What is the cheapest way to get a divorce in England?
Asked by: Cleora Runolfsdottir | Last update: December 13, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (63 votes)
An uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree on the terms, can significantly reduce legal fees and court costs.
What is the cheapest way to get divorce in the UK?
Without a doubt, agreeing to an uncontested divorce is the quickest, most convenient, and by far the cheapest way to divorce in England & Wales.
How much does a divorce cost if both parties agree in the UK?
However, the court fee remains the same at £593, regardless of whether it's a joint or sole application. For a straightforward, uncontested joint divorce where both parties agree on the terms, the average cost, including court fees and legal fees, could range between £600 to £1,200.
What is the quickest way to get a divorce in the UK?
Yes, agreeing with your spouse is one of the best ways to make the divorce process quicker and simpler. Without disputes over finances or child arrangements, there's no need for court hearings or drawn-out negotiations, which significantly reduces the risk of delays.
Can you get a divorce without going to court UK?
You do not normally need to go to court to get divorced in the UK. While you will need to apply to the court for your divorce, there is no need to attend in person. Your divorce will be processed by the court, and a decision will be made on your application.
The True Cost Of A Divorce In the UK
How long does divorce take in the UK?
You must decide whether you want to make a joint application with your husband or wife or whether you want to apply on your own. It normally takes at least 7 months to get a divorce. This is the same for joint and sole applications.
Can I divorce my wife without her consent in the UK?
Speak to a divorce solicitor
This means you'll be able to get divorced without their consent. But the legal process can be complicated, as well as time consuming and expensive. If you need help because your spouse won't sign the divorce papers, you should speak to a divorce solicitor.
What is the No 1 reason for divorce UK?
Couples simply falling out of love with each other is by far the biggest reason for people getting a divorce in the UK. As no one is at fault for this, these divorces fall under the 2 year or more separation by consent ground, which is the most commonly used ground for divorce on our online divorce platform.
What is the best online divorce service?
Our Top Picks: Online Divorce, 3-Step Divorce, Hello Divorce, CompleteCase, DivorceNet. Read our comprehensive reviews on pricing, legal requirements, and which services are best for your situation.
What is a clean break divorce in the UK?
A clean break settlement means that the parties to the divorce will have no financial ties once the court order is made and implemented. A clean break order will not include any spousal maintenance. It enables both parties to move forward and be financially independent of one another.
Why is divorce so expensive in the UK?
Your largest expense during your divorce proceeding is most likely going to be your solicitors' fees. Divorce solicitors can charge up to £350-500 an hour for their services, with many couples ending up paying tens of thousands in legal fees during a lengthy divorce.
How long does a divorce take in UK if one party doesn't agree?
However, if one party doesn't agree, it can be significantly longer depending on what steps you take to proceed with the divorce. For example, if you end up applying for dispensed service, which is a last resort, it may take up to a year onwards.
Who pays for a divorce in the UK?
Put simply, 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. However, in some circumstances it may be possible for them to recover these costs from the other person.
How long do you have to be separated before divorce is automatic in the UK?
It does not matter whether you have been separated 12 months, 2 years or 20 years, if you are married there is no way of obtaining an automatic divorce. A divorce must be applied for and granted by a court before you are free to remarry.
Does your wife get half in divorce UK?
The division of assets is usually based on the financial needs of each person. It can be frustrating for divorcing couples to find out, but unfortunately there is no simple and clear-cut answer; there is no such thing as a 'standard split' of assets such as the family home.
Why is UK divorce rate so low?
The financial pressures caused by the cost of living crisis may be preventing couples from divorcing – due to the cost of maintaining two separate properties, and the cost of divorce itself. Plus, there's the fact that marriage rates are dropping.
What is the quickest divorce option?
An uncontested divorce is much faster and cheaper than traditional divorce—spouses can often use a DIY solution like an online divorce service. They do, though, also have the option of getting professional help.
Can you divorce virtually?
In California, online divorces are accepted in all counties.
Can I get divorce papers online for free?
Many states provide free do-it-yourself divorce papers online. You can download and fill them out at your own pace. It's always advisable to have an attorney review the papers and represent you in court.
What is the fastest way to get a divorce in the UK?
In the UK, the fastest (and often the easiest) way to obtain a divorce (not a separation) is to undertake an uncontested divorce. Put simply, this means the married couple both agree that they want a divorce, and they agree to the divorce reasons.
Is a sexless marriage grounds for divorce in the UK?
Whilst it's not 'grounds for divorce' as such, if having no intimacy has led to the irretrievable breakdown of your marriage, you can start a divorce application. As we previously mentioned, the court no longer requires an explanation for your reasons for divorce.
What is the new divorce law in the UK in 2024?
What is the new divorce law? Now, it is much simpler. All either person must say is that their marriage has irretrievably broken down. There is absolutely no need to assign blame or prove fault.
Can you get a quickie divorce in the UK?
While there is no procedure in England and Wales for getting a 'quickie' divorce, it is important to understand the court-imposed waiting periods and the factors which often increase the length of the process. This should help you feel informed before you start the process.
Can you get divorced without the other person knowing?
If you need to divorce your spouse but don't know where they are, you may feel frustrated and hopeless. However, you can still divorce your spouse in California, even if they don't respond to the divorce notice.
Can I refuse divorce UK?
Objecting to or defending a divorce is no longer possible, but a respondent may dispute the divorce on limited grounds. You would have to show that the marriage is invalid, no longer subsisting, the domicile/habitual residence criteria are not met, or that there has been fraud or procedural non-compliance.