In many cases, divorce is a complicated and emotional process. On top of the personal impact, it’s also vital to grasp the financial implications. At Bennett Smith Solicitors, we aim to simplify this divorce process for you. In this blog, we’re looking at the current cost of divorce here in the UK in detail to give you a greater understanding of the fees and expenses involved.
Average cost of divorce
Divorces fall into two categories, contested and uncontested and have different costs associated with them.
An uncontested divorce involves both parties agreeing on every aspect of the divorce including child arrangements and financial settlement. It is largely considered the lowest cost way for a marriage to end. In such cases, legal fees might range from £500 to £1500 (with VAT excluded). However, it’s worth noting that this figure doesn’t include the £593 court fee or other potential costs, like the price of drawing up a financial consent order.
Contested divorces are considerably more expensive. The cost of hiring a UK divorce can vary substantially, depending on the complexity and nature of individual cases. In contested divorce cases where court intervention or negotiation is necessary, and disagreements exist regarding on child arrangements and financial settlements, costs can quickly escalate. As a result, paying somewhere between £2,000 to £30,000 is likely, on top of any fees for every set of proceedings.
The government fee to file for divorce
There is an initial £593 government filing fee to pay for a divorce, however additional court fees can be incurred in a divorce, if child arrangements or financial settlements can’t be agreed on. For example, financial order application fees are £305, enforcement orders are £110 or more and child arrangement orders are £255.
Legal representation
The price of legal fees can substantially raise the full cost of a divorce. This typically includes professional solicitor’s fees, but also barrister’s fees when a court hearing is required. Potentially it can also involve the cost of hiring professionals like property valuers and accountants. The precise cost can vary considerable in line with the level of conflict, case complexity and the hourly rate at which professionals provide services.
Alternatives to going to court
There are alternatives to divorce in court that can reduce costs significantly like collaborative divorce and mediation.
Mediation is designed to resolve disputes and is a cost-effective option compared to court proceedings. In the UK, the average cost for divorce mediation ranges between £200 to £400 per hour. It’s worth noting that a standard mediation process can require somewhere between three and five sessions.
Arbitration is another alternative to divorce court proceedings, and this also varies in cost. Factors affecting expense include the complexity of issues requiring resolution, meaning that costs can range between £2,500 and £5,000, or more in some cases. The cost includes the room hired for the arbitration process and the arbitrator’s fees.
Child maintenance
Agreeing specific arrangements for children during divorce is also regarded as one of the most substantial costs, both emotionally and financially. The process involves agreeing which parent that the children will live with and how much time they will spend with each. It may also involve agreements on more specific issues such as medical treatment, schooling, change of name, relocation in the UK and in some instances, international travel. The total cost of agreeing to child arrangements can range greatly and depends on whether parents can reach a direct agreement or if court proceedings become necessary. When court proceedings are required, legal costs involved often increase substantially and can easily reach £30,000 or even more.
Child maintenance is defined as the financial support put towards a child’s upbringing. Just how large the amount is depends on several different factors like the paying of a parent’s income, how much time that the child stays with each parent and the number of children involved. It is usually paid up until a child turns 16 or when they turn 20 if they stay in approved training or education.
Do you need divorce solicitors in North Wales?
From our base in Bangor, at Bennett Smith we are perfectly placed when you need divorce solicitors in North Wales. Our team of family law experts are experienced in all aspects of divorce and can offer you personalised advice and assistance to suit your needs. We understand that divorce is often an emotionally draining process, and you can count on us for support and understanding. Get in touch with us today to access our professional services.