When you and your spouse have reached the difficult but mutual decision to divorce, it’s natural to want things to go as smoothly as possible — practically, emotionally, and financially. And one of the most common concerns people have at this stage is: how much is this going to cost us?
It’s a fair question, and an important one. The good news is that if both parties agree to the divorce and you’re able to work together on the legal and financial aspects, the process is generally more straightforward and less expensive than a contested case.
But that doesn’t mean there are no costs involved — even amicable divorces come with essential fees, and failing to handle certain aspects properly can lead to greater financial consequences later on.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the real costs of divorce when both sides agree. We’ll cover the fixed court fees, typical solicitor charges, financial settlement costs, and where savings can realistically be made. Our aim is to help you feel more informed, better prepared, and confident in making the right decisions for your future. And if you decide you’d like professional support along the way, HPLP Solicitors is here to help.
What is the basic court fee and who pays it?
In England and Wales, the basic fee to apply for a divorce is £593. This is a standard cost set by the government and paid to the Family Court when the divorce application is submitted.
In an amicable divorce, it’s common for the applicant — the person submitting the form — to cover the court fee. However, some couples agree to split the cost, especially if the decision to divorce was mutual. It’s worth discussing this openly and agreeing on it early, to avoid delays.
If you’re on a low income or claiming certain benefits, you may be able to apply for support through the Help with Fees scheme. This can reduce the court fee or, in some cases, remove it entirely. If you're unsure whether you qualify, a solicitor can guide you through the eligibility criteria and help with the application if needed.
While the court fee is fixed and non-negotiable, understanding it upfront helps you budget for the process and avoid surprises.
Do I still need a solicitor if everything is agreed?
Technically, you can apply for a divorce yourself using the government’s online system. But even when both parties agree, having a solicitor can be invaluable — and could even save you money in the long run.
Think of a solicitor not just as a form-filler, but as a safeguard. They make sure all the paperwork is submitted correctly, the timelines are met, and the decisions you make are fully understood and legally binding. This is particularly important when it comes to finances or property.
At HPLP, our divorce solicitors regularly work with clients going through amicable separations. We’re not here to stir up conflict — we’re here to offer clarity, prevent costly mistakes, and ensure you confidently walk away from the process.
Depending on the complexity of your situation, legal fees for an agreed divorce generally range from £500 to £1,500 + VAT. If there are financial matters or childcare arrangements to consider, costs may increase — but the earlier you engage with a solicitor, the better positioned you are to keep things on track and under control.
What about the cost of sorting out our finances?
This is where many people are caught off guard. Even if you’ve verbally agreed who keeps what, or that there’s nothing to divide, you still need to record your financial agreement in a legally binding way. Without this, you leave yourself open to future claims — even years down the line.
The safest and most common way to protect both parties is by getting a Consent Order. This is a formal document approved by the court that confirms how assets will be divided and prevents either party from making additional financial claims in the future.
Solicitors usually charge between £300 and £1,000 + VAT to draft and submit a Consent Order, and there’s a £53 court fee to file it. This might feel like an optional extra, but we cannot stress enough how important this step is — it gives you certainty and security and can prevent a great deal of stress later on.
If your financial arrangements are more complex — involving pensions, property, or debts — our team at HPLP can provide tailored advice through our divorce financial settlement services, ensuring your agreement is fair and future-proof.
What is the total cost to get divorced if we agree on everything?
Depending on the complexity of your situation, legal fees for an agreed divorce generally range from £500 to £1,500 + VAT (change to £1,000 to £1,800 plus VAT). If there are financial matters or childcare arrangements to consider, costs may increase, but the earlier you engage with a solicitor, the better positioned you are to keep things on track and under control.
Solicitors usually charge between £750 and £2,500 + VAT to draft and submit a Consent Order, and there’s a £53 court fee to file it. This might feel like an optional extra, but we cannot stress enough how important this step is — it gives you certainty and security and can prevent significant stress later on.
This estimate can go up or down depending on your circumstances, but it’s a solid starting point. If you agree on all the key issues from the outset and use fixed-fee legal services, your costs can be kept at the lower end of the scale.
What’s important is that you choose an expert divorce solicitor who can help you to protect your interests throughout the processes.
Can we keep costs down without compromising the outcome?
Absolutely. For many people, a well-managed, amicable divorce can be kept affordable. Here are a few practical tips for keeping costs in check:
- Communicate openly and respectfully – clarity helps avoid costly misunderstandings
- Be prepared with your documents – delays can lead to extra fees
- Get legal advice early – this can prevent errors that cost more to fix later
- Use a solicitor with a clear fee structure – fixed fees give peace of mind
- Formalise your agreement – avoiding a Consent Order may seem cheaper now, but it could cost far more later
Some people are drawn to low-cost online divorce services, which advertise prices as low as £59. But these services rarely include legal advice or deal with finances properly. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
We always recommend speaking with a solicitor — even just for an initial consultation — before making any decisions. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into and what your options are.
Get expert divorce advice from our solicitors in London
If you’re exploring the cost of a divorce and want to make sure everything is handled properly and efficiently, our Family Law team is here to help. We provide clear, practical advice that helps you stay in control of the process — from court fees to financial settlements and everything in between.
To speak to our trusted divorce solicitors, contact our London office or make an enquiry online today and we’ll get back to you shortly.