Getting Divorced While Unemployed: What Help Is Available?

Going through a divorce is never easy, but if you’re unemployed on benefits or on a low income, the cost of court fees and legal help can feel out of reach. The good news is: you can still get divorced, even if you’re not working—and there’s financial help available.

This guide explains how to get a divorce in the UK when you’re unemployed, how the Help with Fees scheme works, and how to keep things affordable using Divorce-Online’s low-cost fixed-fee services.

✅How to get divorced with no money

Yes. Being unemployed doesn’t prevent you from starting divorce proceedings in England or Wales. But there are court fees to consider—especially from 7th April 2025, when the government is increasing them.

💸 Court Fees (Effective 7th April 2025)

£612 – Divorce application

£60 – Financial order (e.g., Clean Break or Consent Order)

If you are unemployed, on benefits, or have a low income, you may be able to reduce or eliminate these court fees using the Help with Fees scheme.

🧾 Who Can Apply for Help with Fees?

You may qualify for the Help with Fees scheme if you’re receiving any of the following benefits:

Universal Credit (UC)

Income Support

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

You may also qualify if your income and savings are below a certain threshold—even if you’re not claiming benefits.

🔗 Check eligibility for court fee remisison and apply online

✅ At Divorce-Online, we’ll help you complete the Help with Fees form and submit it to the court for you—included in your service.

🤝 Affordable Divorce Support – Just £199

Our Managed Divorce Service costs just £199 and includes:

Preparation and filing of all divorce paperwork

Management of your case from start to finish

Full assistance with the Help with Fees application, so you don’t need to pay the £612 court fee if you’re eligible

🔗 Learn more about the £199 Managed Divorce Service

🛡️ Do You Need a Clean Break Order Too?

A Clean Break Order legally ends all future financial claims between you and your ex. Even if you don’t have shared assets now, it’s often wise to formalise your agreement.

Solicitor-drafted Clean Break Order: £399

Court fee: £60 (can also be covered by Help with Fees)

🔗 View our Clean Break Order service

📝 Final Thoughts

Being unemployed or on benefits shouldn’t stop you from moving on with your life. Whether you need help getting divorced or securing a clean break, there are affordable, supportive options available.

Divorce-Online can help make the process easier by offering fixed-fee services and guiding you through court fee reduction forms—no hidden costs, no judgment, just support.

📞 Need help or have questions?
📩 Request a Callback
📞 Or call us on 01793 384029