The Cost of getting divorced

Sky news published an article that set out the cost of getting a divorce.

Court fees increased earlier this year but so far the fee for issuing a divorce petition is remaining at its present price of £593.

Whilst it is generally known that nearly half of all marriages now end in divorce, the cost of doing so is rarely discussed as it varies from couple to couple.

Sky news obtained these figures from the MoneyHelper. They state that a couple are looking at spending about £1300 and £2600 for an uncontested divorce and between £10,000 and £30,000 if it is contested. They state this is if you fail to reach agreement and the case has to go to Court.

This information is quite misleading as there is no such thing now as a contested divorce. I appreciate that the data obtained would be historical when there was such a thing as a contested divorce, but now, court proceedings are only commenced in relation to disputes involving the children of the marriage, or, the finances. If the parties can’t reach agreement, either themselves or via mediation, then this could be the potential cost of separation.

The Sky news report did highlight that some Solicitors firms, instead of recommending clients do the divorce online themselves (as the procedure is so much easier now) are suggesting they do it for them, thus increasing the clients’ costs. Unfortunately, I suspect this is correct. We always recommend that our clients do as much as they can themselves, and only involve us, when they absolutely have to, as this can keep your costs down.

Do make sure therefore that you are happy with your Solicitor therefore, at the outset and you are on the same page in relation to how to approach the resolution of your separation.

– Progression solicitors