Help with divorce fees in England and Wales

This guide explains help with divorce court fees in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different fees and assistance arrangements.

In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll talk about:

•  Ways to save money on divorce fees
•  If Universal Credit can pay for your divorce
• How to check help with divorce costs in the relevant UK nation
•  How to apply for a divorce court fee waiver

Divorce costs depend on court applications, legal advice and whether financial or child arrangements are disputed. An old survey average is not a current quotation.

Check current court guidance and ask any adviser for an itemised quote before committing.

Can I get financial help?

Some people can get financial support to help with divorce, including court application fees and legal services.

Help with Fees depends on savings, income and qualifying benefits. Legal aid has separate scope, financial and other tests.

A forum account is an individual experience, not a legal assessment of whether a sole or joint divorce application suits your case. See related guidance.

State benefits that allow eligibility for assistance

If you receive one or more of the following state benefits, you may be eligible for assistance with court fees for divorce:

• ESA – Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• JSA – Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Universal Credit, subject to the earnings and savings conditions in current Help with Fees guidance
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)

What is the average cost?

There is no single reliable average cost for every divorce. Separate court fees from legal work and wider costs of setting up separate households. See related guidance.

However, this isn’t just the average cost of the divorce process. The divorce cost breakdown includes additional expenses you may need to pay as a result of the separation, for instance, if one of the parties needs to move home or if additional childcare is required.

An agreed application with limited legal work can cost less than disputed proceedings, but the final bill depends on the case.

As checked on 4 October 2026, the England and Wales divorce application fee is £628. Solicitor, mediation and financial-order costs are separate and vary; obtain written quotes.

Divorce Costs

Divorce often comes with significant financial implications. Understanding the costs involved will help you prepare financially for the process.

I’ve prepared this table that provides a breakdown of the various costs associated with divorce.

Will Universal Credit pay for my divorce?

You cannot receive Universal Credit payments to fund your divorce specifically.

However, if you receive Universal Credit, you might have access to financial support to help with divorce fees. 

You should also be aware that a large financial divorce settlement could affect your right to claim Universal Credit in the future.

If you receive a lot of money from your ex-spouse as part of the divorce, you might no longer be eligible for Universal Credit. 

If you’re worried about this, it’s best to speak with Citizens Advice for more information and support. 

Help with costs and court fees

You may qualify for a full or partial reduction of the £628 divorce application fee in England and Wales. Check the current Help with Fees rules:

1. Savings limits depend on age and the fee; include a partner’s resources where the rules require it. Do not use the old £3,000/age 61 thresholds.
2. Income and qualifying-benefit rules also apply, with child-related allowances where relevant. Use the current GOV.UK checker or EX 160 guidance for your circumstances.

Do not rely on an old worked income example. The application guidance explains which month or average income to report and whether the other party’s resources are excluded.

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How to apply for a court fee waiver

To apply for money off your divorce application fee, you can make a paper-based application or apply online using the UK Government’s website.

If applying for help with fees online, you will need to do it when you’re making your court application while going through the online divorce process.

You will need the court or tribunal form number, your case number (if you have one), and your National Insurance number or Home Office reference number.

You may also need details of your income, savings, and your partner’s income, savings and investments.

Form EX160 for paper-based application

If you want to apply by post, you will need to download and complete the EX160 form. Alternatively, you can request a copy from your nearest court.

Can you get legal aid?

The rules regarding legal aid for divorce are different across the UK. 

In England and Wales, legal aid for family matters is limited and subject to the case type and eligibility tests. Evidence of domestic abuse or child abuse may be relevant; check the official legal-aid eligibility service.

Family mediation may qualify for legal aid if the relevant tests are met. Other support can have separate eligibility; do not assume every mediation session is free.

Costs in England and Wales vs. Scotland and Northern Ireland

The situation in Scotland and Northern Ireland is different. Legal aid for divorces may be available for low earners in these countries.

Scotland offers legal aid for those struggling to afford to pay. Individuals may be able to get legal aid for divorce advice and legal aid for divorce court action.

Northern Ireland has its own legal-aid and mediation arrangements. Ask the solicitor or mediation service about eligibility, funding and any charges; mediation is not universally free for everyone.

References

1. Money Helper – Divorce Costs