What Can You Do If You Can’t Afford Divorce Costs?
Can’t afford divorce costs? This guide walks you through what to expect, where to find support and how Level can help
What to Do If You Can’t Afford Divorce: Costs, Options and Financial Support
Divorce can be emotionally draining but for many, the financial cost is the hardest part. Solicitor fees, court costs, and everyday living expenses quickly add up. If you are already struggling financially, the prospect of separation can feel impossible.
The reality is that practical options exist, from government support to specialist lending. This guide walks through what to expect, where to find help, and how Level can support you through the process.
Understanding the cost of divorce in the UK
Divorce involves several distinct cost categories. The table below covers the main ones to be aware of:
| Cost type | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court fee | £593 | Fixed fee to apply for divorce in England and Wales. Fee exemptions available for those on low income or benefits. |
| Solicitor fees | £500–£1,500 (simple) / £20,000+ (complex) | Costs rise significantly where property, children, or disputes are involved. Fixed-fee packages are available for straightforward cases. |
| Mediation | £100–£150 per hour | Cheaper than court in most cases. Mediation Vouchers worth up to £500 may be available. Costs are typically shared between both parties. |
| Financial settlement | Variable | Dividing assets, property, and securing spousal maintenance can involve significant additional legal costs depending on complexity. |
For a full breakdown of all divorce-related costs including consent orders and Children Act proceedings, see our guide to how much divorce costs.
Your options at a glance
| Option | Best for | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Legal aid | Those on very low income or facing domestic abuse | Free if eligible |
| Mediation | Both parties open to compromise | £100–£150/hr, shared; vouchers available |
| Fixed-fee legal help | Straightforward cases where full representation isn’t needed | £500–£1,500 fixed, or pay-as-you-go |
| Mortgage support | Those staying in or needing to leave the family home | Depends on lender and arrangement |
| State support | Those on low income or with children post-divorce | Free (Universal Credit, Child Maintenance) |
| Divorce loan | Those with a settlement due who need funds now | Repaid from settlement — no monthly payments |
Option 1: Legal aid
Legal aid is government funding that helps cover legal costs for those who cannot afford them. It is available only in limited circumstances, usually involving domestic abuse or child protection issues, and very low income with minimal savings.
To find out whether you are eligible, use the official government tool: gov.uk/check-legal-aid. If you qualify, legal aid can cover solicitor fees, court representation, and mediation costs.
Option 2: Mediation
Mediation is often cheaper, faster, and less confrontational than going to court. A trained mediator helps both parties reach agreement on key issues such as finances or child arrangements. It works best when both people are open to compromise.
Costs are typically shared between both parties. In some cases, Mediation Vouchers worth up to £500 are available to help cover sessions. For more information, visit the Family Mediation Council.
Option 3: Fixed-fee or low-cost legal help
If you cannot afford a full-service solicitor, legal advice is not necessarily out of reach. Many firms now offer:
- Fixed-fee divorce services for straightforward cases
- Unbundled services where you pay only for specific tasks such as document review
- Pay-as-you-go consultations
Community legal centres and law clinics can also provide free or low-cost advice. It is worth comparing options before committing to a full-service retainer.
Option 4: Struggling with the mortgage after divorce
Divorce often changes housing arrangements significantly. Common paths when dealing with a jointly owned property include:
- Selling the home and splitting the equity between both parties
- One partner buying out the other’s share
- Postponing the sale where children are involved known as a Mesher Order
If you are remaining in the family home but struggling with repayments, contact your mortgage provider promptly. Many lenders offer payment holidays or restructuring options in cases of financial hardship following a relationship breakdown. Early legal and financial advice is strongly recommended. For more on property during divorce, see our guide to severing a joint tenancy.
Option 5: Can’t afford to live after divorce?
For many people, day-to-day costs increase significantly post-divorce rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and childcare that were once shared can suddenly fall to one person. Support is available:
- Universal Credit – you may be eligible for financial support, particularly if you have children or a low income.
- Child Maintenance Service – ensures both parents contribute financially to a child’s upbringing.
- Free budgeting support – organisations such as StepChange and Citizens Advice can help you create a practical financial plan.
Option 6: Divorce loans
If legal aid is not available and you are unable to cover solicitor fees or settlement costs upfront, a specialist divorce loan can provide the financial breathing space needed to proceed.
What is a divorce loan?
A divorce loan is a specialist lending product designed to help individuals going through separation. Funds can be used to:
- Pay for legal advice or representation
- Cover mediation or court fees
- Fund living costs while waiting for a financial settlement
- Advance an expected settlement early via a Settlement Advance
How a divorce loan works
- The loan is secured against your anticipated financial settlement — for example, proceeds from a property sale or an agreed financial share
- Repayment is made once the settlement is finalised — no monthly repayments are required in the meantime
- Funds are available on a draw-down basis, meaning you access what you need when you need it
For a full breakdown of the family law court process, see our guide to the family law court process.
