How Much Does a Divorce Cost In The UK in 2024?
The average cost of a divorce in England and Wales in 2024 from the Divorce Application to the Decree Absolute / Final Order is likely to be between £842 and £1,195.
Last Updated:February 5th 2024 Table Of Contents
The cost of divorce in the UK varies widely case by case. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
The cost of a divorce largely depends on two key factors: whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, and the method chosen for filing.
Uncontested Divorce
When both parties agree on the terms of the divorce, the process tends to be much quicker and more affordable.
The cost of an uncontested divorce typically ranges from between £600 to £2,000, covering the £593 court fee and basic legal services for document preparation and legal guidance.
An uncontested divorce is the cheapest and quickest route to get divorced.
Contested Divorce
For contested divorces, where disagreements arise over finances, property, or child arrangements, the legal costs can increase substantially.
Fees generally start at around £3,000 and can reach £30,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of court hearings required. The more disputes that need to be resolved, the higher the overall cost.
A Breakdown Of The Costs Involved With Getting Divorced
In England and Wales, nearly 40% of all marriages end in a divorce. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs of each option:
| Category | Cost (*Excluding VAT & disbursements) |
|---|---|
| Average Cost of an Uncontested Divorce | £600 – £2,000* |
| Average Cost of a Contested Divorce | £3,000 – £30,000* |
| Average Cost of a Financial Settlement | £500 – £10,000* |
| Average Cost of Mediation | £150 – £300 per hour |
| Average Cost of Legal Advice | £150 – £500 |
What are the professional and legal fees involved with a divorce?
Here’s a breakdown of what you might be expected to pay for the various legal costs associated with divorce:
- Court Fees – The Government sets the court fees for divorce applications in England and Wales. The current court fees are £593 to initiate divorce proceedings.
- Solicitors’ Fees – Hourly fees for solicitors range from £150 to £300, depending on your location and the seniority of the solicitor. Most family solicitors offer fixed fees for straightforward cases, which generally range from £600 to £1,800. Fixed fees are often preferable as they provide clarity and certainty on costs for budgeting purposes in divorce proceedings.
- Collaborative Family Lawyer – Collaborative family law is a method where each party has a lawyer by their side during negotiations, all committed to resolving issues without going to court. The costs typically range from £2,000 to £5,000 per person, depending on the complexity of the case and the rates of the lawyers involved.
- Mediation – Mediation, commonly known as MIAM (Mediation Initial Assessment Meeting), is a quicker and more cost-effective way of resolving financial disputes between a divorcing couple. Costs for mediation range from £50 to £120 per hour, per person, and most cases require three to five sessions to reach a resolution.
- Legal advice – Depending on the solicitor and the amount of time you need, legal advice can cost between £100 and £300 per hour. Many solicitors also offer packages for specific services at fixed rates, which can provide cost savings compared to hourly rates.
- Online divorce service – Costs for an online divorce range from £200 to £600 depending on the divorce provider and the level of assistance you require. Divorce-Online is a leading provider, offering services for over 150,000 clients. We streamline the process, making it more affordable and less stressful compared to traditional methods.
Factors that can affect the overall cost of divorce
Here is a breakdown of the potential costs you could expect outside of the typical professional or legal fees:
- Financial settlements– Simple financial settlements can cost between £400 and £3,000, depending on the assets involved and the agreement’s complexity. More complex financial settlements, which may involve multiple assets, business interests, and international considerations, can range from £3,000 to £10,000.
- Financial court orders – Financial issues within divorce is the most important aspect of divorce that many couples ignore. The typical cost of a financial order is between £400 – £1800, depending on the complexity of your assets and the seniority of the divorce lawyer.
- Pension sharing orders – Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets in a divorce case, and disputes over their division can increase legal costs. In cases where pensions are involved, the cost of securing a pension sharing order must also be considered.
- Prenuptial and nuptial agreements – Drafting and negotiating prenuptial and postnuptial agreements involve additional costs but can save significant expenses by preventing prolonged disputes in case of a divorce. Costs generally range from £1,000 to £5,000, depending on the complexity.
- Child arrangement disputes – Disputes regarding child custody and support can significantly increase divorce costs due to the need for specialised legal services and, potentially, court interventions. These disputes can add £1,000 – £3,000 to the total cost.
