Joint Application for Divorce Sunshine Coast
A divorce or breakup can be painful. But when two mature people part ways it can be made amicable. No malice. No disrespect. Just a conscious decision to uncouple.
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Joint Divorce Applications keep you out of court
We always encourage clients to negotiate out of court
A joint application for divorce tries to keep parties out of court and conclude a divorce with civility. The main aim is to “troubleshoot and problem solve” rather than to fight and win. Before you apply, it’s essential to understand whether to file a sole or joint application. They aren’t for everyone. Different obligations may apply in varying cases. Make sure you do your research before considering a joint application for divorce.
Joint Divorce Services
- Joint Divorce
- Sole Divorce Application
- Financial Aid
- Parenting Consent orders
- Financial consent orders
Sole divorce application
If you make a sole application, you are “the applicant”, and the other party is “the respondent”. Only you, as the applicant, must sign the application. The respondent does not need to sign the divorce application. However, you do need to serve the application on the respondent.
You don’t need to attend court if there are no children in the marriage and the respondent accepts the application.
Court attendance is necessary if there are children under the age of 18 years.
Book a consult for more information on how to serve a divorce on the respondent.


Joint application
For a joint application, both parties are “joint applicants”. If you file jointly, one party gives a copy of the completed application to the other to review and sign. Both applicants must sign the Affidavit for Filing Application (Divorce). If you make a joint application, you do not need to serve documents on the other party.
Court attendance is not required if you file a joint application.
There are many things to consider, and if your answer is yes to any of the below, we recommend getting legal advice
Were you married for less than two years?
Were You Married For Less Than Two Years?
The family court requires marriages of less than two years to attend counselling. Once you do the sessions, the counsellor will give you a counselling certificate to show that you fulfilled your duty.

Were you separated but living under the same roof for the last 12 months?

Were you separated but living under the same roof for the last 12 months?
- Sleeping in separate bedrooms;
- Not sharing meals;
- Maintaining separate friend groups;
- Ceasing any sexual activity.
Do you have children?
Do you have children?
When there are children in the marriage, divorce is more complicated. You must consider applying for a consent order to establish parenting arrangements. You may also need to apply for child support if you are your child’s primary carer.

Will you be changing your married or maiden name?

Will you be changing your married or maiden name?
Many women opt to revert to their maiden names after a divorce or separation. You don’t need to register a name change with the Queensland Government. However, different organisations will have their own requirements. For example, changing your name on your passport and driver’s licence requires a marriage certificate and proof of divorce.
Want to understand more about Family Law?
Contact Our Sunshine Coast Support Team
Financial aid
There are fees involved in joint divorce applications, which may be inhibiting. However, applicants experiencing financial hardship can apply for a reduced filing fee.
Calculating your fortnightly surplus income
Consent order application fee= $180 - Maximum surplus income= $90
Initiating application (family law) fee= $385 - Maximum surplus income= $190
Fee reductions
Consent orders
Protecting your wealth
Pursuing a joint divorce makes the process much easier emotionally and legally. Part of the joint divorce process is arranging for your children’s future care. You should also consider how best to divide property between you and your former partner.
Consent orders are a good way to maintain everyone’s legal entitlements. Consent orders are legally binding and based on fairness. You can apply for consent orders to settle financial and child-related issues.


Parenting consent orders
- Who the child will stay with and when;
- How will you handle their education;
- How you will meet any medical or religious needs.
Financial consent orders
Critical to protecting your entitlements

- Superannuation
- Real estate
- Stockholdings
- Bank accounts
- Personal effects
Joint applications for divorce
Let's work together
Interested in chatting more about a joint divorce application?
I have faith in and really believe a result will finally be made for my family after a long 7 year wait of previous devastating failures.
Joint applications for divorce
Let's work together
Meet The Owner
Luke Shanahan
Principal Solicitor
As principal solicitor of Shanahan Family Law in Maroochydore, Luke Shanahan is a reliable and experienced Sunshine Coast family law expert, offering compassionate support to people and families experiencing the most difficult circumstances through a divorce or separation. Whether you’re seeking help with child support, parenting matters, divorce, property consent orders, financial agreements, domestic violence, joint applications for divorce, or the preparation of DIY affidavits and consent orders, Luke can help.
As sad as it is to see couples and families split, he feels privileged to be able to help his clients find a better life through their family law services. “I believe we all deserve a second chance at finding a better life, and if this is through a divorce, then we will do everything we can to ensure our client’s success through whatever means.”

Take a look at what our clients say
Testimonials
Kate McDonald2025-01-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beyond grateful Aaron Young2024-10-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team was very helpful in fostering and maintaining a good relationship and working with us for a final outcome. All involved listened and help guide through what was an unknown process. Mona Alejandro2024-06-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Worth every dollar. Straight to the point with every effort to get the job done Not to mention how understanding and friendly all the staff. Thank you all for your amazing help. Rebecca Smith2024-05-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shanahan Family Lawyer, are not just knowledgeable and professional they also care about your situation. It felt good having someone on my side and going the extra mile to achieve the outcomes I was needing. Mariah James2024-04-29Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you to Danielle O’Connor and the team for helping me get through legal times! Couldn’t recommend enough Lauren Kirkby2024-04-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shanahan Family Law made the process for me very quick and easy. They explained everything to me in a way I could understand. Thank you Stacy Holmes-Brown2024-04-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. There will never be enough words to show my appreciation for the support and guidance that was shown to me from Danielle and all the team at Shanahan Family Law. They took me under their wing from the moment I walked through the door, and I felt safe, supported, heard, informed and above all I never felt alone. Luke and Danielle, there will never be enough words to describe just how thankful I am to you both for all the support and for making me feel empowered throughout this process. Stephen Breed2024-03-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent professional service from Luke Rodger Christensen2024-03-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. In facing a relationship breakup, it was important to find the right help and support when I really needed it. I saw the near perfect reviews and wondered if a team could be as good as the reviews suggested? …Early on I realised yes, it can. In personally meeting with Luke, I also saw how a deep understanding of the legal field, coupled with a very competent and compassionate team is why good things can emerge from tough situations. Thank you Luke, Clare and Katrina for looking after me when I needed it most.
Streamline Your Divorce Process with a Joint Application on the Sunshine Coast
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