Divorce in England and Wales, made simple.
Divorce paperwork is confusing. We make it easier to understand what to do, what it costs, and what happens next. Divorces.co.uk helps you apply for an online divorce in England and Wales, check whether you need a clean break order or consent order, and choose the route that fits your situation.
Start with what needs sorting.
Divorce and finances are separate. This helps you see whether you only need the divorce application, or whether money, property, pensions or future claims also need dealing with.
Compare divorce costs by route, not by guesswork.
The court fee is only one part. The cost changes depending on how much help you want and whether finances need sorting.
| Route | Typical cost position | Best for | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Court feePaid to apply for divorce. | £612 | The divorce application itself. | Fixed official fee unless help with fees applies. | Does not sort finances. |
| DIY routeYou handle the process. | Lower service cost | Simple cases where you are confident with forms and admin. | Cheapest support route. | You manage mistakes, uploads, deadlines and questions. |
| Managed online serviceDone-for-you admin support. | Mid range | People who want the application handled with less admin. | Less work than DIY and usually cheaper than traditional solicitor support. | May not include legal advice on complex finances. |
| MediationHelps reach agreement. | Varies | Finances are not agreed, but both people can engage safely. | Can reduce conflict and legal costs. | It does not itself make a financial agreement legally binding. |
| Solicitor routeLegal advice and representation. | Higher | Complex assets, pensions, property, disputes or risk. | Advice tailored to your legal position. | Usually the most expensive option. |
| Financial ordersConsent order or clean break. | Varies | Making financial agreement binding or ending future claims. | Deals with what divorce alone does not. | Can be more complex where assets, pensions or property are involved. |
What happens after you start?
The court timetable is broadly the same whether you apply yourself or use a managed online service. The main difference is how much of the admin, checking and chasing you do yourself.
Start the divorce application
Submit the required details and pay the court fee unless help with fees applies.
Wait for the conditional order stage
There is a minimum 20-week period before the conditional order can usually be made.
Deal with finances if needed
The divorce does not automatically end financial claims. A consent order or clean break order may be needed.
Apply for the final order
You can usually apply 6 weeks and 1 day after the conditional order.
What changes by route?
The court stages are similar. The difference is who prepares, checks and manages the application.
Useful guides for the next decision.
Use these to understand the route before paying for support.
When it works, what you handle yourself, and what can go wrong.
GuideClean Break OrdersWhy divorce alone may not stop future financial claims.
GuideConsent OrdersHow agreed finances can be made legally binding.
GuideMediationWhat mediation is for and when it may help before an order is drafted.
GuideDivorce CostsUnderstand court fees, online services, solicitor fees and financial order costs.
GuideQuestions to Ask a SolicitorUseful if property, pensions, safety, pressure or complex finances are involved.