Do it yourself divorce-save thousands of pounds

HelpfulNess

After 28 years of marriage I decided divorce was the only option I had left; it was not a decision I took lightly. I had little money and was distraught over the cost of solicitors- on top of the trauma from the breakdown of my marriage. I trawled the internet and found lots of 'cheap' divorces but they still wanted a fee. Then I found free government advice that allowed me to do it all myself. The total cost of my divorce was £340, standard court fees only. The website is at https://www.direct.gov.uk In the 'search this site box' type in 'divorce' then select 'getting a divorce'. It contains all the information you need, step by step instructions and allows you to download forms. It also gives examples on how to complete them. I received my decree absolute today- proving you do not need to involve expensive solicitors. I also have more money in my pocket than I would have if I'd involved them, or more honestly, I have not taken out a loan in order to pay them.

RustyFlange

My partners decree absolute came through yesterday ... Whilst it was an amicable divorce between him and his ex wife (yay he is no longer married!) it was also cheaper that £340 his Ex wife divorced him after she cheated and decided she would walk out and not tell him so she did all the paperwork and has paid for the divorce etc ... I believe it was in the region of £250 though. I guess if you can get divorced amicably then that is the way to go!

HelpfulNess

You're right Rusty, although mine wasn't exactly amicable it is the best way to handle it.... but I'm not sure how it could be cheaper than £340. All I know is that when I sent the petition off, I had to send a £300 court fee with it. Then when I wanted the decree absolute, the court asked for £40. Whatever... it's much better than giving the legal beagles lots of money for something you can do yourself. Best wishes...

eira

In total agreement with posters. Even if you do decide to use a solicitor arm yourself with all the information provided for free. solicitors thrive on acrimony and no one has the same investment in your welfare as yourself. Judges decisions in divorce cases are arbitary and often ill considered. Trust yourself !

Mrs_pbradley936

I expect if you both agree and have no children to consider then it is easier this way. But often people have a property, pension funds and children to consider and if you cannot speak without it turning into a row sometimes you have to pay a solicitor.

Bossyboots

I hope you have drafted a consent order and had that approved and sealed by the court before getting your absolute.

The court fees are £300 and £40 but subject to income, some people qualify for a reduction or exemption from the fees and that is why it could come out lower.

The actual divorce itself is simple and people are expected to do this themselves, but money spent on advice to ensure your former partner cannot claim against any further wealth you accrue is never money wasted.

If you want to avoid solicitors who revel in acrimony, see a solicitor who is Resolution registered. As part of their membership they are committed to keeping this out of their proceedings.

Becles

I did a DIY divorce with no solicitors and it was cheap.

However, the divorce only deals with the end of the loving relationship and it does not deal with the cutting the financial relationship, as I found out to my cost.

As Bossyboots said, you must get a financial consent order to break your financial relationship, otherwise the other partner can make a claim on your finances at any time in the future. Do you really want them popping up to stake a claim later in life?

In my case, some years after the divorce my house had increased in equity, while my ex had ran up debts being reckless with spending. He decided to come back and claim some of my equity to cover his debts which he was legally entitled to do. Thankfully I found a good solicitor who saw him off and I got the consent order granted then to stop it happening again. I would have saved money and not had the stress of dealing with it, if I'd got the consent order with the divorce.