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In short
Current Filing Fees (2026)
The cost to file consent orders is straightforward and transparent. As of January 2026, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia charges a standard filing fee of $205 for an Application for Consent Orders. The fee is paid online when you file through the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
What that single fee covers:
- Filing of your Application for Consent Orders
- Court assessment by a Registrar
- Making of the consent orders (if approved)
- Notification of the outcome
Combined applications
Fee Exemptions and Concessions
You may be eligible for a full exemption from the filing fee — meaning you pay nothing. You are automatically eligible if you hold any of the following:
- Health Care Card
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Legal Aid grant
If you do not hold one of these cards but are experiencing financial hardship, you may still apply for an exemption. Evidence typically required includes bank statements, Centrelink income statements, proof of expenses, evidence of debts, and a letter explaining your circumstances.
How to apply for exemption
- Select "apply for fee exemption" when filing your application through the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
- Upload evidence of your eligibility — card details for automatic exemptions, or financial evidence for hardship.
- The exemption is assessed alongside your application.
Important
The True Cost Comparison
The difference between consent orders and contested proceedings is substantial. Consent orders cost $205 to file; contested proceedings typically cost each party $30,000 or more, with complex matters that proceed to a full trial reaching $200,000–$300,000 per party at $300–$700 per hour for legal representation.
| Pathway | Typical cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Consent orders | $205 (court fee only) | 4–8 weeks processing |
| Contested proceedings | $30,000+ per party (average) | 2–3 years to resolve |
| Full trial (contested) | $200,000–$300,000 per party | 3–5+ years |
Consent orders give you court orders with the same legal effect as those obtained through contested proceedings, at a fraction of the cost. You also control the outcome: both parties agree to the terms, rather than having a judge decide for you.
Additional Costs to Budget For
While $205 is the only mandatory court fee, there are some additional costs you may encounter depending on your circumstances.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | $205 | Mandatory (unless exempt) |
| Certified copies | $50 each | For banks, land titles, super funds |
| Property transfer fees | Varies | State land titles office fees |
| Super fund processing | $0–$200 | Depends on fund |
| Optional lawyer review | $500–$1,500 | Recommended for complex matters |
| Total realistic budget (DIY) | $300–$500 | Filing fee plus basic extras |
Tips to keep costs down:
- Get the application right the first time — there is no extra court fee for resubmission, but errors cause weeks of delay.
- Only order the certified copies you actually need.
- Check whether your super fund charges a splitting fee before committing to a particular split method.
- Consider a lawyer review only for complex property or parenting arrangements.
What If You Can't Afford the Fee?
If the $205 filing fee is a barrier, three paths are available.
Apply for fee exemption
If you hold a concession card or are experiencing financial hardship, apply for an exemption when filing. Provide evidence and the fee may be waived entirely.
Community legal centre
Community legal centres provide free legal assistance to eligible clients. They can help with your application and may assist with fee exemption applications.
Legal Aid
If you have a Legal Aid grant, you are automatically exempt from filing fees. Contact your state Legal Aid commission to check eligibility — noting that approximately 8% of applicants qualify.
Getting the Best Value
Your $205 investment — or $0 if exempt — secures court orders with the same legal effect as orders obtained through contested proceedings costing $30,000 or more. To maximise that value:
- Get it right first time. Use the court's guides, check your documents carefully, and ensure both parties' signatures and witness details are correct before filing.
- Use free resources. The Federal Circuit and Family Court website has guides, examples, and fact sheets. Court registry staff can answer procedural questions.
- Consider a lawyer review for complex matters. Paying $500–$1,500 for a review before filing can prevent costly mistakes and provide peace of mind.
- Understand your entitlements first. Use calculators and resources to assess likely outcomes before agreeing to terms. A well-informed agreement is more likely to be approved and less likely to need variation later.
Common questions
What is the consent orders filing fee in 2026?
The standard filing fee for an Application for Consent Orders is $205 (in force since 1 July 2025). This fee covers both parenting and property orders if combined in a single application. The fee is paid online when you file through the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
Can I get a fee exemption for consent orders?
Yes, full fee exemptions are available if you hold a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or are a recipient of Legal Aid. Financial hardship exemptions may also be available with supporting evidence. Apply when filing your application.
Is there a separate fee for property and parenting orders?
No. If you include both property and parenting arrangements in a single Application for Consent Orders, only one filing fee ($205) applies. This is one reason many couples choose to combine their applications rather than filing separately.
What if I can't afford the filing fee?
If you don't qualify for an automatic exemption, you can apply for a hardship exemption by providing evidence of your financial circumstances. Community legal centres can also help with applications for fee exemptions. Note that payment plans are not available — it's either full fee or exemption.
Are there any hidden costs with consent orders?
The $205 filing fee is the only mandatory court cost. However, you may want to budget for: certified copies ($50 each), property transfer registration fees (varies by state), superannuation fund fees for splitting ($0–$200), and optional lawyer review ($500–$1,500). Total realistic budget is typically $300–$500.
How much does an application for consent orders cost?
The $205 filing fee is the only mandatory court cost (and can be waived if you are exempt). Beyond that, a realistic DIY total budget is typically $300–$500 once you add basic extras such as certified copies ($50 each), property transfer registration fees (varies by state), superannuation fund splitting fees ($0–$200), and an optional lawyer review ($500–$1,500) for complex matters. By comparison, contested proceedings typically cost each party $30,000 or more.
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