Do you need a solicitor to divorce?

Asked by: Shannon Walsh I  |  Last update: July 1, 2022
Score: 5/5 (33 votes)

There is no legal obligation for either husband or wife to use a solicitor in order to get divorced. In an uncontested divorce, if the couple can reach an agreement on how to distribute any financial assets and childcare responsibilities, there will generally be no need for lawyers to get involved.

Do you need a solicitor to divorce UK?

The answer to the question is simple: yes, you can get divorce without a solicitor. There is no requirement that you must have a lawyer do it for you, or that you must take legal advice.

How much does a divorce cost UK 2020?

There's a £593 fee to apply for a divorce. The way you pay depends on how you apply. Your fee will not be refunded after you are sent the notice that your divorce application has been issued.

Can I do my own divorce UK?

A DIY divorce or dissolution can't take less than six weeks to complete from when the legal processes start. This is the law in England and Wales. And it's unlikely to take less time in Scotland or Northern Ireland. A financial settlement could be agreed within months.

How much does a divorce cost through a solicitor UK?

The petitioner will normally have to pay a solicitor between £450 and £950, and then will have to pay fees to the divorce centre of £550. It is cheaper to be the respondent because you do not have to pay the divorce centre fee, and the solicitor fees will be lower, likely somewhere between £240 and £600.

Do I need a solicitor to get divorced?

28 related questions found

How long do you have to be separated before divorce is automatic UK?

You can apply for divorce on a number of grounds, two of those are based on separation of two years or more. If you have been separated for two years a divorce process can be followed and a divorce obtained on the ground of two years separation, however both parties must agree for a divorce to proceed on this ground.

Who pays for a divorce UK?

In 90% of divorce cases in the UK, it will be the person initiating the divorce proceedings (Applicant), who pays the legal fees and court fees. Of course, couples can come to an amicable agreement between themselves regarding the divorce costs.

What is the cheapest way to divorce in UK?

Without doubt, agreeing to an uncontested divorce was the quickest, most convenient and by far the cheapest way to divorce in England & Wales.

How long does a divorce take UK 2021?

A divorce or dissolution will take at least 6 months to complete, even if your circumstances are straightforward. It might take longer if you need to sort out issues with money, property or children. These things will be dealt with separately to your divorce or dissolution.

How do I get a quick divorce?

A quick divorce can be achieved when both parties agree the marriage has broken down irretrievably and want to get divorced. This is the simplest form of divorce. A quick divorce does always require the co-operation of both parties.

What is the number 1 reason for divorce?

The most commonly reported major contributors to divorce were lack of commitment, infidelity, and conflict/arguing. The most common “final straw” reasons were infidelity, domestic violence, and substance use. More participants blamed their partners than blamed themselves for the divorce.

Who pays solicitor fees in a divorce?

A common question we encounter as Divorce Solicitors is "Who has to pay the legal costs for the divorce?" The general rule is that each person getting divorced will pay their own legal fees, and the person applying for the divorce will be responsible for covering Court Fees and other costs.

What is my wife entitled to in a divorce UK?

In the UK, divorce settlements typically aim to achieve a 50/50 split for both parties. However, this split is often not met due to other circumstances that arise, meaning that one party receives a larger portion of the matrimonial assets than the other.

Do both parties in a divorce need a solicitor?

We are often asked by clients whether they need a solicitor to deal with the divorce process when their spouse has started divorce proceedings. The easy answer is that it is entirely up to you, however, to be on the safe side, we would answer yes!

How much does a straightforward divorce cost UK?

If you are represented at court by a solicitor or barrister you will usually be quoted £20,000 plus VAT for a financial order, if you go to a final order hearing. For child arrangements, the structure is less fixed, but you should budget between £5,000 to £15,000.

How do I get a quick divorce UK?

Here's how to get an uncontested, quick divorce;

Apply to the court for them to make a conditional order. Once the court has granted you the conditional order, you must then apply for the final order. After 6-weeks and 1 day after the conditional order is granted, you apply for the final order to end your marriage.

Can my ex wife claim money after divorce UK?

Can My Ex Husband or Wife Claim Money After Divorce? Generally, a former spouse is entitled to claim against your money or assets at any point up until they re-marry unless a financial consent order has been approved by the court.

Can I divorce my wife for not sleeping with me?

In some instances, the absence of sex in a marriage can be a valid ground for divorce as there are laws that regulate it withholding sex in a marriage. Indeed, sometimes a marriage without sexuality is an indication that a marriage cannot be restored.

Do both parties have to agree to a divorce UK?

To divorce following a separation, both parties must be in agreement after two years. One can file without the consent of the other if the couple has been apart for five years. If a partner has been deserted for two years, that is also grounds for divorce.

How much is a divorce UK 2022?

How Much Does a No Fault Divorce Cost? If the court fee stays the same, the minimum cost of getting a no-fault divorce will be £593. However, not everyone can do their own divorce and therefore, the average cost of a divorce is likely to be £772 – £1,500 even after the divorce law changes.

What is the new divorce law in UK?

New divorce laws come into force from 6th April 2022 introducing 'No fault' divorce! The introduction of a 'no-fault' divorce law will come into effect in England and Wales on 6 April 2022. The new 'no-fault' divorce laws are the most significant change to England's divorce laws in 50 years!

Can I divorce for free UK?

There are, of course, a number of sites offering free advice on how to complete these documents and, yes, it is possible that you could complete them correctly and get your divorce for free, but it's equally, if not more likely, that you'll have to amend and resubmit your documents at least once and pay the courts a ...

What is the first thing to do when separating?

7 Things to Do Before You Separate
  • Know where you're going. ...
  • Know why you're going. ...
  • Get legal advice. ...
  • Decide what you want your partner to understand most about your leaving. ...
  • Talk to your kids. ...
  • Decide on the rules of engagement with your partner. ...
  • Line up support.

How long does a divorce take after 5 years separation?

3) If your spouse will agree to the divorce

The divorce procedure will be the exact same as all other grounds when there is cooperation and in most cases, you can obtain a divorce in 5-6 months.

What happens when one spouse doesn't want a divorce UK?

If you do not want a divorce, you can get a legal separation so you can live apart without ending the marriage. You might also be able to annul the marriage. You can apply for separation or annulment during your first year of marriage.