Low Cost Divorce, Any Suggestions?

Zoe32

I am separated, and now need to divorce, there are no children involved and finances were dealt with at time of separation. We both agree to the divorce, anyone got advice on a stress-free, low cost solution?

JohalaReewi

You should be able to do it yourself and save a wad in solicitor's fees. Try doing a google for do it yourself divorce. I seem to recall seeing a do it yourself divorce pack in Staples a while back.

alanobrien

Zoe32 wrote:

I am separated, and now need to divorce, there are no children involved and finances were dealt with at time of separation. We both agree to the divorce, anyone got advice on a stress-free, low cost solution?

Yes you can do this yourself quite easily.
Go to the local magistrates court to get the forms and they should be able to provide you with a leaflet on what to do and when.

Bossyboots

alanobrien wrote:

Yes you can do this yourself quite easily.
Go to the local magistrates court to get the forms and they should be able to provide you with a leaflet on what to do and when.

Incorrect. Divorce is dealt with at the County Court.

In any event, you can download the forms you need and instruction leaflets from The Court Service website. There is a £300 fee for filing the petition and £40 for the decree absolute unless you qualify for exemption. The details of exemptions are also on the site.

Although you have settled the finances, you still need a consent order drawn up indicating that fact as you require a clause preventing either of you from claiming against the other in the future. This is something you should ask a solicitor to do and in your case will be low cost as they only need to prepare a very basic document. You can then lodge it at court yourself and this should be done before the decree absolute it applied for.

als1805

Given that you both agree to the divorce, it should be cheap anyway. It's only when solicitors get involved that the cost escalates horrendously (as I know from personal experience!).

Do try to keep on good terms - even though my ex initially agreed to the divorce, he changed his mind and caused hell and all trouble. Cost me thousands to become free. In the end he got all our joint possessions as I just couldn't afford to take him through courts any longer, but it was worth it.

Whether it is amicable or not, it will be a really stressful time for you, so I hope it is all cleared up as soon as possible.

Best Wishes.

alanobrien

Bossyboots wrote:

Incorrect. Divorce is dealt with at the County Court.

Please read the post properly.
I merely said you can get the forms at the local magistrates court i never said the process was carried out by it.

Bossyboots

alanobrien wrote:

Please read the post properly.
I merely said you can get the forms at the local magistrates court i never said the process was carried out by it.

I don't know of a single magistrates court that keeps county court forms on the premises.

hollydays

The https://www.Lawsociety.org.uk
will have a list of solicitors near you who could draw up the document(consent order)

Katie-Kat-Kins

Shop around for a solicitor just like you would for any thing else, these days loads of high street firms are keen for business and will under cut their neighbour.

It is definitely worth getting a bit of advice about the consent order as it is a binding document like a contract and you want to be sure that you aren't ripped off.

You can get the advice from a more junior lawyer who will charge less per hour - no sense going to a world expert if it is straight forward.

alanobrien

Bossyboots wrote:

I don't know of a single magistrates court that keeps county court forms on the premises.

Slough Berks does or at least certainly did, i know i collected for a friend it was a few years back though.

Gorgeous_George

Zoe32 wrote:

I am separated, and now need to divorce,

NEED to divorce?

Will the ex-other-half pay towards the low cost option (i.e., DIY)?

Remember, you need grounds for divorce (adultery, unreasonable behaviour etc.) or to have been separated for 2 years with ex's consent (5 years without consent). Assuming the 2 years sentence has been served, speak to the court. I found them most helpful when I conducted my own divorce some 12 years ago. It cost me £60 all-in and including £10 to have a court bailiff serve the petition IIRC. I accept that the costs have increased somewhat.

Best £60 I ever spent :rotfl:



GG