Unhappy couples who are planning to get a divorce or families experiencing a breakdown will be hit by a "divorce tax" as federal court fees will dramatically rise under changes in the government's new budget.

The changes, which Labor derided as "mean-spirited", will result in an $87 million increase in revenue from the Family Court, Federal Circuit Court and Federal Court of Australia.

Divorce tax: Family Court fees are rising. Credit:Angela Wylie

Fairfax Media understands that the fee to apply for divorce will "significantly rise" under the new fee schedule. It is currently $845.

A spokeswoman for the Attorney General George Brandis confirmed the fee increases, but said the full details would not be available until July 1.