Yes, you can get divorced without a lawyer in Australia, and many people do, because divorce in Australia is a relatively straightforward administrative process handled by Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and you do not need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested. Australia has no-fault divorce, the only ground is that marriage has broken down irretrievably and you have been separated for at least 12 months. You can apply for divorce online via Commonwealth Courts Portal at federalcircuitandfamilycourt.gov.au, fill Form Application for Divorce, pay filing fee $1,060 in 2024-2025, or $365 with concession, and file yourself. If it is a sole application, you need to serve papers on other party. If it is joint application, both sign and no need to attend hearing if no children under 18 or you have made arrangements. You do not need to attend court in person if you file online, most divorces are granted on papers. You can get divorced without lawyer even if you have property and children, because divorce is separate from property settlement and parenting orders, though you will need lawyers or mediation for those if contested. Many people use DIY divorce kits from Family Court website and Legal Aid self-help guides. However, if there are complications like overseas marriage, dispute about separation date, or spouse cannot be located, you may need legal advice. Legal Aid and community legal centres offer free advice. So yes, you can get divorced without lawyer, about 50% of divorces in Australia are done without lawyer for divorce itself.
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