Divorce court fees explained

Which fees go to HMCTS, which go to a service or solicitor, and where people are caught out by unexpected extras.

Updated 19 August 2026·5 min read
Written by CalmSplit Editorial TeamReviewed by Ramani GillLast reviewed 19 August 2026England & Wales

There are two very different kinds of cost in a divorce: fees paid to the court, and fees paid to whoever helps you prepare the paperwork.

Paid to HMCTS

  • The divorce application fee of £628.
  • A separate fee for a financial order such as a Consent Order.
  • Additional fees for applications such as alternative service or a child arrangements order.

Paid to a provider

  • CalmSplit: £159 per person, one-off.
  • A high street solicitor: typically billed hourly, so the total depends on how much correspondence happens.

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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Frequently asked questions

Who pays the court fee? ▼

The applicant pays on filing. In a joint application you decide between you, or split it.

Can costs be claimed from a spouse? ▼

Cost orders in no-fault divorce are now rare.

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