How much does a divorce cost?

Ccarter

Hi there,

Has anyone got divorced recently and how much did it cost you please?
I've spoken to a solicitor and he says it will be 1200 minimum.. my x partner said no when I sugged an online divorce company as he wants it done properly.

Thanks in advance

gemmatron

ive recently looked at this on the government website, it costs £410

Ccarter

Thankyou, Yes i've been told the court fees are that much but I was wondering about the total for everything..

swingaloo

That's going to depend on how complex the divorce is.
Are there children/property involved etc

Gloomendoom

Ccarter wrote: »

Thankyou, Yes i've been told the court fees are that much but I was wondering about the total for everything..

That could be the total for everything, apart from some stamps and ink for your pen.

I actually paid a bit less than that as prices have gone up slightly since I got divorced.

If there are children involved or an inability to compromise, total costs may be higher.

rtucker

it really depends on a lot of factors, if there are kids involved, property, how complicated things are, if it is amicable or not.

Divorce doesn't have to involve long drawn out battles like you see in the movies or hear about in the papers. Most divorces are pretty straightforward especially if it is amicable (in as far as amicable is the right word) and you both agree.

My best advise would be to go and see a solicitor and ask for a 30 minute free advice session. this is something most solicitors or legal assistants will be happy to do for you. They can talk you through the process.

Most likely you will be sent for mediation first to look at why you are separating and what the best way forward is. This is a very simple process where a mediator will see you on your own, you partner on their own and if required both of you together to finalise things.

If things are pretty straightforward then it is a simple matter of preparing paperwork and having your solicitor file it. it shouldn't cost more than 450-500 pounds. That is at least what mine cost fairly recently.

If you have made the decision to separate then just look on it pretty matter of fact and not too emotional (easier said than done though) and then it will be easier. Don't get involved with long discussions or petty fights because in the end the only people who will win there are the solicitors who will have their fees paid by you and you will end up with nothing.

prowla

If it's easy if it's uncontested; you don't even need a solicitor, and the court fees are a couple of hundred pounds.

If you need to sell or split a house, then that will be under £1000 (you will need a solicitor).

PeacefulWaters

prowla wrote: »

If it's easy if it's uncontested; you don't even need a solicitor, and the court fees are a couple of hundred pounds.

£410.

https://www.gov.uk/divorce/file-for-divorce

Ccarter

We have 2 small children. We've been seperated for 3 years, would we still need mediation? There is NO reconciliation. I doubt there will be any dispute over the children but maybe finances. He thinks he is entitled to £6000 for the money he paid 'into the house' over the years. The house is in negative equity so there is no money to give him. :-(

mgdavid

It can easily cost upwards of £10k to fight off a grasping ex who wants everything...

Gloomendoom

Ccarter wrote: »

We have 2 small children. We've been seperated for 3 years, would we still need mediation? There is NO reconciliation. I doubt there will be any dispute over the children but maybe finances. He thinks he is entitled to £6000 for the money he paid 'into the house' over the years. The house is in negative equity so there is no money to give him. :-(

If it's in negative equity, money might need to go the other way.

Unfortunately, in your situation, I suspect that it will cost you a bit more than the basic court fees. I would advise visiting a solicitor that specialises in family law. You (both) are going to have to satisfy a judge that any settlement is fair and takes into account the needs of the children.