Do I need a solicitor to get divorced?

England and Wales · Facts checked 12 November 2026

No. You can apply for a divorce yourself, online or by post, and GOV.UK describes legal advice as something to get "if you want help with the divorce process". Whether to use a solicitor is your decision. This guide sets out what you would be doing yourself, what a solicitor does, and the options in between.

Three different jobs

People say "the divorce" and mean three separate things. They need very different amounts of help.

1. Ending the marriage. This is mostly administration: an application, a 20-week wait, a conditional order, a final order. You can apply online yourself.

2. Dividing money and property. This is where the consequences last longest. If you agree, a court can make the agreement binding with a consent order. If you do not, a court decides.

3. Arrangements for children. A court only becomes involved if one of you applies to it.

What a solicitor does

A solicitor can run all of it for you, or just part. What only a qualified adviser can do is tell you what you are likely to be entitled to, whether an offer is reasonable, and what to do about it. No app, guide or friend can do that, and Unknot does not try.

Ways of using one

You do not have to choose between everything and nothing.

Option	What it is	Typical cost
Doing it yourself	You apply online and deal with the court directly	Court fees only
Online divorce service	A service handles the paperwork	£40 to £200 without a solicitor, up to about £400 with one, plus court fees
Solicitor drafts your consent order	You have agreed; they write it up properly	Can start at £250 plus VAT
Solicitor negotiates a settlement	They deal with the other side for you	Around £2,000 to £3,000
Mediation	A neutral mediator helps you both reach agreement	A first meeting is usually about £120 each; sessions from about £100 an hour
Collaborative law	Each of you has a lawyer and you settle round a table	£8,000 to £15,000
Contested court case to a final hearing	The court decides after hearings	£30,000 plus VAT, or more

Cost figures are from MoneyHelper and GOV.UK. Legal fees vary with the adviser's experience and where you live.

Where the official guidance points you to an adviser

GOV.UK mentions a legal adviser at these points:

Making an agreement about money binding. You can ask a solicitor or divorce specialist to draft the consent order.
Asking a court to decide money. You can hire a legal adviser to help you apply for a financial order.
Other ways of settling out of court, such as family arbitration or collaborative law. GOV.UK suggests asking a legal adviser about these.
Where there has been domestic abuse. Legal aid may be available; see below.

The law also bars a person who has remarried from applying for certain financial orders against a former spouse, which is another point on which people consult a solicitor.

Mediation, and the meeting you must attend first

Before you ask a court to decide money or arrangements for children, you usually have to show that you have been to a mediation information and assessment meeting, known as a MIAM. There are exemptions, for example where there has been domestic abuse.

An agreement reached in mediation is not legally binding on its own. It becomes binding when a court approves it as a consent order.

You each attend your own MIAM, and the usual cost is around £120 each.

If your disagreement involves a child, the government's Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can contribute up to £500 towards mediation. It does not cover the MIAM itself and is only available while funds last; the mediator applies for it on your behalf.

Legal aid

Legal aid for divorce is limited. GOV.UK says you might be able to get it if you have evidence that you or your children have experienced domestic abuse and you cannot afford to pay legal costs. Domestic abuse includes controlling behaviour and financial control, such as being stopped from accessing a joint bank account. You do not need to have the evidence before you first speak to an adviser. Legal aid may also help with mediation costs.

Where to find help

GOV.UK has a find a legal adviser service.
Resolution has a directory of family law professionals. Its members sign up to a code of practice committing to a non-confrontational approach.
GOV.UK also points people to Citizens Advice and Advicenow for information.
If you are in danger, call 999. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is free and open 24 hours on 0808 2000 247.

This guide explains your options. It is not legal advice.

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Quick answers

Can I get divorced without a solicitor?

Yes. You can apply for a divorce yourself, online or by post.

Can I get legal aid for a divorce?

You might be able to if you have evidence that you or your children have experienced domestic abuse, which includes controlling behaviour and financial control, and you cannot afford to pay legal costs. MoneyHelper also lists violence and child abduction. Legal aid may also help with the cost of mediation. GOV.UK has a service to check whether you qualify.

Do I have to try mediation before going to court?

You usually have to attend a mediation information and assessment meeting (a MIAM) before applying to a court to decide money or arrangements for children. There are exemptions, for example where there has been domestic abuse.

Is an agreement reached in mediation legally binding?

No. To make an agreement about money binding you need a consent order approved by a court.

Sources

Figures and rules on this page were checked against these sources on 12 November 2026. Fees and rules change, so check the source if you are relying on a number.

More guides

This page gives general information about the process in England and Wales. It is not legal advice, and it cannot tell you what to claim, what to accept or what to do in your situation. For that, speak to a solicitor.