You can apply after 12 months of separation, and the divorce order is usually finalised about four months after filing.
A divorce in Australia is granted on one ground — the marriage has broken down irretrievably, shown by 12 months of separation (you can be separated under one roof, with evidence).
After filing with the Federal Circuit and Family Court, a hearing is usually listed a couple of months later, and the order takes effect one month and one day after the hearing — roughly four months from filing.
Divorce only ends the marriage. Property settlement and parenting are separate — and there are time limits (generally 12 months from the divorce to apply for property). We can guide all of it.
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Book a consultMore on Family & divorce →General information only, specific to Victoria and current as at 2026 — not legal advice. Please contact us for advice about your particular situation.