Understanding divorce costs
The cost of divorce varies enormously depending on how you handle it and whether you can agree with your spouse.
Fixed court fees (2025)
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce application | £593 |
| Consent order (agreed finances) | £60 |
| Financial remedy application (Form A) | £313 |
| Child arrangements order (C100) | £263 |
| Non-molestation order | Free |
Typical total costs
| Scenario | Typical cost per person |
|---|---|
| DIY divorce (no children, no assets) | £593 - £800 |
| Uncontested with solicitor | £1,500 - £3,000 |
| Mediated settlement | £2,500 - £5,000 |
| Contested financial proceedings | £15,000 - £50,000+ |
| Contested children proceedings | £10,000 - £30,000+ |
| Fully contested (all issues) | £30,000 - £100,000+ |
Ways to reduce costs
Tips to keep costs down
- Agree as much as possible – every dispute increases costs significantly
- Use mediation – typically 50-70% cheaper than court
- Apply for Help with Fees – court fees can be reduced or waived if on low income
- Get fixed fee quotes – many solicitors offer fixed fees for uncontested divorces
- Consider unbundled services – pay a solicitor for specific tasks only
- Do the paperwork yourself – the online divorce application is straightforward
Help with Fees
If you’re on a low income or receiving benefits, you may be able to get court fees reduced or waived entirely:
- Automatic help: If receiving certain benefits (Universal Credit with no earnings, JSA, ESA, Income Support)
- Income-based: If monthly income below certain thresholds
- Savings limit: Generally must have less than £4,250 in savings
Use our Help with Fees calculator or apply online at gov.uk/get-help-with-court-fees
Costs can escalate quickly
The biggest factor in divorce costs is disagreement. Every issue that goes to court dramatically increases costs. A single contested hearing can cost £5,000-£15,000 in legal fees. Reaching agreement through negotiation or mediation is almost always cheaper than going to court.Learn about divorce costs
Detailed guide to all the costs involved in getting divorced.
Full costs guide →