How much does an amicable divorce cost in the UK?
How much does an amicable divorce cost in the UK?
The cost of an amicable divorce in the UK depends largely on whether you use an online divorce service or a high-street solicitor. Online divorce services typically charge between £300 and £500, plus the £612 court fee, for handling the divorce application itself.
Online divorce services are designed for uncontested divorces and keep costs low by focusing on administration rather than ongoing legal advice.
Solicitor’s fees for the divorce process alone are usually higher, with fees commonly starting around £500 to £1,000 plus VAT, in addition to the £612 court fee. This covers managing the divorce application, but does not include resolving financial matters.
Where finances need to be formally settled through a financial settlement, additional costs apply regardless of the route used.
A financial consent order, which makes the financial settlement legally binding, typically costs £500 to £700 through an online service or fixed-fee solicitor, but can rise to £1,000 to £2,500 plus VAT when handled by a traditional law firm.
In amicable divorces involving straightforward finances, total costs typically fall between £900 and £1,200 using an online service, compared with £2,000 to £3,000 plus VAT through a high-street solicitor.
Costs increase further where pensions or property transfers are involved, but resolving finances properly is essential to achieve full legal closure and avoid future claims.
Typical costs in an amicable divorce (UK)
| Category | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Divorce application court fee | £612 (mandatory court fee) |
| Online amicable divorce service | £300 to £700 plus court fee |
| Uncontested divorce solicitor’s fees | £500 to £2,000+ plus court fee |
| Legal advice | £150 to £300 per hour |
Additional costs for agreed financial arrangements
| Category | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple financial consent order | £500 to £1,500 |
| Complex financial consent order | £700 – £3,000+ in solicitor fees |
| Pension sharing order | £1,000 to £3,000+ plus VAT |
Costs when an amicable divorce becomes more complex
| Category | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Complex financial negotiations | £3,000 to £20,000+ |
| Financial disputes requiring court involvement | £10,000 to £30,000+ |
| Fully contested divorce proceedings | £20,000+ per person |
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