- DIY divorce – getting divorced without representation is the cheapest way to divorce, but it comes with potential consequences that should be considered before applying for divorce. Remember, even when doing your own divorce, you must pay £593 to the court to finalise the divorce.
How much does a divorce cost if both parties agree?
When both parties agree on the terms of a divorce, the process is generally more straightforward and considerably less expensive than a contested divorce.
In cases where there are no disputes about finances or children, many people choose to handle the divorce paperwork themselves, saving on legal fees. However, some may still opt for the assistance of a solicitor to manage the process and ensure everything is completed correctly.
For those seeking a more cost-effective option, online divorce services are a popular alternative. These services generally charge between £200 and £600, depending on the package selected and the level of support offered. This can be ideal for couples who agree to divorce and want a simple and affordable solution.
If both parties agree on financial matters, it is recommended to formalise the agreement with a consent order to make it legally binding. The cost for drafting a consent order can vary, but it usually ranges from £400 to £1,800, whether you choose a solicitor or an online service to handle this.
In summary, the total cost of a divorce where both parties agree can be relatively low (£593 court fee), particularly if the case does not involve any complex financial or child-related disputes.
However, the overall cost will likely include additional expenses for legal or online services, meaning the typical cost will be around £1,200.
How can I reduce the cost of my divorce? 9 practical tips from a family solicitor
If you’re going through a divorce and are concerned about the potential costs of the divorce, there are several practical steps you can take to keep expenses down.
Here are some tips on how to reduce the cost of your divorce:
- Communicate Directly with Your Ex-Partner: If possible, try to reach agreements on financial and child-related matters directly with your ex-partner. The more issues you can resolve yourselves, the less time and money you’ll spend on solicitors.
- Stay Organised and Prepared: Ensure you have all your financial documents and relevant information readily available when dealing with your solicitor. This saves time and reduces the need for extra communication, which can quickly add to your bill.
- Choose the Right Service for Your Needs: Not every divorce requires the involvement of a solicitor for every step. If your divorce is straightforward and both parties agree, you can consider using an online divorce service, which is typically cheaper than hiring a solicitor.
- Opt for Fixed-Fee Divorce Packages: Many solicitors and online services offer fixed-fee packages for uncontested divorces. This allows you to budget more effectively and avoid unexpected legal costs.
- Focus on the Big Picture: Try to focus on resolving the major issues rather than getting caught up in smaller, less significant disputes. Prolonged arguments over minor matters can drive up costs unnecessarily.
- Limit Involvement: Use your divorce solicitor’s time wisely by limiting their involvement to key issues or legal advice, rather than having them handle every aspect of the divorce. Only consult them when absolutely necessary.
- Consider a Consent Order: If you’ve reached an agreement on finances, having a consent order drafted can prevent future legal disputes. While it has an upfront cost, it can save you from costly legal battles in the future.
- Be Open to Negotiation: Being flexible and willing to compromise can help avoid lengthy and expensive court proceedings. A collaborative approach often leads to quicker, more affordable resolutions.
- Understand Your Solicitor’s Fee Structure: Ensure you fully understand how your solicitor charges – whether hourly or on a fixed-fee basis. Ask for regular updates on costs and discuss your budget at the outset to avoid surprises.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost if it Goes to Court?
The cost of a divorce in the UK when it goes to court varies widely, typically ranging from £5,000 to £30,000. This cost encompasses several factors, including legal fees, court expenses, and additional costs associated with court proceedings.
Legal fees, which are often the most significant expense, depend on the complexity of the case and the chosen legal representation.
Also, where you live and the seniority of the solicitor acting for you will contribute to the overall legal bill.
Whether you are charged hourly rates or fixed fees will determine what the overall cost is for a divorce that goes to court.
How Much Does a Financial Settlement Cost?
The cost of obtaining a financial settlement in a divorce will vary based on a range of factors, most notability:
- If you can reach a financial agreement between you.
- If you require mediation or the help of a solicitor to negotiate the terms.
- If you instruct local solicitors or use a more affordable option, such as Divorce-Online.
Unlike a divorce, legally dealing with your finances is not something couples can do themselves.
