Going through a divorce can be a tough and emotional time. One of the biggest worries for people is the cost. The cost of divorce can vary depending on things like whether you agree on everything, how complicated the financial side is, and how long the process takes. In this guide, we will break down the costs of divorce, including court fees, solicitor fees, and other expenses, and offer tips on how to manage these costs.
Court fees for divorce
When you apply for a divorce, one of the first costs is the court fee. In the UK, the cost to file for divorce is £593. This fee covers the cost of processing your divorce application. If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you might be able to get a fee reduction. You can find out if you are eligible for legal aid on the Gov.uk website.
If you qualify for a fee reduction, you won’t need to pay the £593. If not, you’ll need to plan this cost into your budget for the divorce.
Solicitor fees for divorce
Solicitor fees are often one of the biggest costs when going through a divorce. The cost can depend on how complicated your case is, how long the divorce takes, and whether you both agree on everything.
- Uncontested divorce
If both parties agree on things like child custody and finances, it is an uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorce fees usually cost between £500 and £1,500. This is cheaper because both people agree, and the process can go faster. - Contested divorce
If you can’t agree on important things like finances or child custody, the divorce is contested. Contested divorce fees are much higher and can range from £1,500 to £10,000 or more. The longer and more complicated the case, the higher the costs can be.
How much does a divorce cost with mediation?
Mediation is when a neutral third party helps you and your spouse reach an agreement on issues like money and child custody. Mediation can be much cheaper than going to court.
The cost for mediation is typically £100 to £200 per hour. The total cost will depend on how many sessions you need. On average, it can cost between £300 and £800.
Mediation is a great option if you both want to work things out without going to court. It’s usually cheaper and quicker than a contested divorce.
How much does a divorce cost if both parties agree?
If both parties agree on everything, the divorce is cheaper. An uncontested divorce can cost between £500 and £1,500, plus the £593 court fee. However, even if you agree on everything, you may need to pay extra legal costs to make sure the agreements are legally binding.
Who pays divorce court fees and legal fees?
Usually, the person who starts the divorce has to pay the court fees. But couples can agree to split the costs, or one person may offer to pay for the other if they have more money.
In some cases, the court may order one person to pay the legal fees of the other, especially if one person has more money. This usually happens in contested divorces.
Can I claim for divorce court fees?
If you’re struggling with the cost of divorce, you may be able to claim a fee reduction if you’re on benefits or have a low income. To apply, you’ll need to show details about your finances.
How to fund divorce fees?
If you don’t have enough savings to cover the cost of the divorce, there are a few ways to fund the fees:
- Personal loan
A personal loan is another way to pay for divorce fees. With a personal loan, you can spread the cost of the divorce over time. But be careful with interest rates and make sure you can afford the repayments. - Homeowner loan
If you own your property, you could consider using a homeowner loan to help pay for your divorce. This involves borrowing money against the value of your home. However, you’ll need to think about who will keep the house, or if it will be sold. Keep in mind that if you’re unable to repay the loan, the lender could take your home. - Borrowing from family or Friends
You could ask family or friends for a loan to cover divorce costs. Make sure you agree on how and when to repay the money to avoid misunderstandings.
Extra costs to think about in divorce
Apart from court and solicitor fees, there are other costs you may need to think about during a divorce. If you have children, you may need to pay for extra support, like childcare or school fees. If one of you needs to move out of the family home, this could also add costs for things like finding a new place to live.
You might also need to hire a financial expert to help divide savings, pensions, or other investments. This can be especially useful if your finances are complicated.
If you own a property or business together, you may need to pay for a valuation. This will help you both understand how much these things are worth so you can divide them fairly.
These extra costs can add up, so it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you know what to expect financially.
Conclusion
Divorce can be expensive, but understanding the costs and knowing your options can help. From court fees to solicitor fees, there are many costs to consider. It’s important to plan ahead and explore ways to manage the financial side of divorce.
If you’re thinking about financing the costs of divorce, it’s important to check your financial situation and speak to a financial advisor or solicitor for advice.
For more help with managing your finances during life events, visit our Life Events section for expert advice and tips.