While going through the process of separation can be a stressful time, if you hire one of the best divorce lawyers in Canberra then you can be reassured that you’re in safe hands. Whether you are in a de facto relationship or married, working through the legal matters of spousal maintenance negotiations, property settlements or child support arrangements, an accredited family law firm can guide you through dispute resolution, settlement agreements or family court arrangements.
Skip to the best of Canberra's best divorce and family lawyers
- Baker Deane & Nutt Lawyers
- Farrar Gesini Dunn
- Robinson + McGuinness Family Law
- Parker Coles Curtis
- Snedden Hall & Gallop
How much does a family lawyer cost in Canberra?
The cost of a divorce or family lawyer in Canberra will depend on the complexity of the case and the seniority of the lawyer. You can expect to pay somewhere between $200 to $400 per hour, however some law firms will offer package deals for the whole process. You may be able to find a junior family lawyer starting out in their career who may charge as little as $100 per hour, but the more senior lawyers are often able to provide more succinct and comprehensive advice, in a similar time frame, and with legal proceedings and legally binding agreements, you get what you pay for!
The complexity of your family situation will also impact the cost. If you are a young couple with no dependents or property, with an agreed split of assets, then the process is as simple as filing paperwork. However, a family with children, pets, and property may need more negotiation, mediation, and settlements which are all time consuming and costly.
How long does a divorce take in Canberra?
From the time you first file your paperwork with the courts to when the court grants the divorce, is usually around 4 months. However, many divorce proceedings take longer than this, if they require negotiation or mediation between parties, and the dividing and settlement of joint assets. The court's role in the process is to investigate and confirm that the following conditions are met:
- You and your spouse have been separated for at least 12 months (note: it is possible to be separated but living under one roof);
- There has been an ‘irretrievable breakdown’ of the marriage (i.e.: that reconciliation is no longer possible); and
- Either you or your spouse is an Australian citizen or resident, and that you regard Australia as your permanent home.
The best divorce and family lawyers in Canberra 2024
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When looking for a divorce or family lawyer in the Canberra region, check out our list of the best local businesses below.
Robinson + McGuinness Family Law
Robinson + McGuinness pride themselves on being a warm and professional firm that have a deep understanding of family law matters.
Their experienced team understand that every family has a different situation, so they use their knowledge to help each of their clients navigate divorce and separation.
Snedden Hall & Gallop
Having provided the Canberra region with legal services for over 60 years, Snedden Hall & Gallop are one of the most experienced and trusted independent law firms in the region.
Their team has plenty of experience in family law and can provide you with quality advice about divorce and annulment.
Baker Deane & Nutt Lawyers
Baker Deane & Nutt Lawyers have been servicing the Canberra community for over 150 years and have a deep knowledge and understanding of family law.
The experienced team at BDN Lawyers can help you navigate through the sensitive and complex nature of divorce and separation.
Farrar Gesini Dunn
Farrar Gesini Dunn (FGD) have been operating for more than 20 years and have a wealth of experience in family law and divorce.
The knowledgeable team at FGD understand that what they do has an impact on you and your family’s life, so their focus is to find the best possible outcome that suits their clients circumstances.
Parker Coles Curtis
Parker Coles Curtis is an award-winning boutique law firm in Canberra run by specialist family lawyers that have plenty of experience in separation and divorce matters.
They understand that divorce can be a confronting and confusing process, so their experienced team will help you throughout the entire process to make the situation far less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a divorce cost?
Depending on how quickly the divorce process takes, the standard cost for a divorce in Canberra will be somewhere around $200 to $400 per hour.. Some law firms may offer a fixed fee structure, but it is best to check first before agreeing to anything.
How long will the divorce take?
It usually takes at least 3-4 months for a divorce to be finalised. The timeframe starts when you file your application and ends when a Divorce Order is issued by the court. Other procedural issues can arise which will prolong the process.
How long do I have to be separated before applying for a divorce?
In Australia you must be separated for 12 months before you can apply for a divorce. If you separate, but then reconcile for 3 months or longer, the 12 months period restarts.
How are assets divided?
Most people assume that a 50/50 split is entitled to them but there are a number of factors that go into determining the split. It is best to speak with your lawyer to understand exactly how and why your assets may be split unevenly before entering the divorce process.
Can I get divorced without going to court?
In Australia, you can apply for divorce on your own (sole application) or you can file for divorce with your spouse (joint application). If you are submitting a joint application, then you are not required to go to court.
