How Much Does a Divorce Cost in the UK?
A clear breakdown of divorce costs in England and Wales — court fees, solicitor fees, barrister fees, and mediation costs — and how direct access can significantly reduce what you spend.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost in the UK?
Cost is one of the first things people want to know when a marriage ends. A straightforward no-fault divorce costs a fixed court fee. Add in a financial settlement dispute or a contested children arrangement, and the figure rises sharply.
The Court Fee
Filing for divorce in England and Wales costs £593 as of 2026. This is a fixed government fee paid to the court at the time of application.
Solicitor Fees
Solicitor rates vary significantly, from around £150 to £300 per hour for a standard high street firm, to £400 or more per hour at a London-based firm. A contested financial remedy case can cost £10,000 to £30,000 or more on each side.
Barrister Fees
Under direct access, you instruct the barrister yourself and pay only one set of professional fees. For family proceedings, a direct access family barrister might charge £1,200 to £2,500 for a preliminary hearing, £1,500 to £3,500 for a Financial Dispute Resolution hearing, and £2,500 to £6,000 or more for a Final Hearing.
Spreading the Cost
HireABarrister offers Klarna payment options, which means you can spread the cost of your barrister's fees over time rather than paying a large sum upfront.
This article provides general legal information only. It is not formal legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client or barrister-client relationship. If you need advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified legal professional.
Need Professional Legal Help?
This guide is for general information only. For advice tailored to your situation, instruct a Direct Access barrister.