Wikivorce is cheaper than local solicitors. Why?

Yorkie1

OP, you mention pensions. This is probably the only potential issue where proper advice might be relevant, if one person's pension is significantly greater than the other's and there's some possibility of ongoing support being needed. I am no expert but this might be worth checking out if applicable.

groovy_chick

Hi PaulAA

I used Wikivorce about a year ago to finalise my divorce. I was separated for 8 years and my ex had never agreed to a settlement, so I had got to the point of not caring what I got as long as I was divorced

Wikivorce are cheap because it is all over the phone/post/email and the legal advisors have LOTS of workload. I had a great advisor who was really helpful whenever I spoke to her BUT it did take a long time to get a response and it was quite hard getting hold of her on the phone - it was clear that she was super-busy. My divorce was simple in the end; each party kept whatever material things they left the house with, there were no property assets and I took responsibility for the kids and our joint debt. Wikivorce prepared all of the paperwork based on the questionnaire I completed and conversations we had (I did change my mind about the content three times and they didn't penalise me). She also applied for my absolute for me even though I only paid for the consent order service. I found their fees really reasonable - I spent over £2000 when we were first separated to hourly charging high street solicitors and didn't get anywhere.

I would suggest calling their free helpline and asking about pension sharing first and then if you think you can agree things amicably then Wikivorce is cheap and cheerful - as long as you are not in a rush! Oh and don't forget the court fees .. it surprised me how much they were.

Good luck

gc

madvixen

I'm sure Wikivorce is great for simple cases but they really struggle with anything complicated. It took them 24 months to get a decree nisi in our case because they lost paperwork, didn't file paperwork, spelt things incorrectly (leading to them not being signed) and generally messed us about. The solicitors that they use have hundreds (if not thousands) of cases on the go and things really do slip through the net.

I'm not saying don't use then - just be careful.

HedgeWitch

The Wikivorce services are provided by law firms - proper ones. If you read the information pages about the services, you will see this.

Why are they cheaper - this question is answered in the FAQ sections and Wikivorce say " We quote reasonable prices because:
- we use efficient working practices and the very latest modern technology.
- a high street solicitor may only do a few divorce cases a year, so they have to charge a lot for each one to make a living. We can afford to charge far less.
We do not compromise of the quality of our services, and the lawyers who will manage your divorce are specialists in family law and are more experienced (not less) than most high street solicitors."

The advisers on the free advice line are volunteers, there to give some general information about your options for moving forwards, and to give further information about the legal services. The advisers are VERY knowledgeable, and have years of experience of helping others - all have been through divorce themselves too.

Is there an advantage to using a solicitor or a solicitor service like the ones Wikivorce offers if you are the Respondent? Yes - the solicitor will advise you on the implications of costs (if the petitioner seeks the costs of the divorce form the respondent), how to correctly respond to allegations of Unreasonable Behaviour (if UB is used), explain why all financial order the boxes in Part 10 (the Prayer) have been ticked, and what that means, complete the D10 form for you, sign to say you have been represented and return it back to Court. Even if you chose to complete the D10 on your own, you will still require legal advice on the draft Consent Order before signing it.

The majority for the services Wikivorce offer are for those who are in agreement or close to coming to an agreement (with or without the aid of mediation). It's not possible for a law firm to offer fixed price services for contested divorce/finances as the amount of work involved varies from client to client.

PAULAA - perhaps you could call the Wikivorce advice line and direct your questions to the advisers; I'#m sure they will be able to answer them for you

HedgeWitch