How Much Does A Divorce Cost?14th Nov 2017
Getting divorced involves paying two sets of legal costs based on:
- The divorce – the legal process that formally ends your marriage
- Resolving your finances – dividing up your family assets (and debts) fairly.
In both instances it’s much cheaper if you and your former partner can reach an agreement as soon as possible. Delays and arguments will only cost you more in the long run.
1. Cost Of Divorce – Legal And Court Fees
A simple fixed fee divorce costs £1,450 including VAT. That’s £900 for the cost of hiring a Coles Miller divorce solicitor and £550 for the court fee.
You can pay in three stages to help make the costs more manageable:
- Stage 1 £375+VAT – this is payable to Coles Miller after we draft your divorce petition
- Stage 2 £550 court fee – payable to HM Courts & Tribunals Service when your divorce petition goes to court to be issued
- Stage 3 £375+VAT – payable to Coles Miller when the court sends you your Decree Nisi, the order that confirms the reason you cited for getting divorce is legally valid.
2. Cost Of Resolving Your Finances
Every couple is different so no two cases are alike. How much it costs to resolve your finances will depend on:
- the size and complexity of your assets (and liabilities)
- how quickly you and your former partner can reach an agreement.
Your costs will usually be based on the hourly rate of your lawyer. So the less work that’s needed, the cheaper it will be. Fixed fees can also be offered in some circumstances.
Protracted rows benefit no-one. There’s no point racking up legal fees arguing over who owns what if the value of the items concerned is eroded or eclipsed by your legal costs.
We recommend mediation as a way of reaching agreement and keeping costs down. You get to keep your financial arguments out of court. You maintain control of the process instead of surrendering the decision process to a third party judge.
Book A Free Or Fixed Fee Initial Chat
Divorcing your former partner is a big step – especially if you’ve been together for a long time and particularly if they’re the one who wants to end the marriage.
Our sympathetic family law solicitors will offer you compassionate and pragmatic legal advice to help you through this difficult time.
Book a free initial chat or fixed fee meeting with our Family Law Team.
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This document is not intended to constitute and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice on any specific matter. No liability for the accuracy of the content of this document, or the consequences of relying on it, is assumed by the author. If you seek further information, please contact Managing Partner Neil Andrews at Coles Miller Solicitors LLP.
