Divorce solicitor costs in the UK
Under the no-fault divorce regime in force in England and Wales since 2022, a fully DIY divorce costs only the £593 court fee. Using a solicitor for an uncontested divorce typically runs £1,500–£3,500. Contested divorces — particularly with disputed finances or children — routinely reach £15,000–£25,000 per party, and can exceed £50,000 if a full financial remedy hearing is required.
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Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Online divorce (DIY, no solicitor) court fee only | £593 |
Uncontested divorce — solicitor managed + VAT + court fee | £1,500–£3,500 |
Contested divorce can exceed £50k | £5,000–£25,000 |
Financial remedy order (consent) + £53 court fee | £1,500–£4,000 |
Financial remedy order (contested) | £10,000–£50,000 |
Clean break order | £500–£1,500 |
Mediation (per party, 3 sessions) | £500–£1,500 |
Additional court and disbursement costs
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Court application fee (divorce petition) | £593 |
Financial order application (Form A) | £275 |
Barrister at FDR hearing per day | £1,500–£4,000 |
Pension sharing annex | £200–£500 |
Single Joint Expert (pension actuary) | £1,500–£5,000 |
Cost of a clean break order UK
A clean break order costs £500–£1,500 in solicitor fees plus the £53 court application fee. The order legally severs future financial claims between former spouses — including against pensions and future windfalls. Even amicable couples are routinely advised to obtain one, since the decree absolute (now Final Order) does not automatically end financial obligations.
Divorce mediation costs UK
Family mediation in the UK costs £100–£200 per session per party in 2026, with most cases requiring 3–5 joint sessions. A MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting) is compulsory before applying to court for most financial or children matters and costs around £90–£140. Government-funded mediation vouchers of £500 remain available for eligible cases through the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.
Factors affecting cost
- ·Whether finances are agreed (uncontested) or disputed (contested).
- ·Presence of dependent children and any contested arrangements.
- ·Pensions — final-salary schemes require an actuarial report.
- ·Business interests, foreign assets or trusts.
- ·Whether either party is a high earner with bonuses, share options or RSUs.
- ·Solicitor's region and seniority (London Grade A vs regional Grade C).
How to reduce costs
- ·Use the online HMCTS divorce portal directly if there are no assets to divide — £593 only.
- ·Agree finances through mediation before instructing solicitors — saves £5,000+ in correspondence.
- ·Ask for a fixed-fee package; reputable firms offer them for uncontested cases.
- ·Always obtain a clean break consent order even after an amicable split — protects against future claims.
- ·Consider a collaborative law process for complex but cooperative cases.
Frequently asked questions
Is divorce cheaper if uncontested?▾
Significantly. Uncontested cases with no asset dispute typically settle for £1,500–£3,500 with a solicitor, or £593 DIY. Contested cases routinely cross £15,000.
What is a clean break order and does it save money?▾
A clean break order legally ends future financial claims between spouses. It costs £500–£1,500 plus a £53 court fee but can save tens of thousands by preventing later claims, particularly if one party's income rises.
Is legal aid available for divorce?▾
Only in narrow circumstances — usually where domestic abuse is evidenced. The Legal Aid Agency requires both a means and merits test.
How long does divorce take in the UK in 2026?▾
A minimum of 26 weeks under the no-fault regime: a 20-week reflection period plus a 6-week wait between Conditional and Final Order.
Can I get a fixed-fee divorce?▾
Yes — most family firms now offer fixed-fee packages from £750–£1,500 for the divorce itself, with finances quoted separately.
What does 'no fault divorce' mean for costs?▾
Because blame is no longer relevant, contested divorces over the divorce itself have largely disappeared. Costs are now driven almost entirely by disputed finances and children arrangements.