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.
Download Our Free Divorce Guide
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.
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.
Proving financial hardship
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?
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
Streamline Your Divorce Process with a Joint Application on the Sunshine Coast
Our Practice Areas
Want to understand more about Family Law?
Contact Our Sunshine Coast Support Team
Download Our Free Divorce Guide