How Much Does it Cost to Get a Divorce?

Divorce isn’t just an emotional journey – it’s a financial one too. No one really wants to talk about the costs involved, but it’s something you can’t ignore. So how much does a divorce really cost?

The price tag on a divorce can vary quite a bit depending on things like:

• Whether you’ve got legal representation and when you decide to bring them in.
• If additional legal proceedings become part of the mix.
• How well you and your ex can agree on the details (or not).

The process isn’t just a single step; there are multiple stages, each with its own costs and considerations. Let’s break it down:

Dissolving the Marriage

This is the formal bit where you legally end the marriage. It’s where those court fees come in:

• Court Fees: Filing for divorce in England and Wales costs a standard £593. Whether you’re doing it online or with a solicitor, this fee stays the same.
• Fee Exemptions: If you’re on benefits or have a low income, you might qualify for a fee exemption. Check out GOV.UK for more details.

Sorting Out the Finances

Once the marriage is legally over, the financial side of things needs sorting. This can range from straightforward agreements to drawn-out battles:

Consent Orders: If you’ve already agreed on the financial split, you’ll just need court approval. That’ll cost you £53.

Financial Proceedings: Things get pricier if you have to initiate proceedings – the fee jumps to £275.

Making Arrangements for the Kids

If children are involved, you’ll need to make arrangements for them, and this can come with its own set of costs:

Children Act Proceedings: Taking these proceedings to court costs £232.

The Role of Legal Representation

Legal fees can feel like a black hole – they vary hugely depending on:

• The complexity of your case.
• Where you live.
• The seniority and hourly rate of your solicitor.

Some solicitors offer fixed-fee packages for simple cases, so it’s worth shopping around and having a clear conversation about costs upfront. Nobody likes nasty surprises, especially when it comes to money.

Extra Costs You Might Not Expect

Divorce can come with some hidden extras, depending on your situation:

Expert Reports: You might need valuations for property, pensions, or businesses.

Barristers’ Fees: If you’re heading to court, this is another cost to factor in.

Conveyancing Fees: Needed for transferring property ownership.

Accountancy Fees: Essential for managing more complex financial situations.

A Real-World Scenario

Let’s take an example. Imagine a couple with shared property and children. They’ve decided to keep things amicable and agree on the financial split and child arrangements. Here’s what their costs might look like:

• £593 to file the divorce petition.
• £53 for the consent order.
• Solicitor fees for guidance and document preparation.

Now, if things don’t go as smoothly – maybe there’s a dispute over who gets what – those costs can spiral quickly. Legal fees, additional court hearings, and expert reports can all add up.

How Level Can Help

Divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re worrying about how to cover the costs. That’s where we come in. At Level, we provide legal fee and living expense loans to support individuals going through family law proceedings, including:

• Financial Remedy
• Children Act
• Enforcement
• Part III
• ToLATA
• Schedule 1 Proceedings

Need a Financial Helping Hand?

We know that navigating the financial side of a divorce isn’t easy. That’s why our guided funding is here to give you the support you need. If you’re wondering whether a legal fee loan might work for you, reach out to our team today.

Visit our website or give us a call to see how we can help you get through this challenging time with a little less stress.