Bristol Divorce Solicitors
As well as being very emotional, getting divorced also has a financial burden attached to it. The division of assets as well as the payment of maintenance and child support might need to be considered, and there are also other costs associated with getting a divorce.
How much does a divorce cost?
The cost of any divorce varies, but apart from solicitor fees there are a number of standard court costs which all couples face when getting divorced in England and Wales.
Divorce court costs – When you petition the court for a divorce, the cost of filing the petition is currently £340. At the end of the process there is also an additional cost for the Decree Absolute of £40. There may be various other court costs as well. For example, if you and your ex-partner have come to an arrangement about your finances and are looking for a ‘clean break’ divorce, you would need to file a Consent Order with the courts, which carries an additional £45 fee.
Solicitor Costs – How much a divorce solicitor will cost depends on two things; their rates and the complexity of the case. Different firms charge different amounts for their time, and how much time they will need to spend on your case depends on a range of factors, including whether the divorce is contested and if there are any children involved. Solicitors fees for a relatively straightforward divorce could be a few hundred pounds, whereas a more complicated or drawn out divorce could cost several thousand.
If the cost of divorce is something you ‘re concerned about, it’s important to be aware that the least expensive solicitors aren’t necessarily the best option. While a more experienced divorce solicitor may charge more, their expertise and advice may result in a better settlement or help to bring the process to a speedier conclusion.
Legal Aid Divorce
If you ‘re worried about how you ‘re going to meet the cost of your divorce, you might want to consider Legal Aid. Not everyone will be entitled but it’s an option that could be worth looking into, to see if you would qualify.
While we are unable to undertake Legal Aid cases, if you would still prefer to deal with our Bristol Divorce Solicitors on a private basis, rather than instruct a legal aid firm, we are always willing to discuss your funding options and how we could still work together within your budget.
The cost of dealing with a Family Law matter or a divorce can be stressful. Our team of Bristol Divorce Solicitors can advise you about the different funding options and services available so that you can concentrate on coping with the real issues.