When getting divorced, the most common question people ask if how much it will cost them. However, there is no set cost for a divorce, and the cost can vary from case to case. The fees depend on multiple factors.
The cost will depend on whether you can reach an agreement with your spouse or not, how complex the financial situation is and at what stage the solicitors are involved.
Under the no-fault system introduced in 2022, you cannot contest the divorce itself; however, disputes over financial settlements, child arrangements and even injunctions can arise alongside the divorce itself.
In some cases, divorces are not straightforward, and this means that costs can escalate dramatically, especially if the divorce is contested or involves any complex financial arrangements. Examples of this include:
- Ownership of business or professional practices
- Multiple properties or overseas assets
- Complex pension arrangements
- Trusts or inherited wealth
- Hidden or disputed assets
- Debts and liabilities requiring detailed investigation.
The actual cost of a divorce depends on the level of complexity and the amount of conflict involved in the process. It is important to understand this, make informed decisions and budget appropriately before proceeding.
The mandatory court cost is £628, and this is paid directly to the HM Courts and Tribunals Service, which will cover the processing of divorce petitions, issuance of the conditional order and the granting of the final order. This payment also covers the entire administrative process of legally dissolving your marriage through the legal system.
However, there are additional costs with divorce to consider. This will include the additional court orders- for example, financial orders or contested child arrangements- that will result in additional court fees.
Within the initial costs, processes can also include paperwork presentation, correspondence with your spouse or with their solicitors, communication with the court and advice throughout the whole process.
Additional Potential Divorce Expenses
There is also further additional expenses you could have throughout the procedure beyond the court fee and solicitor fees. This includes:
Mediation
Since 2014, mediation is mandatory before making certain court applications regarding finances and children. Mediation fees range from £100-£150 per hour for both parties. In the case of events such as domestic violence, it is possible to be exempt from needing mediation. There are also other exemptions which may apply.
Court Hearings
If your case proceeds to court hearings, additional fees apply for each hearing and could include paying a barrister to conduct the hearing on a party’s behalf.
Expert Witness
In the case of a complex financial case, the service of an expert witness may also be required where valuations are required.
Pensions
This will require specialist advice to ensure that a fair settlement is received based of this valuable asset.
Valuation experts
An independent expert may be needed to value assets such as family businesses, property portfolios or high-value items such as jewellery.
Financial and Tax Advisers
Specialist accountants or tax advisers are needed in complex financial cases to help understand the tax implications of a settlement and ensure long term financial planning.
International Legal Costs
If a case involves assets abroad or a spouse requires foreign legal counsel, translation services or interpreters, this may be needed.
Additional Application Fees
Additional court fees will be payable if an application for child arrangement orders or financial remedy orders are needed. These are separate from the divorce application.
Uncontested Divorce Cost vs Contested Divorce
With the introduction of the no-fault divorce system in 2022, this means that divorces cannot be easily contested. However, disputes over child arrangements and the finances can lead to different outcomes cost-wise.
Uncontested Divorces
An ‘uncontested’ divorce is when both parties reach an agreement on child arrangements and financial matters without going through the courts. This means both parties are willing to cooperate with paperwork and court requirements as finances and child arrangements have been settled between them.
Even with an uncontested divorce, however, solicitors still need to review all documents and any necessary evidence to ensure due diligence has been covered. If all information and documents from all parties are submitted in the necessary timeframe, an uncontested divorce will take between six and eight weeks.
Contested Divorces
Contested divorces will have several factors that will increase costs. This includes:
- Disagreements about the financial settlement
- Child arrangement
- One party choosing not to engage with the divorce process
- The presence of complex assets such as business interests or international assets
Issues such as the above can add to the mandatory £628 cost, as additional hearing fees will be charged for each court attendance when the disputes require a court resolution.
As well as these additional court fees, solicitor fees will also become higher as they will need to spend more time in court and preparing any evidence or documentation needed.
It should be noted that a contested divorce can take between nine and fifteen months but can go on for longer.
How to reduce the cost of your divorce
The best way to reduce the cost of your divorce is through mediation. Mediation typically costs between £1,000 and £2,000 for both parties. You can save significantly more in legal fees by reaching an agreement without a long court battle. A third party can facilitate discussion and help the spouses work together to find a mutually acceptable solution.
Final cost beyond Legal Fees
Aside from legal costs, there are other costs you need to take into account to help you plan for life after divorce. The immediate cost you need to consider is money to live in a separate household. This includes having money for a property deposit, furniture, household essentials, etc.
On top of this, any split bills such as council tax, Wi-Fi, etc. will no longer be split and need to be covered 100% by a party.
Finally, for the non-resident parent, child maintenance payments also need to be factored in and will often last until the child has completed their education.
It is important to talk to a financial advisor to provide a valuable and accurate perspective on planning for life post-divorce, as many people significantly underestimate the financial impact of divorce.
How Davisons Law can help
Getting a divorce is an emotional and stressful time, and it is important to fully understand the financial ramifications that it will have on your future. Understanding all your options and having reliable legal support is crucial during this process.
Our team of expert family law solicitors at Davisons Law will help to provide clear guidance and advice to you during this period. Get in touch with us today on 0808 3036 987 and a member of our team will be in touch with you.
