Getting Divorced - whats the cheapest way?

nessynoonoo

Not sure if this is the right place for this thread but i'm wondering if anyone out there has any experience of these legal companies that sort your divorce out - quickie style - for an all in cost? I'm about to embark on the first steps of obtaining divorce and am trying to establish if its worth trying these cheapo divorce companies and potentially save myself £500+ by not going to a standard high street solicitor. Can the quickie-style companies negotiate financial settlements too (perhaps for an extra cost) or do they just deal with straightforward divorces...if there is such a thing ??

Jasper27_2

I used to work in the county court and the cheapest way to get divorced is to do it yourself. The court will provide forms and information and you only have to pay the court fees. However I would advise that this only usually runs smoothly with the co-operation of both sides. So if you're still on speaking terms and going for a clean break this might work for you. If you children and there are going to be disputes about custody and visitation rights get a solicitor. The same goes for if there is a lot of money or complex issues like division of pensions involved. Even in complex matters trying to agree terms with your ex will result in less legal fees for all concerned. I know this isn't always possible. I remember one settlement where the judge had to divide everything right down to who got the bottle opener and who got the tin opener and every other item in the kitchen. Solicitors fees do vary so you can shop around if you think one sounds too pricey. I don't know your personal situation but think carefully about what you want from the settlement as going back later to try and change it will be very costly. I hope all goes well for you.

nessynoonoo

thanks Jasper. Not spoken to other half for 2 years (just ends up in full on row), No kids involved, just want some money out of the house which i'm sure he's not going to agree to easily. Looks like a standard solicitor is the way to go. I suppose its possible to pay the solicitor at the end out of the proceeds from the house...i couldn't afford to fork out up front really...

Tiger_greeneyes

It would be cheaper if you get your ex husband to divorce you...

One way of doing it is to agree (in writing) with your ex that you'll go halves on the solicitors costs - that way he won't play stupid games (like my ex did). If he plays games it'll run up his bill, too. You would need the agreement to be drawn up by solicitors in the first place though.