What’s The Best and Cheapest Way To Get Divorced?
Divorce is known for being expensive and never being easy. Getting divorced can be one of life’s most challenging transitions, but it doesn’t have to drain your bank account.
In 2024, achieving a cost-effective divorce is more achievable than ever. The key lies in understanding your options, leveraging available resources, and making informed decisions every step of the way.
We explore the most affordable routes to divorce, breaking down the process into clear, actionable steps. From cutting unnecessary expenses to finding the right support, you’ll discover practical strategies that can save you money and stress.
Deciding to get a divorce is always a difficult decision, which throws up many questions. The first question is often ‘What’s the quickest and cheapest way to get divorced?’. Something to consider from our experience – the cheapest way to get divorced is often not the easiest.
The cheapest way to get a divorce is to do it yourself, called a DIY divorce. That means filling out the forms, filing them, paying the (correct) fees, and hoping it works. The second least expensive way is to get an online divorce.
In this article, we outline the different choices couples face when getting divorced and the associated costs of each option:
1. Solicitor’s Fees
One of the most costly aspects of a divorce is hiring a solicitor. This is primarily because solicitors typically charge by the hour. If you and your spouse choose to resolve your issues through the court, the fees can quickly add up.
For instance, on average, each spouse may spend around £11,300 in legal fees when a solicitor manages the divorce. However, this amount can vary significantly depending on your location. For example, in London, divorce costs can range from £13,000 to £16,000.
Solicitors’ hourly rates vary widely, from as low as £75 to as high as £1,000. Nationally, the average hourly rate for a divorce solicitor is approximately £250.
Some solicitors, especially those handling a high volume of divorce cases, might offer a flat fee, covering the entire process. However, if your divorce involves complications such as child custody, property division, or spousal support issues, you should anticipate additional costs.
At Divorce-Online, we understand how expensive and stressful divorce can be. Our services are designed to offer a more affordable and efficient alternative to traditional solicitor fees, helping you navigate the process smoothly without the high costs.
2. Online Divorce with Divorce-Online.co.uk
An online divorce means much of the divorce process happens digitally. However, the entire divorce process does not occur online.
The divorce process is exactly the same as if you did it yourself, however, how the steps involved with
Online divorce starts with creating an account before completing a more in-depth online questionnaire. Once you complete the questionnaire, our team file a divorce application to the court. This can be a sole or joint application for divorce.
Like a DIY divorce, there are some requirements for an online divorce. First, you must have an uncontested divorce, meaning your spouse won’t contest the divorce. You must have been married for at least 12 months and see England or Wales as your permanent home.
You should agree on the terms of the financial settlement for the most part and the custody and child support for any children involved.
If you meet these criteria, there are benefits to online divorce:
- It costs much less than a traditional divorce.
- It’s guaranteed to be accepted by the court as all forms will be completed accurately and timely.
- It’s fast; online services like Divorce-Online.co.uk submit your application in as little as 24 hours.
So, are online divorce solutions as cheap as doing it yourself?
They are not, but they are close.
However, for the money, online divorces are an excellent solution compared to a traditional divorce or even a mediated one. Plus, they generate far fewer headaches than a DIY option.
So, while not the cheapest way to get a divorce, some couples might find online divorce the fastest and easiest solution.
3. DIY Divorce
The cheapest way to get divorced is by doing it yourself. A DIY divorce means you prepare and file all the legal documents and marital agreements on your own, without a solicitor.
Since you do everything yourself, you avoid legal fees, paying only the court filing fees, which in the UK are £593. This approach can save you a significant amount compared to the average cost of a divorce handled by solicitors.
The divorce process can be challenging and time-consuming, especially if you and your spouse have disagreements to resolve.
Additionally, without professional guidance, you may face difficulties understanding legal terms.
Without legal advice, you won’t know your rights or entitlements. Divorce is not as simple as just getting divorced.
Financial ties persist after a divorce unless a court approves a financial consent order. Couples opting for a DIY divorce often skip this crucial part of divorce proceedings, leaving financial claims on the table in the future.
While a DIY divorce is the cheapest option, it is also the most complicated, potentially causing a lot of stress and anxiety. Compare how a do-it-yourself divorce differs from an online divorce – Divorce-Online vs DIY Divorce.
