Divorce Costs
Manage your legal costs effectively with our help. Our family solicitors can provide you with realistic cost estimates and effective guidance to keep expenses controlled.
Understanding divorce costs & how we can help you plan.
Every divorce is different, and so therefore are divorce costs.
While the cost of divorce in England and Wales begins with a basic court fee of £593, covering the processing of the divorce application to the final order, this does not include legal fees for advice or any additional issues that may arise during the divorce process.
At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we offer advice tailored to your circumstances. Whether your case is straightforward or involves complex financial arrangements, our approach is flexible to match your needs.
We provide a clear fee structure and review our cost estimates periodically to ensure you are fully aware of the associated costs before they are incurred. If unexpected divorce costs arise, we will discuss those with you immediately, so you are never caught off guard.
We believe that transparency in fees helps build trust, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel in control throughout the process.
Why invest in specialist legal advice?
Divorce isn’t just about managing immediate costs – it is about safeguarding your future.
By choosing Thomas Mansfield Family Law, you’re investing in expert legal advice that can help protect you financially in the long term.
Our experienced family law solicitors are committed to providing practical legal advice while striving to achieve the best possible outcome, safeguarding your interests and helping you move forward with confidence.
Funding your family law case.
When considering divorce, it is important to factor in the legal costs of resolving financial remedy matters that arise from divorce.
These costs can include legal and expert fees associated with negotiating or litigating issues such as the division of assets, spousal maintenance and pension sharing. Resolving financial matters is a separate process from the divorce itself and can significantly impact upon the overall costs.
Our family solicitors will help you to have a clear understanding of the potential financial remedy costs from the outset of your matter which is essential when planning for divorce proceedings.
During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your case and provide a tailored cost estimate. Divorce costs will ultimately depend on complexity, duration and the expertise required, and if your circumstances change, we’ll discuss any impact on costs.
Our family solicitors will help you explore funding options that may be available based on your individual circumstances. We cannot however offer financial advice.
Some options you may wish to consider are:
- Borrowing from family or friends: Do consult with us first to protect both parties and avoid complications. You may for example wish to consider getting a loan agreement in place before any funds are advanced.
- Personal loans/credit cards: Be aware of interest and repayment terms as they may affect the amount you pay back and the approach taken in financial settlement, in so far as whether it has been reasonable to incur the cost of borrowing and how that is discharged.
- Litigation loans: We can provide the names of lenders who offer loans for legal fees. Repayment is typically deferred until the case is resolved, each lender has their own terms and conditions including as to interest and as to how repayment is dealt with.
- Contribution from spouse/partner: You may be able to request that your spouse or partner contributes to legal costs and if that is not agreed, make an application to the Court for a Legal Services Payment Order. The availability of this option will depend upon the circumstances of your case.
Thomas Mansfield Family Law cannot offer legal aid.
To find a legal aid solicitor visit: https://find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk.
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Frequently asked questions
How does online divorce work?
In 2022, the UK government launched an online divorce portal to simplify the process for couples whose marriage has irretrievably broken down. Applications can be made by one person or jointly by both, with the process taking at least six months, provided there are no delays and documents are submitted on time. For those considering an online divorce, it’s crucial to address all aspects, especially child arrangements and financial settlements, to avoid complications. At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we guide clients through this process, ensuring every detail is handled smoothly.
How does the divorce process work?
The divorce process starts with filing a divorce application (previously known as a petition). After a 20-week reflection period, a conditional order (previously known as the decree nisi) is granted, and six weeks later, you can apply for the final order (previously known as decree absolute) to officially end the marriage.The legal process of ending a marriage is independent of both financial settlements and child arrangements, which are agreed separately. Thomas Mansfield Family Law can guide you through the online divorce process, ensuring no mistakes are made which may impact your finances and child arrangements.
How much does a divorce cost?
The cost of a divorce can vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether you reach agreements easily or need court involvement. The main fees include the court filing fee, which is currently £593 in England and Wales.If you use a solicitor, legal costs will depend on the level of support needed, such as handling paperwork, negotiations or complex financial and child arrangements. Mediation or out of court methods can help reduce costs.We offer transparent quotes tailored to individual circumstances. An initial consultation will provide you with an estimate based on the specifics of your case.
What are the key considerations in a high net worth divorce?
Asset valuation, tax implications and future financial planning are key factors in high net worth divorces. It’s crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of all marital and non-marital assets, including real estate, business interests, investments and other financial holdings.
Are there differences in the process for civil partnerships and same-sex divorce?
Civil partnerships and same-sex marriages are legally distinct, but the process for dissolving them (often referred to as 'civil partnership dissolution' and 'same-sex divorce') is largely similar.Both processes follow the legal frameworks established to handle relationship breakdowns, focusing on fair division of finances, arrangements for children and emotional wellbeing. However, there are some differences in terminology and valid grounds for ending the relationship.
What happens if we can’t agree divorce terms?
If you and your spouse can't agree on the terms of your divorce, you can try negotiating through solicitors, using mediation, or opting for collaborative law to find a compromise. These methods focus on finding mutually acceptable solutions without the need for court involvement.However, if these approaches don’t work, you may need to take the matter to court, where a judge will make legally binding decisions on key issues like finances and child arrangements. If one party doesn’t comply with the court’s ruling, legal enforcement may be needed.At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we work to help clients avoid court by encouraging amicable solutions through negotiation and mediation. However, if court involvement becomes necessary, we offer expert representation to protect your interests.
Contact us
Arrange a confidential chat with one of our expert family law solicitors today.
Please note we cannot offer legal aid.