In Australia, divorce applications are lodged online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal, which connects directly to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
The process is digital, streamlined, and accessible—designed to allow individuals to initiate their own divorce application if they meet the eligibility requirements.
To apply for a divorce, you must satisfy a few basic criteria:
· You must be currently legally married.
· You must have separated for at least 12 months and there must be no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation.
· You need to also satisfy certain jurisdictional and residential requirements,
The application itself is submitted online by completing a series of forms through the Court Portal. This includes entering details such as the date of the marriage, date of separation, and personal information for both parties.
For many people, the process is straightforward—especially in cases where there are no children involved or the application is being made jointly. A copy of the marriage certificate is required to be uploaded, and in most instances, people can gather the necessary documentation and feel confident enough to submit the application themselves.
However, not all divorce applications are this simple. Some matters can become more technical, particularly where children are involved, or where one party is applying on their own (a “sole application”). In these cases, additional steps—such as serving the application on the other party—must be properly followed. Failing to do so can result in delays or the application being rejected.
There is a lot of quality, free information available online to assist individuals with the process. The Federal Circuit and Family Court website offers comprehensive guidance, and the online application system itself provides helpful explanations along the way.
So, what value does a DIY divorce kit really offer?
In truth, very little. These kits generally repackage information that is already freely available through official court resources. They often don’t contain anything new or unique—and in many cases, they are marketed as a shortcut while offering little practical assistance.
For individuals who already feel confident navigating the online process, a divorce kit adds no meaningful value and is often just an unnecessary expense.
On the other hand, if you don’t feel confident about completing the process yourself, the better option is to engage a lawyer or law firm. A lawyer will handle the entire process for you — completing the forms, ensuring the correct documents are attached, and navigating more complex procedural issues if they arise. For example, if the other party cannot be located, a lawyer can assist in applying for substituted service or dispensation of service, which can be a critical step in progressing your application.
For more complicated applications, or where a court hearing is required (often held online), having a lawyer speak on your behalf can significantly reduce the stress and ensure the matter proceeds smoothly. Legal expertise often makes the difference between a delay and a granted divorce.
Applying for your own divorce is completely valid. If you feel capable and confident, the system is built to support you. We always recommend starting by reviewing the online portal yourself to assess whether you’re comfortable taking that step.
However, if you’re uncertain or want assistance, our strong advice is to avoid spending money on a DIY divorce kit. These products rarely provide value for money and do not offer any insights beyond what is freely available online. Instead, if you’re looking for a hassle-free, professional, and supportive experience, consider engaging a law firm to handle the divorce application for you.