How Much Does a Divorce Cost In The UK in 2026?

As a family law solicitor, one of the most common questions I’m asked is “How much will my divorce cost?”. It’s no surprise, as divorce is not only an emotional journey but also a financial one, and understanding the costs upfront can help you make informed decisions.

For most couples who agree on everything, a typical divorce costs around £900 to £1,500 in total, including the court fee of £612 and professional help with the application. If you need a solicitor to prepare a financial consent order, expect to add another £500 to £1,500.

A Breakdown Of The Costs When Getting Divorced

What are the professional and legal fees involved with a divorce?

Here’s a breakdown of what you might be expected to pay for the various legal costs associated with divorce:

• Solicitors’ Fees – Hourly fees for solicitors range from £150 to £300, depending on your location and the seniority of the solicitor.
• Collaborative Family Lawyer – The costs typically range from £2,000 to £5,000 per person, depending on the complexity of the case and the rates of the lawyers involved.
• Mediation – Mediation, commonly known as MIAM (Mediation Initial Assessment Meeting), is a quicker and more cost-effective way of resolving financial disputes between a divorcing couple. Costs for mediation range from £50 to £120 per hour, per person, and most cases require three to five sessions to reach a resolution.
• Legal advice – Depending on the solicitor and the amount of time you need, legal advice can cost between £150 and £300 per hour.
• Online divorce service – Costs for an online divorce range from £300 to £700, depending on the divorce provider and the level of assistance you require. Divorce-Online is a leading provider, helping over 200,000 clients since 1999.

How much does a divorce cost if both parties agree?

When both parties agree on the terms of their divorce, the process is far simpler and significantly cheaper than a contested case. With no disputes over money, property, or children, most couples can complete the divorce process within 7 months and avoid the high legal fees linked to court proceedings.

For those seeking a more cost-effective option, online divorce services are a popular alternative. These services generally charge between £200 and £600, depending on the package selected and the level of support offered. This can be ideal for couples who agree to divorce and want a simple and affordable solution.

If you’ve already agreed on how to divide money or property, it’s best to make that agreement legally binding with a Consent Order. Having a solicitor prepare it typically costs £400 to £1,800, depending on how complex your finances are.

In summary, the total cost of a divorce where both parties agree can be relatively low (£612 court fee), particularly if the case does not involve any complex financial or child-related disputes. However, the overall cost will likely include additional legal expenses, meaning the typical total is around £1,200.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost if it Goes to Court?

The cost of a divorce in the UK when it goes to court varies widely, typically ranging from £5,000 to £30,000. This cost encompasses several factors, including legal fees, court expenses, and additional costs associated with court proceedings.

Legal fees, which are often the most significant expense, depend on the complexity of the case and the chosen legal representation.

Also, where you live and the seniority of the solicitor acting for you will contribute to the overall legal bill.

Whether you are charged hourly rates or fixed fees will determine what the overall cost is for a divorce that goes to court.

Factors that can affect the overall cost of divorce

Here is a breakdown of the potential costs you could expect outside of the typical professional or legal fees:

Several key factors influence how much your divorce will cost. The main cost drivers include the level of agreement, legal representation, and whether financial or child-related issues need resolving.

1. Complexity of the Case

The biggest factor is whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.

• Uncontested cases, where both parties agree, usually cost between £800 and £1,500 including court fees.
• Contested cases, involving disputes over property, finances, or children, can cost £5,000–£30,000 or more due to solicitor hours, hearings, and longer timelines.

2. Level of Legal Representation

Costs increase with the type of legal help you choose.

• DIY or online services are the cheapest, typically under £1,000.
• Fixed-fee solicitor packages for simple cases range from £800–£1,500 + VAT.
• Hourly solicitor rates (£150–£400) apply in complex or high-value cases and can quickly escalate total fees.

3. Financial Settlements and Orders

Sorting out money, property, or pensions adds further costs.

• Consent Orders (when you agree) cost around £400–£1,800 plus a £60 court fee.
• Financial Remedy Orders (when you disagree) involve a £313 application fee and solicitor costs from £3,000 to £10,000 or more, depending on asset complexity.

4. Child Arrangements and Disputes

Agreeing where children live and how much time they spend with each parent can raise costs.

• Mediation costs around £200–£400 per hour, usually over three to five sessions.
• If court intervention is needed, the Child Arrangements Order costs £263, with solicitor fees adding £1,000–£3,000 or more.

5. Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Using mediation or collaborative law is often cheaper than going to court.

• Sessions cost roughly £200–£400 per hour, shared between both parties.
• Reaching agreement early through mediation can save several thousand pounds compared with contested proceedings.

How can I reduce the cost of my divorce? 9 practical tips from a family solicitor

If you’re going through a divorce and are concerned about the potential costs of the divorce, there are several practical steps you can take to keep expenses down.

Here are some tips on how to reduce the cost of your divorce:

• Communicate Directly with Your Ex-Partner: If possible, try to reach agreements on financial and child-related matters directly with your ex-partner. The more issues you can resolve yourselves, the less time and money you’ll spend on solicitors.
• Stay Organised and Prepared: Ensure you have all your financial documents and relevant information readily available when dealing with your solicitor. This saves time and reduces the need for extra communication, which can quickly add to your bill.
• Choose the Right Service for Your Needs: Not every divorce requires the involvement of a solicitor for every step. If your divorce is straightforward and both parties agree, you can consider using an online divorce service, which is typically cheaper than hiring a solicitor.
• Opt for Fixed-Fee Divorce Packages: Many solicitors and online services offer fixed-fee packages for uncontested divorces. This allows you to budget more effectively and avoid unexpected legal costs.
• Focus on the Big Picture: Try to focus on resolving the major issues rather than getting caught up in smaller, less significant disputes. Prolonged arguments over minor matters can drive up costs unnecessarily.
• Limit Involvement: Use your divorce solicitor’s time wisely by limiting their involvement to key issues or legal advice, rather than having them handle every aspect of the divorce. Only consult them when absolutely necessary.
• Consider a Consent Order: If you’ve reached an agreement on finances, having a consent order drafted can prevent future legal disputes. While it has an upfront cost, it can save you from costly legal battles in the future.
• Be Open to Negotiation: Being flexible and willing to compromise can help avoid lengthy and expensive court proceedings. A collaborative approach often leads to quicker, more affordable resolutions.
• Understand Your Solicitor’s Fee Structure: Ensure you fully understand how your solicitor charges – whether hourly or on a fixed-fee basis. Ask for regular updates on costs and discuss your budget at the outset to avoid surprises.

How Much Does a Financial Settlement Cost?

The cost of obtaining a financial settlement in a divorce will vary based on a range of factors, most notability:

• If you can reach a financial agreement between you.
• If you require mediation or the help of a solicitor to negotiate the terms.
• If you instruct local solicitors or use a more affordable option, such as Divorce-Online.

Unlike a divorce, legally dealing with your finances is not something couples can do themselves.

The cost of the financial agreement will depend on the complexity of your agreement, but for argument’s sake, we are assuming that the division of assets is fairly straightforward.

In this scenario, a financial settlement is likely to cost between £500 – £1,500 unless your division of assets becomes complex or you need support negotiating your divorce settlement.

Join 200,000 UK Couples & Start Your Divorce Online

Divorce doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. By choosing an uncontested route and filing online, you can save both time and money, avoiding unnecessary legal fees.

With divorce services starting from as little as £299, getting started online is the quickest and most affordable way to move forward with your divorce.

Take control of the process today. Start your divorce online and let us help you through every step with expert guidance and support.