Cost guide
How much does divorce cost in the UK?
In short. The court fee alone for divorce in England & Wales is £593 (2025/26). Total costs vary from around £700 for a DIY uncontested divorce to £20,000+ for one with contested finances and solicitor representation.
Since the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (in force April 2022), divorce in England & Wales is 'no fault' and can be applied for jointly or solely online. The cost split is largely between the court fee, mediation, and any solicitor or barrister involvement.
Last reviewed:
·Typical range: £700–£20,000 (all-in)Typical breakdown
| Item | Typical range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce application fee (England & Wales) | £593 | |
| Family mediation (per session) | £100–£300 | |
| Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting (MIAM) | £60–£120 per person | |
| Mediation Voucher Scheme (eligible cases) | Up to £500 contribution from gov.uk | |
| DIY divorce (just court fee) | £593 | |
| Solicitor — simple uncontested | £800–£1,500 + court fee | |
| Solicitor — contested finances | £5,000–£20,000+ | |
| Financial Consent Order | £53 court fee + £500–£1,500 legal |
What changes the cost
- Whether finances or children are contested
- Whether you can agree by mediation
- Property / pensions involved (pension actuarial reports add cost)
- Use of barristers / experts
Worth knowing
- The Mediation Voucher Scheme contributes up to £500 towards eligible family mediation cases
- Help with Fees (EX160) is a means-tested scheme that can reduce or waive the £593 court fee
- Without a Financial Consent Order, a former spouse can in principle make a financial claim against the other in future — including years later
FAQ
- Do I need a solicitor?
- The HMCTS online divorce portal is designed to be usable without a solicitor for the divorce itself. Most family lawyers note that legal representation tends to be more common (and typically more useful) where finances, pensions or children are contested.
- How long does divorce take?
- There's a statutory minimum of 26 weeks between application and Final Order (a 20-week reflection period plus 6 weeks before the Final Order can be applied for). Many take longer.
- Is the fee different in Scotland?
- Yes — Scotland has its own simplified ('do-it-yourself') procedure with a £159 court fee, or £134 for the ordinary procedure (2025/26). The rules differ significantly from England & Wales.