved, giving you greater clarity, confidence and control throughout your family law matter.
What Affects the Cost of a Family Law Matter
The overall cost of separation varies, and largely depends on agreeability, complexity of your financial and parenting arrangements, and the speed at which matters can be resolved.
Family Mediation & Dispute Resolution
Mediation and dispute resolution genuinely reduce legal costs where they’re appropriate. We’ll discuss honestly whether mediation is realistic for your situation and guide you through the Family Law Mediation process from there.
Divorce Filing Fee
Court filing fees are separate to legal fees and are set by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, not by individual firms. Review pricing directly on the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Fees Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the divorce application fee in Australia?
The court filing fee for a divorce application is $1,125, effective from 1 July 2026. This is the same fee whether you’re filing in NSW or any other state, since it’s set federally rather than by individual states or courts. If you hold an eligible concession card or can demonstrate financial hardship, the fee reduces to $375.
This filing fee is separate from our legal fees and is paid directly to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia when the application is lodged. You can review pricing directly on the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Fees Page.
How much does it cost to file a parenting or financial application?
Parenting and financial applications are charged separately from divorce applications, and the fee depends on what you’re applying for. An initiating application seeking final orders on parenting or financial matters currently costs $455, or $740 if you’re applying for both, as at 1 July 2026.
If you also need an interim order while the matter is progressing, that adds a further $155. These fees are set by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and increase annually on 1 July, so we’ll confirm the exact fee that applies when we prepare your paperwork.
Who pays for family court costs?
In most family law matters, each party pays their own legal costs, regardless of the outcome. The court doesn’t automatically order the other side to cover your fees the way it might in some other civil disputes. A costs order against the other party is possible in limited circumstances, such as if they’ve acted unreasonably or caused unnecessary delay, but this is the exception rather than the rule, and it’s not something to bank on when budgeting for your matter.
Talk to Us About Your Fees
Every family law matter is different, and the only way to know what yours will actually cost is to talk it through with us. Call Eckert Legal today to book your fixed-fee initial consultation and discuss an affordable fee structure that fits your circumstances.
Enquire today
You are welcome to contact us to discuss our fee structure and obtain information about costs relevant to your matter. You can submit an anonymous enquiry via the form below or contact us directly via phone.