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Cheapest Possible Divorce Query
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bertietheblue
Posts: 127 Forumite
Sorry if this matter has already been tackled - I couldn't find any definitive information here or on the HMRC website - but my ex and I are looking to divorce and we're not sure what the minimum cost is. I think it's £340 (£300 for the cost of the petition; £40 for the issue of the decree absolute); she thinks it might be possible to do it more cheaply. I know there are online divorce sites out there that offer quickie divorces for under £100 but surely these don't include the county court fees?
Just to say as background, we separated over 4 years ago and dispute nothing (in fact we're best friends), with custody of our child shared 50/50. Also, I am not eligible for any fee remission, and I'm 99% certain she wouldn't be either if she were the petitioner (she doesn't work but her partner earns a reasonable salary).
Any clarification would be appreciated.
Bertie
Just to say as background, we separated over 4 years ago and dispute nothing (in fact we're best friends), with custody of our child shared 50/50. Also, I am not eligible for any fee remission, and I'm 99% certain she wouldn't be either if she were the petitioner (she doesn't work but her partner earns a reasonable salary).
Any clarification would be appreciated.
Bertie
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Comments
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Yes, court fees would be added if you go through a company. If neither of you can qualify for legal aid/fee remission I believe around £350 is the cheapest that you'll find.
[I don't know if it's necessary/advisable to use a solicitor as you have a child, however amicable things are at present, but that's not your query!] I believe you just have a different form to complete if you have children, the court will ask if you do when you phone for the form to be sent to you.
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So basically all those quickie/cheap divorce websites are rip offs or at best misleading, because you will always be paying a lot more than the £60-100 they advertise?0
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Sorry to hijack this thread but if you do it yourself (i'm in the same situation as the op) do you just go to the court and ask is it really that simple ?:jFriends are like fabric you can never have enough:j0
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bertietheblue wrote: »So basically all those quickie/cheap divorce websites are rip offs or at best misleading, because you will always be paying a lot more than the £60-100 they advertise?
The £60-£100 is their fees then you have to pay the court fees on top. You are basically paying them to fill the forms in and submit them to court for you.
If you are able to fill in the forms and post them to court yourself, you can get the forms direct from the court offices. It really is that simple!
Don't forget that you need divorce forms to deal with the breakdown of your relationship and forms for a Financial Consent (Clean Break) order too. That severs your financial relationship so neither can ever claim on the other party again. Even after divorce an ex can pop up and stake a claim on your future inheritance/lottery win/house equity etc.Here I go again on my own....0 -
It makes you wonder what you pay £1000 + on top of fees to a solicitor for. Obviously if things are not mutual then you need one but how they can warrant such costs is beyond belief. Thank you :-) x:jFriends are like fabric you can never have enough:j0
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xmaslolly76 wrote: »Sorry to hijack this thread but if you do it yourself (i'm in the same situation as the op) do you just go to the court and ask is it really that simple ?
You don't even need to go in to see them, they'll send them out if you call. There should be a list of costs, several leaflets [I've done this...now what happens next type things] & a detailed explanation of how to fill out the form. It's not hard, however it requires a certain amount of concentration, or you'll need to phone for a new form :rolleyes::eek:.
Suggest you photocopy it first, fill that out & double check before going near the real form! Then just return to court with the first cheque to set the wheels in motion. Good luck.0 -
You cannot get a cheaper divorce than paying the Court costs. Any advice you get over and above that has to be paid for. The Court costs are £300 up to the decree nisi and £40 for the decree absolute. If you go to one of the online divorce people, obviously they charge for their expenses and overheads but they are still cheaper than going to a solicitor unless you can get a free half hour initial consultation. The online divorce people are not necessarily ripping you off. they have to pay their overheads, but they are useful if you feel you need a bit of hand holding and advice. But it can be done without them. The Court Office people are very helpful but, as they say, they can't give you legal advice, only advice about procedure.0
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The forms are all on the court service website so you dont even need to go to the court to get them:
Divorce petition:
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/HMCSCourtFinder/GetForm.do?court_forms_id=1115
Statement of arrangements for children:
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/HMCSCourtFinder/GetForm.do?court_forms_id=158
You should also be aware that if you are on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits (e.g income based jsa or income support) you may be exempt from paying the court fees. You will need to provide evidence and I would suggest you make sure you read the notes for guidance that accompany the form to work out if you are exempt.
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/HMCSCourtFinder/GetForm.do?court_forms_id=168
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/HMCSCourtFinder/GetLeaflet.do?court_leaflets_id=172
Always consider the financial aspects of the divorce too. You may want to cut corners/costs by doing the divorce yourself but you should always get legal advice about the finances or it could end up costing you dearly later. Many people are entitled to free legal help and advice and will therefore not have to pay their solicitors costs (unless they retain money or property later down the line when they will have to pay back the costs). I would suggest ringing a family solicitor who would be able to do a quick calculation of eligibility on the phone. I occasionally have o tdeal with the aftermath of someone who tried to do a divorce themselves and completed the divorce petition incorrectly. This can take years to unravel so sometimes the cheapest possible divorce may end up costing dearly in the long term.Proud Mummy to Leila aged 1 whole year:j0 -
Thanks for the advice all. She got the fridge-freezer, I got the washing machine. The advantage of having few possessions is that you have little to dispute or nothing in our case - so £340 it is!0
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bertietheblue wrote: »Thanks for the advice all. She got the fridge-freezer, I got the washing machine. The advantage of having few possessions is that you have little to dispute or nothing in our case - so £340 it is!
Ahhhh, you see - you should always have a solicitor to fight fight fight for you.... That fridge freezer - it should have been yours, I tell you. Bet it was a Bosch, while you got the Hinari...:pReason for edit? Can spell, can't type!0
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