How much does a divorce cost in the UK?

A realistic breakdown of court fees, legal fees and what drives the total - from £593 DIY to £30,000+ contested.

Updated 15 July 2026·5 min read·Written to be clear and honest

Divorce costs vary from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands. The two levers are: (1) whether you and your spouse can agree, and (2) how much of the paperwork you do yourselves.

The unavoidable costs

  • Court fee for the divorce application: £593 (in place at time of writing)
  • Court fee to lodge a Consent Order: £53
  • Fee remissions available via Help with Fees if you're on a low income

Typical total costs

  1. Full DIY, no legal advice: ~£650 (court fees only)
  2. Fixed-fee online service (like CalmSplit): £250 - £900 per couple + court fees
  3. One solicitor per spouse, amicable: £3,000 - £6,000 combined
  4. Fully contested finances, barristers, court hearings: £20,000 - £50,000+ each

This article is general information about the law of England and Wales, not legal advice. For advice on your situation, speak to a solicitor.

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