The Cost of Divorce: How to Keep Fees Down
We’re all familiar with the statistics – nearly half of all marriages in the UK end in divorce. But what many people may not realize is just how much getting divorced can cost.
According to MoneyHelper, the cost of divorce can vary depending on where you live and how you go about it. An uncontested divorce can range from £1,300 to £2,600, while a contested case can cost between £10,000 and £30,000 – and even more if the case drags on.
With family court backlogs leading to lengthy delays, the average divorce in the UK takes more than a year to complete. This can add to the financial burden of the process.
Desmond O’Donnell, a partner in the family team at Thomson Snell & Passmore, advises clients to consider alternatives to traditional legal routes. He suggests mediation, collaborative law, arbitration, and the “one couple, one lawyer” approach as ways to avoid costly court battles.
Mediation, where a couple resolves issues with a mediator, can lead to quicker and more cost-effective resolutions. Arbitration, a private system where spouses choose an arbitrator to hear their case, can also be a more efficient option.
Collaborative law involves specially trained solicitors meeting for roundtable discussions, leading to quicker and cheaper agreements. The “one couple, one lawyer” approach, where a solicitor represents both spouses, can also be a more affordable option if the couple is on amicable terms.
Zoe Rose, a senior associate at Hedges Law, emphasizes the importance of seeking legal advice for financial and child-related matters, even if the divorce process itself can be done without a lawyer.
Communication with your lawyer is key in keeping costs down, according to Rose. She advises clients to only speak to their lawyer about legal advice, avoid asking the same questions repeatedly, and keep ongoing correspondence to a minimum.
In an effort to make divorce more amicable and affordable, relationship counsellor Kate Daly co-founded Amicable, a service that helps couples navigate the divorce process without the need for lawyers. The company offers free advice consultations and assists with financial agreements and arrangements for children.
Daly’s own difficult divorce experience inspired her to create a service that aims to change the way society views relationship endings. She believes that love can end without it being a fight or a failure, and that a more amicable approach to divorce is possible.
As the cost of divorce continues to rise, exploring alternative methods and seeking out cost-effective solutions can help couples navigate the process with less financial strain.