On May 1st, 2018, the government launched the official online divorce service across England and Wales. This came about after a pilot program in 2017, which allowed applicants to fill in forms, upload documents, and file for divorce online, replacing the traditional paper-based process.
In April 2022, the service was further updated under the Divorce, Dissolution, and Separation Act 2020. This allowed for joint applications as well as removing the need to blame a partner for the marriage breakdown.
The introduction of the online service has seen a 278% increase in divorce applications online from May 2018, with over 207,000 divorces submitted via the digital portal.
Online divorce and using a family law solicitor are not simply two versions of the same process. They differ in what they actually cover, and understanding those differences matters more than choosing on cost or speed alone.
In this blog, we’re looking at where online divorce works well, where it falls short, and what a solicitor adds that the online system cannot.
Where online divorce works well
The main benefit of online divorce is the set cost of the mandatory court fee, which is £612.
Speed is also a major benefit for people getting divorced. If the form is completed without error and the respondent spouse is cooperative throughout, the process is much quicker than submitting the physical paperwork as with the old system.
Finally, the ease of being able to fill in the form at any time and on any day makes it a much simpler format for people to apply for divorce.
Where online divorce falls short, and what a solicitor covers instead
Financial matters
Online divorce does not guarantee a couple’s financial issues are settled. Most people don’t know that unless a financial order is in place, a divorce does not offer future financial safeguarding.
A financial order can be agreed without attending court, but it requires a separate online application in parallel with the divorce process itself, and a family court judge will assess it to ensure it’s fair for both parties in all circumstances.
A divorce solicitor prepares this financial consent order correctly from the outset, so it’s accepted by the court and gives both parties certainty on their financial position once the divorce is finalised.
Children and arrangements
The online system offers no support for resolving issues around children, which divorcing couples must sort out separately. Child arrangements are a specialist area of law, and getting them wrong or leaving them vague can cause problems long after the divorce itself is finalised.
A family lawyer works through this with you directly, so arrangements are properly settled rather than left informal.
Accuracy and delays
When submitting an online divorce, you can’t be sure all the required information has been completed correctly. If court officials spot errors, this can result in delays and potential additional costs. A family lawyer knows exactly what’s needed to complete the relevant forms and what the courts require, so submissions are correct the first time.
Common myths about using a divorce lawyer
The rate of online divorces has risen sharply since 2018, largely because many people believe it will save them money and let them keep direct control of their own divorce.
While some people prefer having a solicitor take over the proceedings so they can focus on their personal lives, others worry they’ll lose visibility over the divorce once it’s handled by someone else.
At Davisons Law, our experienced family law team understands that going through a divorce is an emotional and stressful time that requires constant, clear communication throughout. We keep every client fully informed at every stage of their divorce and are on hand to answer questions as they come up, so you stay supported and in the loop from start to finish.
Why choose Davisons Law
An online divorce can look more cost-effective, simpler, and quicker on paper, but it carries risks that can affect long-term outcomes, particularly around finances and children.
Our family team are legal experts in divorce who guide you through the full process, advise you on the best option for your personal circumstances, and take on the administrative burden so you can focus on your personal life during a difficult period.
We know what’s needed to complete the relevant forms correctly and what the courts require, and we prepare financial consent orders properly so both parties have certainty once the divorce is processed.
Whether your situation involves financial complexity, children, or simply the risk of costly errors, we make sure your interests are protected at every step.
Get in touch with our family solicitors today for the best legal support you can get with your divorce. You can contact us on 0808 3036 987, with offices across England and Wales to help you no matter where you are based.
