Timeline for Divorce

When planning to end your marriage, it’s important to be aware of some key timeframes.

You must wait 12 months after separating before applying for a divorce, though some people wait longer for various reasons, which is perfectly fine. However, you can resolve your property settlement before the divorce is finalised, and most people choose to do this. You should be mindful of timelines that affect your rights to a property settlement post-divorce. For instance, both parties have 12 months from the date the divorce is finalised to formalise a property settlement. After this period, you may be prevented from applying to the court for property orders.

In Australia, finalising a divorce is straightforward, but property settlements and children’s matters can be more complex. We recommend seeking legal advice early in the process.