How Much Does

The cost of divorce in England and Wales is one of the questions people ask most frequently, and it is one of the hardest to answer with a single figure, because it depends almost entirely on how the process unfolds. A straightforward, agreed divorce with no significant assets can be managed for a few hundred pounds in court fees. A contested financial remedy case with both parties legally represented can cost tens of thousands of pounds or more.

What are the fixed costs?

The court fee for a divorce application in England and Wales is currently £593. This is unavoidable unless you qualify for a fee remission based on your income. There may also be fees for other court applications during the process, such as a financial remedy application.

What drives the variable costs?

The variable costs are almost entirely driven by professional fees, primarily solicitor time. Solicitor hourly rates for family work range from around £150 at the lower end to £400 or more at larger or London-based firms. In a contested case, where both parties have solicitors corresponding with each other, preparing documents, attending hearings and advising at each stage, costs accumulate very quickly.

Can you do it without a solicitor?

Yes, and a growing number of people do. Nearly 80% of divorce applications are now filed online, with many submitted without legal representation. Self-representing parties (litigants in person) navigate the process themselves, often with practical support from a McKenzie Friend or separation support practitioner rather than a solicitor.

What does practical support cost compared to a solicitor?

The Separation Companion charges £65 per hour for practical support, with no minimum commitment and hours that never expire. McKenzie Friend court attendance is £295 for a half day and £495 for a full day. For many people, this represents a significant saving compared to full legal representation while still ensuring the process is handled properly and fairly.

What is the real cost of getting it wrong?

The decisions made during separation, particularly around finances and property, have long-term consequences. Getting to a fair outcome, properly documented in a consent order, protects both parties for years to come. This is why having proper support, even without full legal representation, matters. The cost of getting it wrong is often far higher than the cost of getting it right.