Save on fee by applying for divorce as sole applicant

Bournemouthmama

My husband and I are happily separated and are both keen to divorce but with the way things are at the moment the £600 fee is too much for us. If we apply together we won’t be eligible for fee help because my husband is not claiming benefits. If I apply on my own I believe most of the fee would be waived due to low income/children. So I’m just wondering, has anyone else saved on fees this way or is there a downside to a sole application that’s not worth the cost saving?

tightauldgit

In terms of where you end up it makes no difference. The only difference is in the process I believe - in a single application your husband will have to respond to the application whereas in a joint application that step is skipped. 

Bournemouthmama

@tightauldgit - thanks. It does seem that way. I was just worried there might be a catch! 😃 seems silly to file jointly if it’s cheaper the other way!

RAS

Just remember that the divorce is the "cheap bit."

The important bit is the financial settlement. It includes all assets of the marriage, including pensions, property and savings. However, if you are still getting on well, there is nothing to stop you doing this DIY and saving a fortune on legal fees.

BUT make sure you do get it sorted. Otherwise the other party can come back and demand a share if you win the lottery. They might not get it but the aggravation and cost....  

Bournemouthmama

@RAS - thank you. The main thing is I want to get the 20 week period started so once we’ve got our financial agreement and parenting plan in place we can crack on with it.

TBagpuss

No, no real catch. He will have to acknolwege the application but if you providehis email in your applciation they will e-mail him the paperwork and he just logs in and acknowledges it online so verylittle time or effort - andthe 20 weeks runs from when your applciation is issued, so even if it takes a bit longer for him to respond it doesn't affect the timescale (unless he took more than 20 weeks to respond!)