Is a cheap divorce really possible?
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When a relationship comes to an end, money is often tight, leading many to wonder whether a cheap divorce could be doable.
Cutting back on legal costs and getting a cheap divorce may seem to be the most obvious option to help make money go further. But is a cheap divorce even an option? And if so, is getting a cheap divorce really worth it?
Whereas previously it was only necessary to pay one set of bills, on one home, for the whole family, each party will now need their own separate accommodation, meaning that money no longer stretches as far as it once did. We take a look at the true cost of a cheap divorce.
What does a cheap divorce cost?
When people talk about a ‘cheap divorce’, they are usually referring to either dealing with the divorce process themselves, or using an online ‘cheap divorce’ website.
In England and Wales, it is possible to get a divorce without receiving any legal advice.
At the time of writing, the cost of applying for a divorce is £550. This is the fee that you will have to pay to apply for your divorce yourself, either online or by post.
This does not include any legal advice or any guidance when selecting your grounds for divorce.
Why get a cheap divorce?
Barely a week goes by when a celebrity divorce isn’t hitting the headlines. With large amounts of money involved, and often hefty legal fees, it isn’t surprising that many people decide to go down the ‘cheap divorce’ route.
However, it is often not the divorce process itself where the majority of the costs lie. Negotiations regarding the financial settlement, which normally run in parallel with the divorce process, are usually the most complex – and costly – part of a divorce, especially if an agreement cannot be reached and it is necessary to go to court.
Unless the divorce is contested, the divorce process is usually the most simple part of the whole task. The vast majority of divorces in England and Wales are uncontested (both parties agree to the divorce).
Is a cheap divorce really worth it?
As we touched on above, a cheap divorce is often viewed as a divorce without the cost of a solicitor.
While this is perfectly possible, it is always best to seek legal advice from an experienced solicitor, ideally before you start the divorce process. Not only will this help you to make sure that you fully understand your rights, but a good solicitor will also ensure that there are no mistakes on any of the forms, which could cause unnecessary delays further down the line, needlessly dragging out what can be an extremely stressful process.
What’s more, getting legal advice can help to put your mind at rest about any part of the divorce process (or indeed the financial settlement) that you are unsure about.
Of course, a cheap divorce is always going to be a tempting option, especially when money is tight. But a cheap divorce without any legal advice, could cause you more problems further down the line. And when it comes to agreeing a financial settlement, not having valuable legal advice regarding your options and rights, could end up costing you more money in the future.
Other articles that may be of interest to you?
How long does a divorce take?
What is the divorce process?
When is decree absolute granted in a divorce?
Decree Nisi – What does this mean in a divorce?
What are the first steps to divorce?
How can our expert divorce solicitors help you with getting a divorce
Our expert family law solicitors can help you with a range of legal issues relating to getting a divorce, including:
- Prenuptial agreements
- Cohabitation agreements
- Post civil partnership agreements
- Divorce
- Domestic violence and harassment
- Child maintenance
- Child contact arrangements
- Divorce financial provisions
Contact our expert divorce solicitors for advice on getting a divorce
For more information call our divorce solicitors on 0845 862 5001 or email mail@austinkemp.co.uk.
- Our expert family law solicitors offer a nationwide service. We have client meeting office facilities available, in order to have face-to-face client meetings / conferences as and when required in:
- Leeds Office: St Andrew House, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 5JW
- Wakefield Office: Market Walk, Wakefield, WF1 1QR
- Halifax Office: Old Lane, Halifax, HX3 5WP
- Huddersfield Office: Northumberland Street Huddersfield, HD1 1RL
- Coventry Office: Warwick Road, Coventry, CV1 2DY
- Canary Wharf Office: 25 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5LB
- Please contact us for more details.
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