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Divorce Lawyers Adelaide

Q: How do you file for divorce in Australia?

To file for divorce in Australia: (1) Confirm eligibility — at least one party must be an Australian citizen, born in Australia, or have lived in Australia for at least 12 months. (2) Confirm separation period — you must have been separated for a minimum of 12 months with no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation. (3) Gather documents — you will need your marriage certificate and an accredited translation if not in English. (4) Lodge your application electronically through the Commonwealth Courts Portal. (5) Attend court if required — if children under 18 are involved, the Applicant must attend the hearing.

Q: Who pays for a divorce in Australia?

While many believe the person being divorced (the Respondent) pays, this is not always the case. The person filing for divorce (the Applicant) always pays the court filing fee, however both parties may be liable to pay for divorce proceedings depending on the circumstances. Contact Randle & Taylor to determine what divorce fees you are likely to be liable for.

Compassionate Guidance. Strong Legal Representation.

At Randle & Taylor Barristers and Solicitors, our divorce lawyers in Adelaide have helped thousands of South Australians through separation, property settlements and parenting matters for over 50 years. We are here to help.

Serving Adelaide Since 1970

50+ Years Experience

Free 15 Minute Phone Consult

Trusted Adelaide Lawyers

What We Do

Our Divorce Law Services

Our divorce solicitors in Adelaide provide clear, practical advice across separation, property, and parenting matters — tailored to your circumstances.

Divorce Applications

We manage your application to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia from start to finish, including confirming eligibility and attending court where required.

Property Settlements

We advise on your entitlements under the Family Law Act 1975 and work to reach a fair, timely division of assets, liabilities and superannuation.

Binding Financial Agreements

We draft BFAs before, during or after a relationship — ensuring your agreement is legally sound and properly executed.

Parenting and Children's Orders

We help you reach parenting arrangements that prioritise your children's best interests, through negotiation or the Family Court.

Spousal Maintenance

We advise whether you have a claim, negotiate arrangements, or represent you in proceedings under the Family Law Act 1975.

De Facto Separations

De facto partners in South Australia have similar rights to married couples under the Family Law Act 1975. We advise on your entitlements and the time limits that apply.

Our divorce lawyers are based at 208 Carrington St, Adelaide SA 5000 (view in Google Maps). Phone and video consultations available across South Australia.

Request a Callback from a Divorce Lawyer

No obligation. Confidential. Adelaide based.

For When Experience Counts

Expert Divorce Lawyers Adelaide

Experienced divorce lawyers who listen.

Randle & Taylor have served South Australia since 1970. When it comes to divorce and family law, we listen to your personal situation — because no two cases are the same.

Personalised legal advice

We take the time to understand your circumstances before providing advice. Whether your matter is straightforward or complex, you will receive practical guidance tailored to your situation and your goals.

Strong representation when it matters

Our divorce solicitors provide confident representation in negotiations and, where necessary, in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. We are here to protect your rights and interests at every stage.

Our Fees Are Competitive with Other Firms in South Australia

Fixed-fee options are available for divorce applications. We discuss likely costs at your first consultation so there are no surprises. Our fees are competitive with other law firms in South Australia.

Schedule your free 15-minute telephone consultation, with no obligation, today.

Meet Your Legal Team

The Team That Handles Your Matter

Alison Murphy - Solicitor

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Henry McCabe - Law Clerk

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What Our Clients Say

Trusted by South Australians Since 1970

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Van Nguyen 
 09/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding legal service – highly recommended!

We are extremely grateful to Randle & Taylor for their professionalism, responsiveness and support during one of the most challenging periods our company has faced.

A special thank you to Jonathan Brohier, who has been absolutely outstanding throughout the entire process. Jonathan was incredibly responsive, acted quickly when urgent matters arose, and consistently provided clear, practical and reliable advice. Most importantly, we always felt that we could genuinely rely on him when we needed support the most.

His commitment, professionalism and calm approach made a significant difference to our company during a very difficult time. Jonathan went above and beyond what we expected from our legal counsel, and we truly appreciate having him by our side.

Randle & Taylor has provided us with a 5-star level of service, and Jonathan is an exceptional lawyer who we would have no hesitation recommending to other businesses.

Thank you, Jonathan and the entire Randle & Taylor team, for standing with us through a difficult chapter. We sincerely appreciate your support and dedication.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Starry Candy 
 13/07/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did a quick free phone consult today and Nick was very helpful. Thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Janine Neumann 
 11/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliant service every time. Highly recommend their business.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pablo Samels 
 18/01/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angus and Jonathan helped us with a legal issue, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Not only they did an excellent job, but they also genuinely cared about us and our situation. They took the time to listen and made us feel supported throughout the process, something that isn’t always easy to find in the legal world.
If you’re looking for legal help that is both highly professional and genuinely personal, I couldn’t recommend them more.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katarina V 
 29/08/2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patrick and the team were thoroughly professional, diligent and committed to resolving our matter.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sarah Bloomfield 
 27/08/2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend. This is a company that doesn't just treat you like a number. Randle and Taylor dealt with our affairs with kindness and respect.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bailey White 
 26/08/2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Randle and Taylor have done amazing things for my family. A supportive, professional and compassionate organisation
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rob Cornish 
 08/11/2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family and I cannot speak highly enough of the care the support we received from Jonathan.  He helped our son start over and he has gone from strength to strength.  It is hard to find trust when a loved one needs help,  but you will not be sorry putting your faith in this honourable company.   Thank you Jonathan, blessings.
  
