How much does divorce cost?

Please note that the following are estimates only for undefended divorce proceedings. If your case is defended, unusually complex or complicated by an international element, charges will be higher as it is likely that significantly more work will be required.

Please also note that you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate to issue proceedings and that if this is not in English it will need to be translated. The cost of obtaining a copy certificate/translation are not included below.

Undefended Divorce – Petitioner

Inclusive of:Preparation PetitionApplication for decree nisiApplication for decree Absolute

£350.00

Undefended Divorce - Respondent

Preparation uncontested acknowledgment of serviceAdvice as to costs of main suit

£100.00

Extra Correspondence/calls/meetings etc. Please see standard terms of engagement

Court fees

These are payable

when divorce proceedings are issued, at the point of application for decree absolute  Divorce issue fee £300.00Decree Absolute fee £40.00

An undefended divorce is one where the respondent files an acknowledgement of service indicating that he/she does not intend to defend the proceedings.

Therefore if no acknowledgment of service is received by the court you will have to prove that the petition has been served

This is usually done by employing a bailiff to personally hand the respondent a copy. The bailiff will make a charge for this - usually around £85. I will make a charge for arranging the bailiff service and obtaining duplicate service documents from the court. My charge will be £50.

Once this has been done, you will be able to proceed on an undefended basis provided that the respondent does not file a defence within 28 days of the bailiff service, irrespective of whether the respondent files an acknowledgement of service or not.