DIVORCE COSTS

Where one of the parties opposes the divorce or opposes the grounds on which the other spouse had Petitioned (i.e. a contested divorce) the charges are on a time basis as with all litigation. Contested divorces are very rare these days. 

Where the parties are in agreement for a divorce (i.e. uncontested divorce) it is usually possible to charge a fixed fee as the time and work required will be ascertainable. 

This comprises  disbursements  and solicitors fees on behalf of the Petitioner since the majority of the work is carried out by the Petitioner's solicitors : - 

Solicitors Fees : £600 + VAT or
£500 + VAT (for 2 year’s separation by consent ground)
Disbursements :
Court fees
Petition £210
Decree absolute £30

Total cost £945 or £827.50 (for 2 year’s separation by consent )

There will be instances where the cost will exceed this amount for various reasons. For example if the  respondent  does not reply to the Petition which is normally served on him or her by ordinary post it may then be necessary to have the Petition personally delivered by a process server or the Respondent's whereabouts may not be known and enquiries may need to be made. Both of these steps will result in additional fees.