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Divorce Lawyers

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Getting a Divorce in Australia

You can apply for a divorce by yourself or with your ex to the marriage. The same online application is used for both sole and joint applications.

There will be different obligations depending on each pathway. Most divorces can be done online by yourself, but if there are complications, like issues with service, attendances at court, children under 18, then you may need to engage a lawyer.

When a relationship ends, the legal process shouldn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed or alone. Experienced divorce lawyers in Sydney are here to guide you with compassion, clarity, and practical legal support so you can focus on rebuilding your future. Whether you’re filing a sole or joint application, dealing with parenting matters, or facing financial uncertainty, we’ll stand by your side with advice you can count on and representation you can trust.

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Conditions To File For Divorce

If one of these pre-conditions applies, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia can hear your divorce application. This applies regardless of where your marriage took place, provided your marriage is legally recognised under Australian law.

Examples

To make these legal requirements easier to understand, here are some examples of how Australian family law applies to international marriages.

Mixed Nationalities and Overseas Marriage
You are a Canadian citizen. Six years ago, you married an Australian citizen in the United States of America. You separated from your spouse two years ago. You now live in Singapore and your spouse lives in New Zealand.

Even though you are neither an Australian citizen nor currently living in Australia, you can apply for a divorce in Australia because your spouse remains an Australian citizen.

Both Spouses from Overseas Married in Their Home Country
You and your wife are both from India and were married in India. You have lived in Australia for the past two years, your visa is about to expire, and you have applied for an extension to stay another two years.

You can apply for a divorce in Australia because you have been living here for at least 12 months and regard Australia as your home.

We regularly assist clients in obtaining a divorce in Australia even if they were married overseas. Our family lawyers speak English, Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, Punjabi and Vietnamese, which allows us to help clients from diverse backgrounds.

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We worked on a prenup, and it was surprisingly comfortable. No tension, no rushing. Just constructive conversations
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03/01/26
I needed to figure out custody, and the team was incredibly gentle. Every decision was made with the child’s needs in mind. I’m so glad I chose them
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MinSoo Seol
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I was exhausted during my divorce, but their support changed everything. They were honest about risks and options. Their kindness meant more than they know
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Thank you for helping with my BFA — everything was transparent and easy to understand. There was no pressure at any stage. Just a genuinely supportive team
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I needed help with custody, and the team handled everything with so much care. They listened to every detail and offered realistic options. It was the first time I felt truly understood
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After my separation, I had no idea what to do about parenting arrangements. They helped me create a clear and fair plan. Now everything feels stable again.
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Considerations When Seeking Divorce in Australia After Marriage Overseas

Non-English Marriage Certificate
If your marriage certificate is not in English, it must be translated into English by a NAATI-accredited translator. You will also need to file an affidavit from the translator confirming their qualifications, the accuracy of the translation, and that the attached copy of the certificate is a true and correct translation.

Serving the Divorce Application Overseas
If your spouse is living outside Australia, serving the divorce application may require extra steps. You must take all reasonable steps to ensure your spouse receives the application. If serving them personally is not possible, you may apply to the Court for substituted service or dispensation of service. This will involve preparing an affidavit and possibly an application in a case. When serving overseas, you will usually need to allow at least 42 days before the hearing date.

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How to File for Divorce if You Got Married Overseas

If you were married overseas, the divorce process in Australia is generally the same as for couples married in Australia.

Australian law recognises most overseas marriages, provided they are legally valid in the country where they took place. If your marriage certificate is in English, or you have had it translated into English by a NAATI translator, the Australian court can accept it for your divorce application.

You will still need to meet the jurisdiction criteria, which means you must either be an Australian citizen, regard Australia as your permanent home, or have lived here for at least 12 months before applying.

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International Student Divorce in Australia

If you are an international student, you may be able to apply for a divorce in Australia even if you were married overseas. Some students find that Australian divorce laws make the process more straightforward than in their home country.

You will need to show that you meet the jurisdiction requirements,  that you regard Australia as your home and have lived here for at least the last 12 months. This applies even if you are on a student visa, as long as you satisfy the legal criteria.

You may also apply for a divorce in Australia if:

You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or

You were married in Australia but now live overseas

We assist clients worldwide to obtain divorce orders in Australia, even if they are currently living overseas. In such cases, you will need evidence that you meet the jurisdiction requirements, such as proof of citizenship or marriage in Australia.

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Moving Forward with Your International Divorce

If you were married overseas and are considering a divorce in Australia, it is important to understand the jurisdiction requirements and any additional steps such as translating marriage certificates or serving documents internationally. Our family lawyers assist clients with a range of situations, from international student divorces to cases where both spouses are living outside Australia.

We can guide you through the process, help you prepare the necessary documents, and ensure your application meets the requirements of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

We address all aspects of family law

Your journey, our advocacy.

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AVO

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Wills and Estates

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