Online divorce service or a solicitor: how to choose

An honest comparison of cost, speed, control and risk between DIY, an online service and a traditional solicitor.

Updated 19 August 2026·6 min read
Written by CalmSplit Editorial TeamReviewed by Ramani GillLast reviewed 19 August 2026England & Wales

The right choice depends less on budget than on complexity and on how much the two of you agree.

DIY

Cheapest, since you pay only the £628 court fee. You carry the risk of errors and there is nobody to check the financial side.

Guided online service

A fixed price, plain-English questions and a prepared application. CalmSplit is £159 per person, one-off. It suits uncontested cases where you want structure without hourly billing.

Solicitor

Best where there is conflict, significant pensions, a business, international elements, or safety concerns. Billed by time, so costs vary widely.

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

Is a cheap online divorce risky? ▼

Not for the divorce itself. The risk is skipping the financial order, whichever route you use.

Is CalmSplit a law firm? ▼

No. It is a self-help technology platform that prepares documents from your answers.

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