Help with divorce costs and court fees

Court-fee support or legal aid may reduce some divorce costs, but a completely free divorce is not guaranteed. This guide focuses on England and Wales; other UK jurisdictions have different rules.

We know it's a tough time, but remember, you're not alone.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

•  How to save money on divorce fees
•  The fastest ways to get a divorce
•  How to split money and things fairly in a divorce

We know how you feel; some of us have been there too. But we’re here to help you figure things out.

Check eligibility for each type of support and what it actually covers before committing to professional services.

Free divorce with a solicitor – is it possible?

Legal aid for family matters in England and Wales is limited to qualifying types of work and financial or other eligibility conditions. It is not routinely available for every divorce. Help with Fees is a separate scheme for court charges. See related guidance.

What is a DIY divorce?

A DIY divorce is when you download court papers and fill in the divorce application without using a solicitor. You can also do an online DIY divorce. This is the way to go when it comes to affordable divorce options. A DIY divorce can save you hundreds or thousands of pounds on solicitor fees. Using a solicitor is not compulsory. 

However, it may not be a good idea if:

1. You have complex financial affairs and assets
2. You cannot agree on the way finances should be split
3. You have children in the marriage
4. You cannot trust the other person anymore

You may apply without a solicitor and then use a solicitor for the financial settlement aspect of the divorce. 

In England and Wales, the divorce application fee is £628 according to HMCTS fees checked on 4 October 2026. This is one fee for the application, including a joint application. Check the current schedule before applying. Help with Fees can reduce or remove a court fee if the relevant income, savings and benefit rules are met. It is separate from legal aid for professional advice or representation; neither automatically covers every divorce cost. See related guidance.

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What’s the cheapest you can get divorced?

Without fee remission, the England-and-Wales application fee alone is £628. Applying yourself avoids paying a commercial service for that step, but may not resolve finances or other issues.

A full fee remission can remove an eligible court charge. Other work may still cost money, and legal aid has separate conditions and may involve a contribution or recovery rules.

How do I get a quick divorce?

In England and Wales, no-fault divorce has applied since 6 April 2022. You normally wait at least 20 weeks from issue before applying for a conditional order, then at least six weeks and one day before applying for the final order. Processing, service or other issues can make it take longer.

Agreement may reduce disputes and costs, but it does not waive the statutory waiting periods or turn a private financial agreement into a court order.