How much does a divorce cost? England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Court fees and solicitors' fees for an uncontested divorce in each part of the UK, the grounds you need, and why the financial settlement is a separate cost.
The cost of a divorce depends far less on the divorce itself than on whether you can agree about money and children. The paperwork to end a marriage is fairly standard, and many firms offer it for a fixed fee. This guide covers what you'll pay in each part of the UK, and the rules that affect how long it takes.
The divorce and the finances are separate
A divorce ends the marriage. It doesn't divide your property, savings or pensions, and it doesn't end the financial claims you have against each other. That needs a separate agreement, made binding by the court. Many people skip this step and regret it, because claims can be brought years later.
So when you compare fees, check whether a quote covers:
- the divorce only, or
- the divorce plus a consent order (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or minute of agreement (Scotland) recording what you've agreed about money.
Disputes over finances or children are usually charged by the hour, and are where costs really climb. Mediation is often much cheaper than going to court.
England and Wales: no-fault divorce
Since 6 April 2022, you no longer need to blame your spouse or wait out a period of separation. You, or both of you jointly, simply state that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
- Court fee: £628 from July 2026, the same whether you apply alone or together. People on low incomes can apply for Help with Fees.
- Timing: there's a minimum 20 weeks between applying and the conditional order, and at least six weeks and one day more before the final order. Most uncontested divorces take six to eight months.
- Consent order: the court fee to make a financial agreement binding is £62.
You can apply online yourself. A solicitor's fixed fee for an uncontested divorce usually covers preparing the application, dealing with the court and applying for each order.
Scotland
You can divorce in Scotland if the marriage has broken down irretrievably, shown by one year's separation with your spouse's consent, two years' separation without it, adultery, or behaviour that means you can't reasonably be expected to live together.
The simplified procedure is a cheaper do-it-yourself route if there are no children under 16, no financial claims, and no other court case about the marriage. Otherwise you'll use the ordinary procedure in the sheriff court or the Court of Session, usually with a solicitor. Financial agreements are normally recorded in a minute of agreement, registered so it can be enforced.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has not adopted no-fault divorce. You can't petition until two years after the date of the marriage, and you must show the marriage has broken down irretrievably by one of five facts:
- two years' separation, with your spouse's consent
- five years' separation
- unreasonable behaviour
- adultery
- desertion for two years
Most NI divorces rely on separation. Even undefended cases normally involve a short court hearing. The Department of Justice consulted on moving to a no-fault system in 2025, so check the current position before you start.
What makes a divorce cost more
- Disagreement about the finances, the family home or pensions
- Disputes about where the children will live and how they'll spend time with each parent
- Complex assets, such as a business, farm or property abroad
- A spouse who won't respond to the court papers
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get divorced?
Agreeing as much as you can, applying online for the divorce yourself, and paying a solicitor a fixed fee to draft and submit a consent order so your financial agreement is binding.
Do we both need a solicitor?
Not necessarily. One person can apply, and in England and Wales you can apply jointly. Usually a solicitor can act for only one of you, so if you have a solicitor, your spouse should take their own advice before signing a financial agreement.
Can I get divorced in Northern Ireland if we married in England?
Yes, if either of you is domiciled in Northern Ireland or has lived there for at least a year before the petition. NI's own grounds apply, including the two-year bar from the date of the marriage.
Sources
- Get a divorce (GOV.UK)
- Family court fees (HM Courts and Tribunals Service)
- Divorce and dissolution in Scotland (mygov.scot)
- Getting a divorce or dissolving a civil partnership (nidirect)
This guide is general information about the law and fees at the date shown, not legal advice for your situation. Rates and court fees change, so check the official sources linked above or ask a solicitor before you rely on a figure.