How much does a divorce cost in England and Wales?

England and Wales · Facts checked 12 November 2026

The court fee to apply for a divorce is £628. Beyond that, the cost depends almost entirely on one thing: whether the two of you can agree about money. A divorce where you agree can cost from about £1,000 all in. One that goes to a contested final hearing can cost tens of thousands.

Court fees

These are fixed, and the same wherever you live in England and Wales.

What	Fee
Applying for a divorce or to end a civil partnership	£628
Asking the court to approve an agreed financial order (a consent order)	£62
Asking the court to decide finances when you do not agree	£321
Applying to the court about arrangements for children	£270

The £628 is not refunded once the court has issued your application.

Help with fees. You may be able to pay less, or nothing, if you receive certain benefits or are on a low income. If you are applying jointly and want help, you must both apply for it; if your spouse is not eligible or does not apply, the full fee is due.

What professionals typically charge

MoneyHelper gives these ranges.

Service	Typical cost
Online divorce service, no solicitor	£40 to £200, plus court fees
Online divorce service managed by a solicitor	Up to about £400, plus court fees
Solicitor drafting a consent order after you have agreed	From £250 plus VAT
Solicitor negotiating a financial settlement	£2,000 to £3,000
Collaborative family lawyers	£8,000 to £15,000
Financial case fought to a contested final hearing	£30,000 plus VAT, or more

Legal fees vary with the adviser's experience and where you live.

Mediation

A first mediation meeting (a MIAM) is usually about £120 per person, according to GOV.UK, and you each attend your own. After that, mediators usually charge from about £100 an hour, and most couples have three or four sessions.

If your disagreement involves a child, the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme can contribute up to £500 towards mediation. It does not cover the first meeting, and it is available only while funds last. Legal aid may also help with mediation if you qualify.

Three rough totals

These add the fixed court fees to the typical ranges above. They are illustrations, not quotes.

You agree, and do the paperwork yourselves: £628 to apply, plus £62 for the court to approve your agreement, plus from £250 and VAT if a solicitor drafts the consent order. About £1,000 at the lowest.
You need help to agree: the same court fees, plus mediation or a solicitor negotiating for you. MoneyHelper's range for a solicitor negotiating a settlement is £2,000 to £3,000.
The court decides: £628, plus £321 to apply for a financial order, plus legal fees that can reach £30,000 and VAT or more if it runs to a final hearing.

What pushes the cost up

MoneyHelper notes that most solicitors offer a fixed fee for the divorce itself, but that they can also charge by the hour. Where work is charged by the hour, time spent on emails and phone calls is part of what you pay for, and MoneyHelper suggests agreeing in advance how much email or telephone contact you would like.

The biggest difference is between agreeing and not agreeing: compare the £250 starting point for drafting an agreed order with £30,000 or more for a contested final hearing.

Legal aid

Legal aid 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, which includes financial control, and you cannot afford to pay legal costs. MoneyHelper also lists violence and child abduction. GOV.UK has a service to check whether you qualify.

This guide gives general information about costs. It is not legal or financial advice.

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Quick answers

What is the court fee for a divorce?

£628 to apply for a divorce or to end a civil partnership. It is not refunded once the court has issued your application.

How much does a consent order cost?

The court fee is £62. Having a solicitor draft the order after you have agreed can start at around £250 plus VAT.

Can I get help paying the court fee?

Possibly, if you receive certain benefits or are on a low income. If you are applying jointly and want help with the fee, you must both apply for it.

What makes a divorce expensive?

Disagreement about money. A financial case that goes all the way to a contested final hearing can cost £30,000 plus VAT or more, according to MoneyHelper.

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.