What will your separation actually cost?

Most people don't set a budget. Then they find out what it cost. Understanding your path early changes everything.

Choose your path below
The numbers adjust to show typical Australian ranges
Typical total cost
$14,000
$8,000\u2013$20,000 range
Preparation
Mediation
Formalisation

Choosing mediation over court could save you $40,000–$80,000

Preparation
$2,000\u2013$5,000
Mediation
$3,000\u2013$8,000
Formalisation
$2,000\u2013$5,000

These are general Australian estimates. Every situation is different.

Track your actual costs with PartWise

Set a budget, choose your path, and see where every dollar goes.

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Legal spending buys process, not certainty

In family law, no amount of money guarantees a specific outcome. Lawyers and mediators guide you through a process — negotiation, mediation, and if needed, court — but the final result depends on your circumstances, the other party, and sometimes a judge's discretion.

Understanding this early changes how you approach your separation. When people know their own finances, have their records organised, and are clear on their priorities, they give their lawyers something meaningful to work with — and they give themselves the best chance of an outcome that reflects their actual circumstances rather than a default formula.

Where your money makes the biggest difference

Preparation

Every dollar spent getting organised saves multiples in meeting time.

Reactive responses

Letters back and forth often cost $1,000–$3,000 each and rarely change the outcome.

“Most of my clients who came in well-prepared resolved their matter in half the time — and at a fraction of the cost.”

— Family law practitioner, Sydney

The best time to start preparing is before your first meeting

PartWise organises your finances, finds the important records, and helps you walk in ready.

Start preparingSee how PartWise works