How our divorce solicitors can help
Having the right divorce solicitor can make a world of difference during a very challenging time. We'll connect you with a legal expert who specialises in your specific needs, ensuring you have the perfect support and guidance for your case. From handling divorce proceedings and mediation to child custody arrangements and financial settlements, here are just a few ways we can help:
Preparing your divorce petitions | Our expert solicitors can guide you through the entire process, starting with preparing your petition. They'll help you choose the reason to cite, submit your claim, plus respond to any objections. |
Attending divorce court | If needed, your solicitor can represent you during the court proceedings. They can also help instruct a barrister to attend court with them who specialises in court appearances and negotiating cases. |
Financial settlements | Our team of divorce experts can help untangle your shared finances and work out how you'll divide assets and wealth. This includes things like rights to property, savings, shares, liabilities for debt, pensions and more.
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High-value divorces | Our solicitors can support with high net-worth settlements. They can support either party in protecting their wealth or helping to find potentially 'hidden' assets. |
Applying for parental responsibility | Get help to understand if you have parental rights after a divorce, and if not, how you might be able to get them. Our team can support you in the full process of applying for parental responsibility. |
International divorce | Our expert solicitors can help either side in an international divorce. They can help you understand your options and give advice on things like offshore assets, how to establish 'jurisdiction' and the complex legal procedures involved. |
Divorce mediation | Not every divorce has to go to court. Your solicitor can also facilitate family mediation, where a neutral third party helps you to amicably decide on things like property and parenting plans. |
Annulment | Our legal experts can guide you on your annulment options. They can offer advice on how to obtain one, how to apply for a nullity petition, the potential court proceedings, asset division and more.
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Informal separation | Separation can act as the first step in a divorce process. Your solicitor can guide you on informal separation periods plus draft a clear agreement that helps minimise potential disputes in the future. |
Why choose Lawhive for a divorce solicitor?
We’re redefining how you get legal support. We'll connect you to one of our many divorce law experts, ensuring you get the best possible advice for your case. Discover why so many clients choose us over a conventional law firm:
Fast divorce advice: Get matched with a licensed divorce lawyer in as little as 48 hours. Our process pairs you with a lawyer who has the exact expertise that your case requires.
100% transparent fees: We offer instant, fixed-fee quotes with every case. You'll get a low-price divorce solicitor with no surprise charges or hourly billing.
Cost-effective advice: Our rates can be up to 50% lower than a traditional law firm. You'll get expert guidance at a fraction of the cost.
Proven expertise you can rely on: With a wide-reaching network of divorce law specialists, you'll get fast, reliable support from an experienced solicitor who knows how to help.
Our average costs for a fixed-fee divorce
At Lawhive, we offer fixed-fee divorce solicitors. On average, we can offer an uncontested no-fault divorce claim for as little as £1,032 (and that's including your court fee). And for a respondent, it can be up to just £249.
Just bear in mind that no two cases are the same and prices can always differ based on your needs. Get your free quote today to see how we might price your claim.
Court fees in England and Wales
In general, the average cost of a divorce in the UK will also vary depending on where you are in the country, the complexity of your case and if the divorce is contested. And besides solicitor fees, every divorce applicant in England and Wales will need to pay court fees. (These are separate from solicitor fees, though we can include this price in your free quote.)
The divorce court cost is fixed for everyone, for 2024 it's currently £652. If you have a straightforward case, this could be the only court fee you'll need to pay. However, if you need a child arrangements order, financial order, or consent order, there could be additional court fees to pay. Below are some of the most common court fees and orders that might crop up:
Type of order or application | Court fee |
Divorce court application | £652 |
Judicial separation | £402 |
Consent order | £58 |
Financial order | £303 |
Child arrangements order | £255 |
*Prices correct as of 2024 from Gov.uk
How long does a divorce take?
A no-fault divorce can take a minimum of 26 weeks. However, there's no guarantee on how fast your case will progress. Timelines tend to change if parties can't agree on things like financial matters, child arrangements, or property. There are also mandatory waiting periods throughout the process to be aware of.
