What is a managed divorce?

If your relationship has broken down, you may be considering using a managed divorce service to process your divorce.

We take a look at what a managed divorce service could offer you and discuss whether or not a managed divorce is right for everyone.

What is a managed divorce?

A managed divorce is a fixed-price service that you can purchase (usually online), where someone else will manage the divorce process for you.

What is included will vary depending on the package offered, but a managed divorce service usually includes filling in the necessary forms and filing them with the courts. Some services also include a Consent Order service (a court order which makes your financial agreement legally binding), too.

How much does a managed divorce cost?

The cost of a managed divorce varies depending on the package you purchase and what it includes.

You may see managed divorce services advertised starting from around £300. However, whatever price you see, you will almost always need to add on the divorce petition fee of £550, which is payable directly to the courts.

What are the advantages of a managed divorce service?

Managed divorce services are generally less expensive than using a solicitor to get a divorce. The price reflects the fact that you are simply paying for someone else to manage your divorce paperwork. You usually won’t receive much, if any, legal advice as part of a managed divorce package. Some providers will say that you will have access to a helpline. However, if you read the small print, this will probably only be to provide you with guidance on the divorce process itself, not any legal advice regarding your circumstances.

For those who are expecting a straightforward, uncontested divorce, where each party is in agreement about everything from the grounds for divorce, to how the finances will be split, a managed divorce service may be appropriate.

It’s important to note here that the divorce process and the financial settlement are two entirely separate processes (although they often run concurrently). It is usually the financial side of things which causes costs to mount and delays to the process. The divorce process itself is normally relatively simple.

What are the disadvantages of a managed divorce?

Normally, you will not receive very much (if any) legal advice as part of your package. It’s always best to seek independent legal advice from a solicitor, to ensure that you fully understand your rights.

Going through a divorce is difficult enough, without being unsure of where you stand legally. Having a solicitor to advise you of what your rights are – and what your spouse can and cannot do – can help to put your mind at rest and, should you need it, a solicitor can help you to reach an agreement with your spouse regarding your financial settlement.

What’s more, most managed divorce services don’t include any “unexpected” extras, such as if your spouse fails to acknowledge service of the petition or does not give consent for the divorce.

While a managed divorce can be a low-cost option for those expecting a very straightforward divorce, there are a number of real downsides to using a service like this.

We would always recommend that anyone considering a divorce seek independent legal advice tailored to their circumstances.

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?

Is a cheap divorce really possible?

How can our expert divorce solicitors help you with a managed divorce

Our expert family law solicitors can help you with a range of legal issues relating to 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 managed 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.