Agreement can reduce the work involved in divorce, but it does not remove court fees or the need to deal properly with finances. This guide covers England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules.
This guide explains the main options, conditions and risks to discuss with a qualified adviser.
In this easy-to-read guide, we’ll discuss:
- Methods to save money on divorce fees
- The cost of a no-fault divorce
- The general cost of a divorce in the UK
- The fees for solicitors, divorce applications, and financial settlements
We know that the idea of divorce finances can be worrying. Rest assured, we’re here to help you understand these costs and how to manage them.
Questions about the divorce process?
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How much is a divorce in the UK if both parties agree?
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.
The total also depends on professional help, financial-order work and eligibility for fee support. Agreeing costs between yourselves does not guarantee a particular overall price.
How much does a no-fault divorce cost?
A no-fault divorce doesn’t have to be expensive. However, there is no exact figure on how much it will cost.
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.
No single figure covers every case. Separate the divorce application from any financial settlement, pension work, arrangements for children and living costs.
Prepare your divorce questions
Paid general legal information from JustAnswer.
Write down what you want to understand about the divorce process or financial arrangements. Procedures depend on your circumstances and where you live.
For advice on your own case, consider a professional adviser who can act for you.
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Memberships renew automatically until cancelled. Check the initial price, renewal price, billing interval and cancellation terms.
The standard service does not create a solicitor-client relationship. No successful outcome is guaranteed.
Solicitor fees
You can apply without a solicitor, but an amicable divorce does not by itself make a financial agreement binding or remove future financial claims.
Solicitor and other professional charges vary. Ask for a written estimate showing VAT, the work included and possible extra costs. A quote for the divorce application may exclude financial negotiations, pensions, children or contested hearings.
As I see it, there may be more solicitor fees further down the process, but the extent of these fees will depend on each case and the complexity of finances and assets.
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Advertisement. Paid general legal information from JustAnswer. Memberships renew automatically until cancelled. Check the initial price, renewal price, billing interval and cancellation terms. The standard service does not create a solicitor-client relationship. No successful outcome is guaranteed. MoneyNerd may receive a referral fee.
Divorce application fee
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.
For a sole application, the applicant arranges payment, but the couple can agree to share the cost. Costs orders can arise in limited circumstances; do not assume they are either automatic or legally impossible.
A joint application attracts one divorce application fee, not a separate fee for each spouse. The applicants should agree how it will be paid.
Paid legal information from JustAnswer
Paid general legal information from JustAnswer.
Advertisement. MoneyNerd may receive a referral fee.
Memberships renew automatically until cancelled. Check the initial price, renewal price, billing interval and cancellation terms.
The standard service does not create a solicitor-client relationship.
Financial settlement fees
The court makes a financial order. A solicitor can advise on and draft an agreed consent order or represent you in disputed proceedings. The HMCTS application fees checked on 4 October 2026 are £62 for a consent financial order and £321 for a financial order other than by consent, in addition to professional costs.
Mediation may help where safe and suitable. Fees, legal-aid eligibility and support schemes vary, so check the actual provider and current terms.
- Family arbitration is another possible route in suitable cases. Obtain a quote and legal advice about its effect and how an award is implemented.
- Court financial proceedings can involve substantial legal, expert and hearing costs. Ask for a realistic budget and updates as the case progresses.
Avoiding unnecessary disputes can reduce cost, but court protection may be needed in some cases, including where disclosure or safety is a concern.
A settlement calculator cannot predict what a court will award or quote your legal fees. Use it only as a limited illustration and obtain advice before agreeing a settlement.
This is a guidance tool only and not an assessment. For accurate divorce settlement assessment, consult a solicitor. Do not rely solely on this calculator’s results.
Before using a paid legal information service
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Decide whether general information is enough or whether you need a professional adviser to act for you in your own case.
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Memberships renew automatically until cancelled. Check the initial price, renewal price, billing interval and cancellation terms.
The standard service does not create a solicitor-client relationship. No successful outcome is guaranteed.