What’s the alternative? Online Divorce…
If traditional solicitors or mediation don’t appeal to you and DIY divorce seems too daunting, you have another option: online divorce application.
While an online divorce is not as cheap as doing it yourself, it is a more straightforward and quicker way to get a divorce and still much less expensive than traditional methods.
At Divorce-Online, we offer a streamlined and affordable online divorce service, simplifying the process and making it a practical alternative for couples looking to avoid the complexities and costs of traditional divorces.
So, yes, a DIY divorce is the cheapest way to get a divorce, but it is also the most complicated. It causes a lot of stress, anxiety, and headaches, too.
4. Mediation
Mediation offers a more affordable alternative to having solicitors negotiate the details of a divorce agreement in court.
A mediator is a neutral third party who assists you and your spouse in resolving any disagreements. Mediators do not make decisions for you; instead, they help you find mutually acceptable solutions to contentious issues.
Engaging a neutral third party to help mediate parts of your divorce agreement can significantly reduce conflict, leading to a smoother end to your marriage. However, mediation does incur costs, typically charged by the hour, and rates can vary.
Nationally, the average cost of a mediator ranges from £100 to £300 per hour, with sessions typically lasting around two hours each. For instance, private mediators in London may charge between £200 and £1,000 per hour.
Rates can differ widely depending on the region. For example, in some areas, mediation might cost an average of £1,500 for three to five two-hour sessions. In others, such as more complex cases, you might pay between £1,700 for two sessions and up to £4,900 for four to six sessions.
Avoid Going To Court
Ultimately, you should seek to resolve any issues between you, through solicitor-led negotiations or attend mediation for divorce.
Going to court should always be the last resort.
No-fault divorce has undoubtedly made it easier for couples to apply for a divorce online, but it has done little to change the laws governing separation.
The decree absolute (Final Order) ends your marriage, it doesn’t break the financial ties between you that marriage brings.
Cheap Online Divorce UK
Many people offer a cheap online divorce but fail to deliver an adequate service to their clients. A cheap online divorce doesn’t mean we cut corners or provide a lower level of service than solicitors.
Spend two minutes reading our reviews. Thousands of couples mention how much easier our online divorce service is than hiring divorce solicitors or doing it yourself.
Whether you’re aiming for an amicable divorce or need to settle more complex issues, our online divorce services can help you at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.
Many couples worry about whether online divorce is safe and legal. Divorce-Online has helped over 150,000 couples obtain a divorce using a more streamlined process than completing paper forms and posting them to the court.
Frequently Asked Questions…
Learning about the different options for divorce can be confusing and you likely have many questions. Here are some common questions we receive.
Is divorce cheaper if both parties agree?
Yes, divorce is generally cheaper if both parties agree. An uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree on the terms, can significantly reduce legal fees and court costs.
When both spouses agree to the divorce, the process is smoother and avoids lengthy legal battles. It allows you to reach a financial settlement and discuss other important things, such as child arrangements and support.
What is an online divorce, and how does it differ from a DIY divorce?
An online divorce allows much of the process to be completed digitally, providing a more streamlined and guided experience compared to a DIY divorce.
While it’s not as cheap as DIY, it is quicker and still more affordable than traditional methods involving solicitors.
Who pays the legal fees in a divorce?
In the UK, each party usually pays their own legal fees. However, in some cases, one spouse may be ordered to contribute towards the other’s legal costs, especially if there is a significant disparity in financial resources.
What factors can increase the cost of divorce?
Having a complex financial situation where there are disputes over assets, pensions, or business interests can significantly increase the cost of divorce. These disputes can cost between £10,000 – £50,000 depending on where you live in England or Wales.
Both parties will require representation and a period of solicitor-led negotiations. This could last months or potentially years depending on the complexity and willingness to negotiate.
Avoiding high hourly rates and prolonged negotiations are key to staying out of court and spending thousands on legal fees.
Online Divorce Application
- Divorce papers are drafted for you
- The divorce process is managed on your behalf
- Track your divorce online, from start-to-finish
- We handle any queries from the judge for you
The ideal service for people who want to have a simple, affordable, and hassle-free divorce.