The divorce process explained
The divorce process can sometimes be lengthy, but our team are on hand to help it run as smoothly as possible. Your divorce lawyer will guide you through all of the key steps. The typical divorce process might entail:
1. Initial consultation
Your divorce lawyer will learn all they can about your situation. You'll need to share the history of your marriage, the reasons for divorce, your financial situation and any other important information. Your solicitor should be able to guide you on all your available options and what the next steps should look like.
2. Creating the divorce application
Next, you'll need to decide if you want to make a sole or joint application. This hasn’t always been the case, and is a new addition to the process following the introduction of no fault divorces in April 2022. Your solicitor can give full legal advice surrounding this, though the key differences are:
Sole divorces: Only one of you applies for the divorce and is then responsible for the process. The other spouse is the respondent.
Joint divorces: Both of you apply and are equally responsible for the process.
Your solicitor will then help draft your application and submit it to the court with a copy of the marriage certificate. A solicitor can also apply on your behalf through an online portal called MyHMCTS.
3. Issuing the application
Once accepted, the court issues the application and serves an 'Acknowledgement of Service' to the other party. Once received, the other party will need to acknowledge the application within 14 days. If an application is disputed, the party will need to complete an 'answer form' and provide a legal reason why they disagree with the divorce. This must be submitted within 21 days of receiving the application.
4. Apply for a Conditional Order
You and your solicitor will then apply for a Conditional Order - a document confirming there's no reason why a couple shouldn't be allowed to divorce. You'll need to wait a minimum of 20 weeks after your initial application for a Conditional Order to be issued. During this time, you might be advised to start your Financial Consent Order application if required.
5. Apply for a Final Order
A Final Order is the legal confirmation that the marriage has ended. You can apply for a Final Order a minimum of 6 weeks after the Conditional Order is issued. It can take a couple of days for the court to issue the Final Order. Once issued, the marriage has officially ended.
Recent reviews of our top divorce lawyers
Review | Rating |
“Amazing experience, my solicitor was very approachable and helpful, kept me in the loop with every step and resolved my divorce case in a very professional, timely and friendly manner.” | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
“All my queries were answered straight away without any follow-ups and legal terms explained, I would use Lawhive again and have recommended to my friends.” | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
*All reviews are from real Lawhive clients, though names have been removed for privacy.
Get help from fixed-fee divorce solicitors
If you're starting, or considering starting, divorce proceedings, our solicitors will help you through the process of legally ending your marriage. Similarly, if your spouse has issued divorce proceedings against you, our divorce specialists are on hand to help you respond.
Your solicitor will work with you to prepare the necessary documents and start proceedings, as well as help you with related arrangements such as financial and child arrangements. To get started, tell us about your case and we'll provide you with a fixed-fee quote tailored to your needs and match you with the best divorce lawyer for your situation.
Common questions
How do I find a reliable divorce solicitor?
We can help you find a reliable, experienced and licensed divorce solicitor. We'll pair you with a solicitor who has the right experience to help with your case in as little as 48 hours.
Can I speak to a divorce solicitor online?
Yes, with Lawhive you can consult with an online divorce solicitor. You'll get expert advice and communicate via telephone, video calls and email.
Do I need a solicitor to get divorced?
No, you don't need to use a solicitor to get divorced. You can do the whole process yourself. However, it's always recommended to get legal advice. A solicitor can help you understand your rights and ensure your interests are protected.
Who can get divorced?
In England and Wales, you can get divorced if:
You have been married for at least a year
Your marriage is legally recognised in the UK
Your marriage has permanently broken down
What does a divorce solicitor do?
An expert divorce solicitor helps with all aspects of ending a marriage. They will provide legal guidance, advise on options and support you through the entire process.
Can you separate without getting a divorce?
Yes, you can separate without getting a divorce by legal separation or an annulment. Legal separation is a formal arrangement where a couple stays married or in a civil partnership but lives separately. Annulment is a way of classing a marriage as null and void.
Do we have to agree on child arrangements before a divorce is approved?
No, you can get a divorce before agreeing on child arrangements. That being said, it can be better to agree on financial arrangements and child arrangements before getting a divorce.
Do I have to go to court to get divorced?
If both parties agree to the divorce and financial arrangements, there’s no need to go to court. However, if a spouse disagrees with the child arrangements or financial terms of a divorce, it might be necessary to go to court.
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