Fixed Fee Divorce: The 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a fixed fee divorce cost?
We offer highly competitive fixed fee pricing for uncontested divorces:
- For Applicants (the person starting the divorce): £600 + VAT and disbursements.
- For Respondents (the person responding to the divorce): £325 + VAT and disbursements.
These fixed fees only cover the legal work undertaken by us. A court fee of £612 (set by the government) is also payable, although fee exemptions do apply in certain circumstances.
2. What is included in your fixed fee divorce service?
Our fixed fee divorce service includes:
- taking your initial instructions
- preparing and submitting the divorce application
- dealing with court correspondence
- applying for the Conditional Order
- applying for the Final Order
If additional work becomes necessary (for example, if the application becomes contested), we will discuss this with you before any extra legal costs arise.
3. Is the court fee included in the fixed fee?
No. The court charges a separate fee of £612 for issuing a divorce application.
Help with paying this fee may be available, depending on your income. We can advise you about eligibility for the Help With Fees scheme, or you can read our article about court fee exemptions.
4. Can we apply for a divorce jointly?
Yes. Since the introduction of no-fault divorce, couples can make a joint application if they both agree that the marriage has broken down.
A joint application is often the simplest and most constructive way to proceed where both parties are working together.
5. Do I need a solicitor for a straightforward divorce?
You are not required to instruct a solicitor to obtain a divorce. However, many people prefer to do so for reassurance that the process is handled correctly and efficiently.
Specialist legal advice is particularly important where there are property, pensions, savings, or children to consider.
6. Does your fixed fee include the financial settlement?
No, the divorce itself legally ends the marriage, but it does not resolve financial matters between you.
If you have agreed financial arrangements, we can prepare a financial consent order to make those arrangements legally binding. We will be happy to provide you with an estimate of the likely cost for this work.
7. How long does a divorce take in England and Wales?
Most divorces take around 9-12 months to complete.
This timetable is set partly by the court process and partly by the statutory waiting periods under the no-fault divorce system.
8. What happens if my spouse does not agree to the divorce?
A spouse cannot usually prevent a divorce once an application has been issued.
However, disagreements can sometimes arise about financial arrangements or arrangements for children, and we can advise you about what to do if this happens.
9. Do I need to attend your office to start a divorce?
No, we can act for clients fully remotely, so it doesn’t matter where you are.
If you would like to see us in person, then arrangements can be made to meet you at our offices in Barnstaple, South Molton, Tiverton, Exeter, Braunton, Bideford, Bristol, and Taunton.
We can also arrange video appointments.
10. Do we have to go to court for finances?
Ready to talk?
If you found this article on Fixed Fee Divorce Frequently Asked Questions helpful and you are ready to move forward, then contact our friendly team today for a free initial consultation.
Call: 0333 888 0404 or
Email: [email protected]
