How to get a divorce without a lawyer or solicitor

Can you get a divorce without a lawyer?

The short answer is yes, you can get a divorce without a lawyer. You can apply for divorce and fill in the forms yourself. However you do need a divorce specialist if you want a consent order.

It's important to be aware of all the options available to you before you commit either way.

How much does it cost to get divorced with a lawyer?

If you both use a lawyer, you will have hefty bills to contend with at the end of the process – that’s money you could be spending on your family. The average cost of asking a solicitor to sort out your finances around is £8,000 each.

If you would like to learn how to keep the costs of divorce low, read our guide on the cost of divorce.

Disadvantages of using solicitors for divorce

1. It can be acrimonious:

Divorce using lawyers or solicitors could make communication between you difficult. The tone is purely business, with no consideration for anyone's feelings. This can have a knock-on effect of increasing tension or friction between you.

2. It may negatively impact co-parenting:

Using lawyers can make co-parenting difficult post-divorce. It might have impacted your relationship, or created additional conflict throughout the divorce process, making it harder to communicate, or to even be in the same room together.

3. It’s not required:

Most of the work that goes into a divorce is clerical and administrative. There is very little legal advice involved in a straightforward divorce where both of you agree on how to split your finances. A lot of information can be gathered for free, and there are lots of divorce specialists who will do the paperwork for you. You don’t need to pay an expensive lawyer to do standard paperwork: divorce without a lawyer is a realistic option for many couples.

4. It's slow:

A lawyer has to write letters and emails and then wait for a reply. This can add considerable time to the process, all of which the lawyer will charge for. Talking to each other directly will speed things up and cut out misunderstandings.

Five ways to divorce without lawyers or solicitors guide:

1. DIY divorce

If you both feel comfortable with the legal process, including submitting legal forms, then you can do the divorce yourself using the government website. The cost of a DIY option is the government court fee of £612.

Before you pay this, check whether you're entitled to help with fees with our divorce court fees calculator. To end your financial relationship, you'll need to get a consent order, as the divorce paperwork doesn't cover this part.

If you would like more information on splitting your finances in your divorce, read our guide on consent orders.

2. Mediation

If you're finding it difficult to agree, you can use the traditional combination of mediation to help you come to your arrangements. Mediation will facilitate an agreement between you, and works best when you are equally matched in terms of your financial power within the relationship.

However, mediators can't help you get that agreement made legally binding.

3. amicable

amicable offers a variety of divorce services, from completing your divorce paperwork to an end-to-end divorce service.

We can help you negotiate a fair financial split and make a parenting plan demonstrating how you will co-parent if you have children together. Unlike mediators, all our packages include drawing up all your legal paperwork and liaising with the courts, and we can help you get your agreement turned into a legally binding consent order.

4. Arbitration

If you are struggling to agree on your divorce, an arbitrator will settle your case out of court and make a legally binding decision on your behalf after reviewing the details of your case. The decision they come to is legally binding and you cannot appeal or disregard it once you have agreed to the arbitration process. It is like having a private court hearing, but cheaper and quicker than going through the court system. It is a good alternative to starting court proceedings.

Learn more about arbitration in divorce here.

5. Court

Going to court is the right option for you if there are danger signs like hiding assets or abuse. It’s best to avoid court if you can, as it's the longest, most expensive, and most stressful way to get divorced. However, sometimes you have no choice.

If you would like some support in figuring out the best way forward for you and your family, then please get in touch for a free 15-minute advice call with one of our amicable experts.

Differences between amicable and divorce lawyers

amicable

1. amicable work with both people, so we don't take sides
2. amicable have fixed fees, with the option to pay monthly
3. Our services range from £300 for a Simple Divorce Service to £5910 for our Complete Negotiation Service.
4. amicable help you focus on goals for the future, instead of what you're 'entitled to'

Divorce lawyers

1. Solicitors work with individuals, pitting you against each other from the start
2. Solicitor usually charge by an hour or even 15-minute segments
3. Can cost around £8,000 per person - the average cost for a divorce and financial settlement in the UK. But it can cost even more in London.
4. Solicitors are focused on getting one person their best-case scenario, regardless of how fair or accurate that is

Key takeaways

You don't need a solicitor to get divorced

You do need a divorce specialist to help you get a consent order

Solicitors may charge by the hour, which can get very expensive very quickly

Divorce without solicitors FAQs

Can you get divorced without using a solicitor?

Yes, you don't need a solicitor to get divorced. However, depending on your circumstances may alter which option you should choose. There are situations where a solicitor or lawyer may be the most appropriate option.

How do you get a divorce without a solicitor UK?

You can get a divorce using the government website, or through an online service like amicable. We handle all the divorce paperwork so you can focus on what really matters to you.

Are DIY divorces legal?

If done properly, yes. It must go through the courts, and you must submit and receive your final order (formerly called the decree absolute) for it to be considered legal. If you want to split your finances, then you should use a service such as amicable to help with the consent order.

How do I get a divorce with no money?

If you don’t have any money but want a divorce, you can use the government website and apply for the help with fees scheme.

How does divorce work if you can't afford it?

If you can't afford the divorce, the first recommended step to do is to apply for the help with fees scheme. After you have confirmation that you don't have to pay for the court fees, head over to the government website and follow their instructions here.

Written by Kate Daly, separation expert and co-founder of amicable.