Can't Afford a

Solicitor fees during divorce and separation can run into thousands of pounds. For many people, that simply is not an option, particularly when finances are already under strain from the separation itself. If that is your situation, you are far from alone, and you are not without choices.

The good news is that a great deal of the divorce and separation process can be navigated without a solicitor at every step, provided you have the right practical support alongside you. That is exactly what The Separation Companion offers.

Why is legal aid not an option?

Legal aid for divorce and separation was largely withdrawn in England and Wales in 2013. For the vast majority of people going through divorce, financial remedy proceedings or disputes over child arrangements, it is simply not available. This has left a significant gap between those who can afford full legal representation and those who cannot, and it is a gap that many people fall into.

What are the real alternatives?

There are several ways to manage costs without leaving yourself without support:

• Handle the process yourself as a self-representing party (litigant in person), with practical support from me alongside you
• Use a solicitor only for the specific moments where legal advice is genuinely essential, keeping costs targeted and controlled
• Use mediation where possible to reach agreements without court involvement
• Have documentation, forms and correspondence prepared properly so that any solicitor time you do use is efficient

How I can help you do this properly

I am not a solicitor, and I do not charge solicitor rates. What I offer is practical, organised, experienced support to help you navigate the process as effectively as possible without the full cost of legal representation at every stage.

• Understanding the process and what to expect at each stage
• Completing and checking court forms before submission
• Preparing financial disclosure on Form E thoroughly and accurately
• Reviewing proposals and helping you understand what is fair
• Drafting correspondence calmly and constructively
• Attending court hearings with you as a McKenzie Friend
• Keeping everything organised so nothing falls through the cracks

This is not about cutting corners

Navigating separation without a solicitor does not mean going in blind or hoping for the best. It means being well-prepared, well-organised and supported by someone who understands the process. The decisions made during separation have long-term consequences. They deserve to be made carefully, with proper support, regardless of budget.

My aim is always to help you get to a fair outcome, properly documented and properly handled, without the cost that comes with having a solicitor involved at every step.