Divorce

The Final Step to Your New Beginning

Legally finalising your separation with a divorce is a major step. While it often brings relief and closure, the court application itself can be confusing, with strict rules, forms, and deadlines. You need to be sure it’s done correctly.

At Irvine Lawyers, we make the divorce application process simple. We manage the entire process for a fixed fee, giving you certainty and closure to move forward.

Divorce Applications: What It Covers

Joint vs. Sole Applications: Joint is simplest, filed together; sole is filed individually and requires service on your ex-partner. We advise on the best approach and manage it all.
Separation Under One Roof: We prepare affidavits to prove separation if living in the same house during the 12-month period.
What Divorce Does NOT Cover: Divorce does not finalise parenting or property arrangements. These are separate legal matters to address within 12 months of divorce becoming final.

Why Choose Irvine Lawyers for Your Divorce

Fixed-Fee Divorce Service: Competitive fixed fee for standard divorce applications ensures cost certainty.
A Stress-Free Process: We handle the paperwork, filing, and formal service (if required).
Practical Advice: Clear, plain-English guidance for complex situations, including children under 18 or ‘under one roof’ separation.
Expertise in All Applications: Experience with sole, joint, overseas, and hard-to-locate spouse applications.

How It Works: Our Simple Divorce Process

Fixed-Fee Quote & Documents

30-minute confidential consultation to confirm eligibility and explain process.

Strategic Advice & Planning

Receive quote and list of required documents (marriage certificate, ID).

We Prepare & File

Draft application and supporting affidavit, then file with the Federal Circuit and Family Court.

Service of Documents (for sole applications)

We manage service and prepare the Affidavit of Service for the Court.

The Court Hearing

Usually, no attendance required for joint applications. We monitor dates and notify you when Divorce Order is granted.

Your Divorce is Final

One month and one day after the hearing. We provide the official sealed Divorce Order.

Pricing & Transparency

Fixed fee plus Federal Court filing fee for standard applications. Complex cases (e.g., locating a spouse) receive clear cost estimates before starting.

Common Situations We Handle

Straightforward joint divorce applications where both parties agree.
Sole divorce applications where one party files independently.
Divorce applications involving children under 18.
Preparing affidavits for separation under one roof.
Guiding clients unfamiliar with the Australian divorce process.
Handling overseas or hard-to-locate spouses.

Google Review

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend Laurie highly enough.

We had a very urgent situation where a loan needed to settle within two days, and we desperately needed a solicitor to review guarantor loan documents to make settlement happen on time. Laurie stepped in immediately and was willing to help even outside of normal working hours, which made all the difference.

As a mortgage broker, I understand how critical timing and responsiveness are in these situations, and Laurie was not only incredibly professional but also genuinely lovely to deal with throughout the process.

Thanks to his help, everything was reviewed in time and the settlement went through smoothly. We’re extremely grateful and I’ll definitely be sending more clients his way.

Thank you again, Laurie!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   JESSIE BOYCE 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They are always there to support with my family circumstances changing. I am grateful for the personal feel and professional service. Thank you Laurie.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   natalieboughosn 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best lawyer I have come across in years, very thorough, very informative and just an all round honest and genuine bloke
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   nadia costello 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Luary great service knowledge of the situation excellent
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Charlie Scicluna 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good advice from Laurie.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Mark Russell

Service Areas & Contact

From our offices in Warrnambool and South Morang, we offer fixed-fee divorce services across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Call us on (03) 9422 5439 for South Morang or (03) 5562 9196 for Warrnambool, or Book your free 30-minute case assessment online.

FAQs: Divorce in Victoria

How long do I have to be separated to get a divorce?

Minimum of 12 months (and one day) separation is required before filing.

Does the divorce sort out our property and children?

No. Divorce only legally dissolves the marriage. Property and parenting arrangements are separate, and you have 12 months from finalisation to file for property settlement.

Do I have to go to court for my divorce hearing?

Usually not for joint applications. Sole applications with children under 18 may require a short hearing, often by phone, which we can manage for you.

What if we were separated but lived in the same house?

Affidavits explaining how you lived separate lives are required. We can prepare these for you.

How long does a divorce take?

Hearing usually set 2–4 months after filing. Divorce becomes final one month and one day after the hearing. We manage the process and keep you informed.