Can You Divorce Without a Lawyer?

What are my options when it comes to getting divorced?

The majority of people seeking a divorce still assume that they’ll require the services of divorce solicitors in order to obtain a divorce.

Using divorce lawyers to obtain a divorce is the traditional method, but what are your options if you wish to divorce without lawyers in England or Wales?

It’s important you understand that in most cases, especially when parties are amicable, there isn’t usually a need for divorce lawyers.

Of course, it is always recommended that you obtain initial legal advice to understand your legal position.

If you have complex financial matters, children disputes, or a potential difficult ex-partner then, of course, instructing a lawyer to help you may be necessary.

However, the actual divorce procedure in England and Wales is largely a paperwork process and can be completed relatively easily without a solicitor.

This article aims to provide you with enough information to make an informed decision about whether your circumstances require the help of lawyers or not.

Who can get divorced without hiring solicitors?

There are no hard and fast rules for when you should or shouldn’t hire a solicitor to help you get divorced.

For couples who are in agreement to end their marriage, hiring a lawyer to handle your divorce is usually unnecessary.

If you have complex financial matters, children disputes, or a potential difficult ex-partner then, of course, instructing a lawyer to help you may be necessary.

Alternative solutions to divorce such as doing it yourself or using an online divorce service are recommended when;

• You have been married for at least 12 months
• You have agreed on the grounds for divorce
• You have no assets or money to divide
• You have an address for your spouse
• Both parties are in an agreement to divorce

Considerations to make before getting divorced

Divorce solicitors are expensive. If both parties seek legal representation, you will end up with bills into the many thousands (the average cost when dealing with finances is £8,000).

If you are on good enough terms and there is likely to be agreement, an alternative option may be a better solution.

Hiring divorce solicitors can also make the divorce process more acrimonious as each party may be advised to take different actions to what has already been agreed, so be mindful of this before deciding whether to do your divorce with or without a lawyer.

There are a range of alternative options available to help you divorce without lawyers, such as; 

No-Fault Divorce will make it easier for couples to get divorced without a lawyer

Typically, you may require the assistance of a solicitor if you believe that your ex-partner will be difficult or non-compliant during the divorce proceedings.

The introduction of no-fault divorce on 6 April 2022 will make it easier for couples to obtain a divorce due to removal of adversarial and long separation grounds for divorce.

This change to the divorce law will make it easier for couples to file for divorce if they have an uncooperative ex-partner, negating the need to instruct lawyers.

For further information on what the no-fault divorce law changes mean for you, read our introduction to the new no-fault divorce law.