 
  
  
 
 
      Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Content reviewed by

Nick McCabe - Barrister and Solicitor

Admitted February 2000 · 25+ years legal experience
Supreme Court, District Court and Magistrates Court of South Australia
Family Law · Binding Financial Agreements · Dispute Resolution
Law Society of South Australia · Gold Alliance Firm

Last reviewed: June 2026

View Nick's full profile →

Divorce Law in South Australia

Commonly Asked Questions

Answers prepared and reviewed by the team at Randle & Taylor Barristers and Solicitors, Adelaide.

What does a divorce lawyer do?

A divorce lawyer manages the legal end of a marriage, including filing divorce applications with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, negotiating property settlements, and handling child custody or parenting orders under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). A divorce solicitor also advises on financial agreements and spousal maintenance.

Do I need a divorce lawyer or can I do it myself?

You can file for divorce in Australia without a lawyer, but errors in your application cause delays or rejection. A divorce solicitor is strongly recommended when your matter involves property settlement, parenting disputes, or complex finances — particularly given the strict 12-month deadline to start property proceedings after a Divorce Order takes effect.

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Adelaide?

Divorce lawyer costs in Adelaide start from $1,125 in court filing fees for a standard application (as of July 2025), or $375 for concession card holders. A fixed-fee divorce application with Randle & Taylor costs $1,210–$1,500. Property settlements range from $3,000–$20,000+. Litigated matters can exceed $50,000. A free 15-minute phone consultation is available to discuss your specific costs.

See our complete 2026 guide to divorce costs in Australia.

How long does divorce take in South Australia?

A divorce in Australia takes approximately four months from the date of filing to receive a final Divorce Order from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Couples must be separated for a minimum of 12 months before lodging an application under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).

What is the difference between separation and divorce?

Separation is when a couple decides their relationship has ended — no court order is required to be separated. Divorce is the formal legal dissolution of a marriage under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). Couples must be separated for at least 12 months before applying for divorce. Property settlements can be finalised from the point of separation.

How do you file for divorce in Australia?

To file for divorce in Australia:

Step 1 — Confirm eligibility. At least one party must be an Australian citizen, born in Australia, or have lived in Australia for at least 12 months.
Step 2 — Confirm separation period. You must have been separated for a minimum of 12 months with no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation.
Step 3 — Gather documents. You will need your marriage certificate and, if applicable, an accredited translation if the certificate is not in English.
Step 4 — Lodge your application. File your Application for Divorce electronically through the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
Step 5 — Attend court if required. If children under 18 are involved, the Applicant must attend the court hearing.

How do I lodge my divorce papers in South Australia?

In South Australia, divorce applications are lodged electronically with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia via the Commonwealth Courts Portal. The Applicant pays the court filing fee. If children under 18 are involved, the Applicant must attend the hearing. Property settlement proceedings must be started within 12 months of the Divorce Order taking effect.

How long after divorce can you remarry in Australia?

You can remarry one month and one day after your Divorce Order takes effect under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).

Australian marriage law dictates that to remarry after divorce, you and your spouse must have lived separately and apart for a period of 12 months post-divorce. There must also be no reasonable likelihood that you and your former spouse will resume remarried life.

In some circumstances, it is still possible to live together in the same residence but also be separated. This is referred to as being “separated but living under one roof”.

Who pays for a divorce in Australia?

While there is a long-held belief that the person being divorced (known as the Respondent) pays for the divorce, this is not always the case. Whereas the person filing for divorce (known as the Applicant) always pays for divorce, both parties may be liable to pay for divorce proceedings.

Contact Randle & Taylor to determine what divorce fees you are likely to be liable for.

What happens to property after divorce in South Australia?

Divorce does not automatically divide property. Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), a property settlement must be formalised separately — either by consent order or financial agreement. Once a Divorce Order takes effect, you have 12 months to commence property settlement proceedings in South Australia. Missing this deadline can permanently affect your entitlements.

Can de facto couples use the same divorce process?

De facto couples cannot apply for divorce — that process applies only to married couples. However, under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), de facto partners in South Australia have similar property and parenting rights to married couples. Time limits on property settlement claims apply from the date of separation.

What other services do you offer?

Randle & Taylor Barristers and Solicitors provide legal advice across a broad range of practice areas, including building and construction law, business sales and acquisitions, commercial agreements and commercial law, family law, wills and estates, estate planning and family trusts, debt recovery, property law, commercial and residential leasing, dispute resolution and commercial litigation.