7 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Divorce in the UK

One of the biggest concerns I hear from clients is: “How much will my divorce cost?”  and it’s completely understandable. Divorce in the UK can feel not only emotionally exhausting but also financially draining which just gives you another thing to worry about.

The reality is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get through it. With the right approach, you can make smart choices that reduce your costs and still protect your future.

Here are 7 practical ways I believe will help you minimise the cost if you’re divorcing in the UK:

1. Understand Fixed Versus Variable Costs 

The court fee for applying for a divorce in England and Wales is currently £612 (as of 2025). So that’s your baseline figure to work up from. The real expenses come from all the add ons - solicitors, disputes and proceedings that are drawn out unnecessarily. Solicitors love a good debate between divorcing couples because more disputes equals more letters, emails and phone calls to their client and the other side which equals lots more billable hours! 

2. Use Mediation Instead of Court 

Mediation is one of the most cost effective ways to resolve divorce disputes. Instead of paying for endless solicitor letters and court hearings, a mediator helps you and your ex agree on your finances and child arrangements. Attending a court hearing with solicitor’s support can cost in excess of £20,000 +VAT and there’s no guarantee that your outcome will be what you are hoping for. Mediation not only cuts costs, but it also helps keep the process quicker and less confrontational.

3. Consider a McKenzie Friend for Family Court

If solicitor fees feel out of reach, a McKenzie Friend can be a cost-effective alternative. They can guide you through paperwork and complete it for you if you’re unsure what to do, help prepare your case and sit beside you in court to provide support and take notes for you.  All at a fraction of the price of a solicitor. This is a growing option for people looking for affordable divorce support in the UK who don’t feel confident to self-represent and would like a professional to assist them.

4. Stay Organised With Your Paperwork

Being disorganised will cost you dearly in divorce. If your solicitor has to chase missing documents, it costs you money. Keep bank statements, payslips, pension details and property information ready and up to date. The more organised you are, the less time (and money) professionals will spend on admin. If you are going to engage a solicitor, I would strongly recommend getting all your paperwork in order before you start working with them. Go armed and ready to your first meeting with all your documents in a file and you’ll have already saved yourself time and money. It’s all part of taking control of your divorce experience. By educating yourself on the process early on, you’ll avoid unnecessary legal fees for questions you can easily research yourself.

5. Use Solicitors Strategically

Solicitors are specialists, but they’re also wildly expensive, often charging upwards of £300–£400 per hour and then adding 20% VAT on top. If you choose to instruct one, use their time wisely. Save emotional conversations for a divorce coach or a trusted friend. Keep solicitor contact focused on essential legal work and only ask them questions that require a legal response. Everything else you can research yourself or use your divorce coach to assist you with at a fraction of the cost. This approach alone can save you thousands.

6. Keep Emotion Out of Negotiations

I know that this is easier said than done, but it’s vital. Every drawn-out argument or refusal to compromise means more solicitor time, more letters and consequently, more bills. Try to approach divorce negotiations with a focus on practical solutions rather than “winning.” Less conflict means less cost. Unless you are fighting over huge assets, the chances are the money you spend on arguing, will eat into whatever payout you eventually agree to.

7. Invest in the Right Support

Spending wisely can actually save you money. For example, a Divorce Coach can help you prepare for solicitor meetings, organise your thoughts and manage the emotional ups and downs. That way, when you do pay for legal advice, you’re focused, efficient, and getting the most out of your money. Likewise, a McKenzie Friend can save you thousands compared with a solicitor or barrister. If your case isn’t complex and doesn’t require expert legal advice, then you’d most likely be perfectly well supported by a McKenzie Friend instead.

Final Thoughts: Affordable Divorce Support is Possible

Divorce in the UK will always come with some cost, but it doesn’t need to leave you financially broken. By choosing mediation where possible, using solicitors strategically and considering affordable support like a McKenzie Friend or Divorce Coach, you can reduce divorce costs significantly while still protecting your future.

If you’d like guidance on navigating your divorce in a cost-effective way, I offer a free consultation. Let’s talk through your situation and explore how you can save money while staying strong, supported, and in control. 👉 You can book your free call here: here.