The cost of the financial agreement will depend on the complexity of your agreement, but for argument’s sake, we are assuming that the division of assets is fairly straightforward.
In this scenario, a financial settlement is likely to cost between £500 – £1,500 unless your division of assets becomes complex or you need support negotiating your divorce settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to divorce after 2 years of separation?
Do both parties have to pay for a divorce?
In general, each party involved in a divorce is responsible for paying their own legal fees and court costs.
However, there may be exceptions to this rule depending on the circumstances of the case.
For example, if one spouse earns significantly more than the other and there is a vast disparity in financial resources, the court may order the wealthier spouse to contribute towards the other’s legal expenses.
Additionally, some couples may agree to split the costs of the divorce proceedings as part of their settlement negotiations.
Is a joint application for divorce cheaper?
Yes, a joint application for divorce in the UK can be cheaper compared to a sole application because both parties are in agreement, potentially reducing legal fees and avoiding disputes. However, the court fee remains the same at £593, regardless of whether it’s a joint or sole application.
For a straightforward, uncontested joint divorce where both parties agree on the terms, the average cost, including court fees and legal fees, could range between £600 to £1,200.
This is often lower than a sole application, which might incur additional legal fees if disputes arise, pushing the cost higher.
Is divorce more expensive if you don’t know your ex-partner’s whereabouts?
Yes, if you don’t know where your ex is, you’ll likely need to hire a process server to track them down, which can cost between £150 and £300. If more legal steps are needed to serve the papers, it can add to the costs.
My ex lives abroad, will it cost me more to get divorced?
Yes, divorcing someone who lives abroad can increase the cost of divorce. You’ll need to serve the divorce papers internationally, which can add £300 to £500 for process server or courier fees. There may also be additional expenses if your case requires further legal work due to the international element.
The cost of dealing with your finances in a divorce
The financial aspect of divorce can significantly increase the overall cost of divorce. This can be especially true when dealing with property and pensions.
Here’s an overview of the key financial orders and their associated costs:
Clean Break Orders
A Clean Break Order is a type of financial settlement that ensures neither party can make any future financial claims against the other.
This is often the most straightforward and cost-effective option for couples with no ongoing financial ties (such as maintenance or shared assets).
The cost of a Clean Break Financial Order can range between £300 to £700 if handled without legal representation.
When opting for a high-street solicitors firm, you will typically be charged between £900 to £2,000, depending on complexity.
Mesher Orders
Mesher Orders allow one spouse (often the one caring for children) to remain in the family home until a specified event occurs, such as the children reaching a certain age or the spouse remarrying. The property is then sold, and the proceeds are divided.
The cost of obtaining a Mesher Order can range from £700 to £5,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the legal fees involved.
Property Adjustment Orders
A Property Adjustment Order is used to transfer the ownership of a property from one spouse to the other or to enforce the sale of the property, with proceeds divided according to the court’s decision.
Legal fees for securing a Property Adjustment Order can range from around £700 to £5,000 or more.
Additional costs, such as conveyancing fees (typically £500 to £1,500) and estate agent fees (around 1% to 3% of the property’s value), may also apply if the property is sold.
Pension Sharing Orders
Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets in a marriage, and a Pension Sharing Order ensures that one spouse receives a share of the other’s pension pot.
Pension sharing is a vital part of the financial settlement, especially for long marriages or when one party is heavily reliant on pension contributions.
The cost of obtaining a Pension Sharing Order varies, typically ranging from £700 to £3,000 if handled through a solicitor.
If the pension is particularly complex, additional actuarial advice might be needed, which could add £500 to £2,000 to the cost.
You may also need to account for the pension scheme’s charges for implementing the order, which can range from £500 to £1,000.
Start Your Divorce Online and Save on Costs
Divorce doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. By choosing an uncontested route and filing online, you can save both time and money, avoiding unnecessary legal fees.
With divorce services starting from as little as £249, getting started online is the quickest and most affordable way to move forward with your divorce.
Take control of the process today. Start your divorce online and let us help you through every step with expert guidance and support.
Save Thousands in Legal Fees With An Online Divorce
In most cases, it’s unnecessary to spend thousands on your divorce. If both parties agree to the divorce and you have reached an agreement on your money and assets then the process be stress-free and straightforward.
