How Much Does it Cost to get Divorced in the UK?
Written by
Cara Bradley
9 min read
Updated: 03/03/2026
The information contained in this article is a general guide and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
Divorce. It’s an unpleasant topic, but for 42% of marriages in the UK, it’s a fact of life.
Statistics released in 2025 revealed that the median average duration of opposite-sex marriages that ended in divorce was 12.7 years.
What are the most common reasons for divorce in the UK? Adultery, growing apart, and lack of communication.
A divorce can come with a range of emotions. From grief and relief to elation and bitterness, the last thing you need during this time is financial stress and uncertainty. Understanding the options available to you and knowing the facts can help you navigate your divorce and financial situation more effectively.
Please note that in this article, we’ll be focusing on information for people based in England.
First things first: different types of divorce in the UK
As of April 6, 2022, there is only one type of divorce in England (and Wales): the no-fault divorce.
You can either apply for a divorce on your own, known as a sole application, or with your partner, known as a joint application.
While there is only one type of divorce, there are different outcomes to consider: uncontested and contested.
Uncontested divorce vs contested divorce
An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on the terms, including the division of assets and child custody arrangements.
On the other hand, a contested divorce is when disagreements arise.
Apply for a divorce in the UK: how does it work?
The process of getting divorced varies based on several factors, including who initiates the application and whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
To give you an idea of how divorce proceedings work, we’ve outlined the procedure below. Please note that we’ll explain the journey as if you were the sole applicant, and the divorce was uncontested.
- Before you begin the divorce proceedings, you may wish to consult with and/or appoint a solicitor, who will be able to talk you through the process from a legal perspective and offer advice for the smoothest outcome.
- Make sure you have all the information and documents you need, such as your marriage certificate and ex-partner’s details, including their full name, address, and email address.
Unsure how to locate your ex-partner? Find out the steps you’ll need to take here. - Apply for a divorce through the Gov.uk website. If you’re the one making the application, you will be required to pay the £612 court fee (correct as of March, 2026).
- Your ex-partner, known in this case as ‘the Respondent’, will be sent the divorce papers and an Acknowledgement of Service (AOS), which they’ll need to respond to within 14 days and specify whether they agree with or dispute the divorce.
- A 20-week ‘wait period’ will follow, allowing both you and your ex-partner some breathing space and time to start making arrangements for shared assets and childcare. This will also allow your ex-partner time to appoint their own solicitor, if they choose to do so.
- Once the 20-week wait period is over, you can apply for a Conditional Order, previously called a Decree Nissi. A Conditional Order is confirmation that the court does not object to your divorce application. You won’t need to pay any extra to apply for a Conditional Order; it’s covered in your initial £612 court fees.
- When you have your Conditional Order, you and your ex-partner must decide how your assets are going to be split. If you share children, you’ll also need to decide on custody and maintenance arrangements. If you’ve enlisted the services of a solicitor, they will be able to help you with this and liaise with your ex-partner’s solicitor, if applicable.
- If you and your ex-partner agree on the terms set out in the Conditional Order, you can apply for a Consent Order. This is a legally binding document.
If you don’t agree, this will now be classed as a contested divorce, and you’ll need to apply for a Financial Order, which places the financial decision(s) in the hands of the courts. - 43 days after your Conditional Order is received, you can apply for a Final Order, which was previously referred to as a Decree Absolute. This document legally confirms the termination of your marriage.
How much does it cost to get divorced in the UK?
There is no one set answer to the question ‘how much does it cost to get divorced in the UK?’. The minimum you could pay is the £612 court fee (if eligible).
If your divorce is less straightforward and you need specialist legal help, you may end up paying more than this. The average cost of a divorce in the UK is £14,561; however, it’s important to remember that every couple and situation is different. This figure is the average; many couples spend significantly less, and many spend more.
What are the main costs involved in a UK divorce?
There are several costs involved in getting a divorce in the UK. Depending on your situation, you may not need to, or choose to, pay certain associated costs.
Below, we’ve listed some potential expenses that could arise during the UK divorce process; please note that this is not an exhaustive list.
- Initial court fee
The first thing you’ll need to do is make an application. This process has a set fee of £612.
There is such a thing as a ‘DIY divorce’ in which you and your ex-partner agree to sort everything out yourselves. It’s crucial to understand that the court fee simply acknowledges that your marriage is over; it doesn’t cover any further arrangements regarding money, possessions, and children.
You should do careful research before considering a DIY divorce. - Solicitor fees
The average estimated cost of a divorce lawyer/ solicitor in the UK is between £800 and £2,000. Some may charge a flat fee to handle the divorce, whereas others may charge by the hour.
If you or your ex-partner contests the divorce and your solicitor needs to spend more time on the case, these costs can creep up. - Financial Settlement / Consent Order
A Consent Order legally finalises the financial arrangements of the divorce.
With the aid of a solicitor, this could cost around £400 + VAT, plus a £53 submission fee charged by the courts. - Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)
If your divorce settlement involves financial and/or child arrangements, you and your ex-partner will typically be expected to attend a MIAM before the case goes to court.
While mediation is not required, it can help smooth over disagreements and prevent a prolonged court battle.
One MIAM session usually costs around £120. Additional sessions will be charged separately.
You may be able to get help paying for MIAM sessions. - Other legal fees/ Financial Order
If a divorce is contested and you and your ex-partner cannot come to an agreement, you’ll need to apply for a Financial Order, and this is when legal fees really rise.
The initial Financial Order application will cost £275, and the solicitors' fees for handling this scenario could range from £10,000 to £15,000.
If, after several court hearings, you and your ex-partner still can’t agree, you could be looking at fees totalling £30,000.
What is the cheapest way to divorce in the UK?
In theory, the cheapest way to get divorced in the UK is to ‘do it yourself’ without the need for solicitors. In this instance, you would typically only pay for the £612 court fees. However, the reality is that many divorces are a lot more complex than this.
Being amicable with one another and reaching an agreement on any joint assets and finances could save you money, but it’s often not that clear-cut.
How much does it cost to get divorced if you both agree?
As discussed, if both you and your ex-partner agree and do not involve solicitors, you could pay the £612 court fee, but this only dissolves your marriage; it doesn’t sort out any legal arrangements for assets or children.
Harbor Family Law estimates that a straightforward uncontested divorce in the UK, where both parties agree to the terms set out in the divorce papers, could cost between £1,800 and £2,000.
Again, we must stress that these figures are estimates; many factors involved in a divorce can make it more or less expensive.
What to do if you can’t afford to get divorced
If you’re on a low income and/or in receipt of certain benefits, you could get financial help when covering the cost of a divorce.
You can find out more about legal aid in this guide, put together by MoneyHelper.
Worried about money?
A divorce can take its toll on many aspects of life, including your finances.
If you could benefit from speaking to a confidential, impartial ear, please reach out to any of the following organisations for free financial advice: StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.
If your ex-partner is attempting to threaten or blackmail you
While it’s understandable that tensions may run high during divorce proceedings, the breakdown of a marriage does not excuse abusive behaviour in any way, shape, or form.
If your ex-partner is abusing, threatening, or blackmailing you, please alert your solicitor and consider seeking support from a loved one or a professional, such as your GP. You may even wish to report the incident(s) to the police.
If you’re in immediate danger, please call the emergency services on 999.
Below, we’ve included some resources that could be useful.
- Refuge and Women’s Aid, for women and children affected by domestic abuse.
- Respect, for men affected by domestic abuse.
