How Much Does A Divorce Cost In The UK?

Divorce is not only a mentally taxing process, full of stress and uncertainty, it is also a financial burden for some families in the UK. However, not all divorces are the same, and not all divorces cost the same. In this context, mediation services for families have established themselves as an effective and affordable alternative to lengthy and expensive court litigation.

According to recent data, the average cost per person for a divorce that is settled in court is more than £14,500, whereas opting for mediation can reduce these costs to a fraction.

Why do costs vary from case to case?

The costs of a divorce may vary for the following reasons:

Whether it’s contested or uncontested

The easier a divorce is and the quicker it is agreed, the less you will have to pay. To give you an idea, an amicable divorce can cost up to £2,000, while a contentious divorce can cost up to £30,000.

If you use solicitors or mediators

Mediation is significantly less expensive than a traditional court procedure. A lawyer's fees can range from £300 to £700, while the services of a mediator can be as much as £400. For example, online mediation services can cost £120 per person.

The complexity of financial and child arrangements

The more assets that are present in a divorce (children, property, etc.) the more complex and expensive the process will be.

Whether you settle matters out of court

Out-of-court alternatives (mediation, arbitration) generally reduce costs and time significantly. According to Mediation First, total costs per person range from £600 - £1,000, compared to £14,561 per person in court.

Breakdown of typical divorce costs in the UK

Court fees

·         Divorce filing: £593-612 .

·         Financial orders/children: £263-313 per additional application.

Solicitor fees

·         Non-contentious divorce: £800 - 2 000 + VAT

·         Contentious: £100-300/h or average total of £2 000-30 000

·         In addition, one party pays even more if costs are imposed on the other spouse.

Mediation costs

·         MIAM session: ~£120 per person

·         Average rates: £150-400 per hour

·         Total mediation (MIAM + several sessions): £600-1000 per person

How Direct Mediation Services can help you save money in your divorce?

Fully accredited by the Family Mediation Council

Direct Mediation Services is a trusted provider accredited by the Family Mediation Council (FMC), which means it meets the highest professional standards for family mediation in the UK. Working with an FMC-accredited mediator ensures that your process is handled by qualified professionals, avoiding unnecessary delays and legal missteps that could increase your costs.

Affordable online mediation with national coverage

Unlike traditional solicitors who may charge hundreds per hour, the online mediation starting from just £120 per person. With nationwide coverage, you don’t need to travel or take time off work to attend meetings.

Legal Aid for families

If you are eligible, can help you access Legal Aid to cover the costs of mediation. This government-backed support enables many families to participate in the mediation process at no cost, thereby removing the financial barrier that often prevents people from resolving disputes outside of court.

Fast certificate delivery for court applications

Should you need to proceed to court, Direct Mediation Services provides quick and efficient delivery of the MIAM certificate required for court applications. This avoids additional administrative delays or the need to pay solicitors extra fees for filing paperwork, helping you save both time and money.

Thousands of satisfied clients

With thousands of families already supported through divorce, separation, and child arrangements, their family mediators have a proven track record of delivering affordable and effective solutions. By resolving issues collaboratively and out of court, their clients avoid excessive legal fees and reduce the emotional and financial toll of divorce.