A divorce, no matter how amicable, is a daunting and complex legal process that can be overwhelming without the right help. Having the right legal team can make the world of a difference.
However, anyone going through a divorce will have a lot of questions – and one of the most frequently asked questions is “How much does a divorce cost?”.
Although the cost of divorce varies widely across the UK, we hope this article will clear a few things up and help you better prepare for the costs that come with divorcing your spouse.
Another question frequently asked is, do I actually need a divorce solicitor? And the answer is – perhaps not.
If the situation is straightforward, for example, if there are no children involved and there has been a clear separation of finances and assets, the divorce can go ahead without a solicitor.
It would involve meeting the legal requirements and filling out the relevant forms for the Family Court. You would also need to consider whether you want to do a sole application or a joint application with your spouse.
However, to ensure everything goes smoothly, seeking legal advice from an experienced professional is strongly recommended. Even a simple mistake when applying for a divorce can end up being extremely costly.
If the divorce is contested by your spouse, if it requires mediation or if your divorce is taken to court, you will need the guidance and support of a legal professional. Ideally, this would be an experienced divorce solicitor.
There are some set fees that you must pay when applying for a divorce, regardless of whether or not you have a solicitor.
When applying for a divorce in the UK, you must pay the £593 fee set by the UK government. If you are on low income or benefits, you may be able to get help with this cost.
If there are children involved and you need a court order for child arrangements, you will also need to pay £255. In addition, if the divorce is contested or the case is referred to court for any other reason, you will have to pay £275 to the court.
Solicitors fees vary widely depending on several factors, including the case at hand. Some divorce solicitors charge an hourly rate whereas others offer packages at a set price.
According to MoneyHelper, an uncontested, straightforward divorce will cost the person applying for the divorce an average of £700 to £2,000 in solicitor’s fees.
If the divorce is contested or if there are complications, including the need for mediation and financial settlements, the divorce solicitor’s fees may be higher.
At Wayman & Long, we aim to be transparent in everything we do, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees and surprise costs. Our hourly rate is £300 and we offer a range of fixed-fee divorce packages depending on your needs.
Divorce isn’t your only option when a relationship has come to an end. If you are certain that there is no chance of resolving your marital issues through professional mediation, then you also have the option of an informal or formal separation.
Separation with an informal agreement involves amicably separating once you and your spouse have agreed on how to best manage the property and finances. If there are children involved, you will also have to have an informal agreement relating to their care. This is a popular option for married couples who are separating but still living together for one reason or another.
Alternatively, a separation agreement is a written agreement clearly outlining the financial, property and childcare arrangements. Although it is not legally binding, a separation agreement is often a good choice for couples who are not ready to divorce but are living separately.
For mediation, informal agreements or separation agreements, the advice and support of a qualified and experienced legal team will be invaluable.
If you are 100% sure that you would like a divorce, book an initial consultation with an accredited divorce solicitor.
At Wayman & Long, our divorce solicitors are experienced in guiding clients through challenging life events with compassion and professionalism.
We are proud to have a proven track record of achieving the very best financial outcomes for our clients, either by negotiation, mediation or through the courts.
If you are still unsure about whether divorce is the correct option, our matrimonial team can discuss all of your options, including mediation, informal separation, and separation.
We will also provide legal advice regarding any children involved, as well as financial considerations and assets.
If you would like to speak to one of our friendly divorce solicitors, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us on 01787 277375 or email us at enquiries@waymanandlong.co.uk. Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form here.
Created & Managed By Space Rocket Digital