How much does a DIY divorce cost in the UK?

The court fee for a divorce application in England and Wales is £612 (2026). Additional costs may include mediation (£100-£500), consent orders (£60), or financial orders (£313) if needed. Fee exemptions are available through Help with Fees for those on low income.

How long does a DIY divorce take in the UK?

The minimum time for a divorce in England and Wales is 26 weeks (approximately 6 months). The average is 9-14 months due to court processing times, potential errors, or disputes.

Can my spouse refuse a divorce?

Under the no-fault divorce law introduced in 2022, a spouse cannot contest a divorce except on very limited technicalities such as jurisdiction issues. The marriage can be ended if one party wants it.

Do I need a solicitor for a divorce in the UK?

No, you don't need a solicitor for a simple, uncontested divorce. You can complete the process yourself online via GOV.UK. However, solicitors (costing £1,000-£10,000) are recommended for complex cases involving disputes over finances, property, or children.

What is the difference between joint and sole divorce applications?

A joint application is made by both parties together, tends to be faster, and both receive updates. A sole application is made by one party, and the other spouse is notified to respond. Both cost £612.

DIY Divorce Guide UK 2026 | Free Step-by-Step Process for England & Wales

DIY Divorce Process: Step-by-Step

This guide details the no-fault divorce process for marriages and civil partnerships in England & Wales.

Your Divorce Timeline

Minimum 26 weeks · Average 9-14 months

Step 1
Submit Application

Apply online via GOV.UK or by post (Form D8)
Day 1
Step 2
Court Issues Certificate

Court processes application and notifies spouse
1-2 weeks
Waiting Period
20-Week Cooling Off

Mandatory reflection period before proceeding
20 weeks
Step 3
Conditional Order

Apply for provisional divorce decree
1-2 weeks
Waiting Period
6 Weeks + 1 Day

Final waiting period before completion
43 days
Complete
Final Order

Marriage legally ends. Update your records.
Divorced

Eligibility & Preparation

Before applying for divorce or dissolution:

Married or in a civil partnership for 1+ year (from anniversary).
Marriage or civil partnership legally recognised in the UK (including same-sex).
You or your spouse/partner reside or are domiciled in England/Wales.
Irretrievable breakdown (no proof needed under no-fault divorce).
Gather: Marriage/civil partnership certificate (translated if foreign), proof of name changes (e.g., deed poll), spouse/partner details (name, address, DOB, nationality), children's details (if under 18). If spouse's address is unknown, see GOV.UK guidance.

Costs

£612 court fee (2026; check GOV.UK for updates). Joint applications require one fee, but both must apply for Help with Fees if eligible. No refunds post-issuance.

Important: If facing domestic abuse, seek urgent help (e.g., non-molestation orders) via GOV.UK. Mediation may be exempt.

Divorce Steps

Step	Action	Timeline	Tips
1. Apply	Submit via GOV.UK or post (Form D8, HMCTS, PO Box 12726, Harlow CM20 9QZ). Welsh forms available.	Day 1	Online is faster. Joint apps need both signatures.
2. Court Issues	Court sends certificate; spouse notified.	1–2 weeks	Sole: Spouse responds in 14 days.
3. Non-Response	Non-responsive spouse: Court may proceed. Disputes (e.g., jurisdiction): Seek legal advice.	1–3 months	Use GOV.UK for tracing.
4. Conditional Order	Apply after 20-week cooling-off period.	20 weeks	Double-check documents to avoid delays.
5. Final Order	Apply 6 weeks + 1 day after conditional order.	6 weeks	Marriage ends. Update your records.

Finances & Property

Divorce doesn't automatically settle finances. Options:

Consent Order: Legally binds agreement (£60, Form D81, online/post). Draft via mediation/solicitor.
Financial Order: Court decides if you can't agree (£313, Form A).
Pensions: Options include sharing, attachment, or earmarking. Consult MoneyHelper.
Mediation: £100–£500/session via FMC.
Spousal Maintenance: Court-ordered if needed.

Warning: Without a financial order, future claims are possible. Consider tax implications (e.g., capital gains on property) and benefits changes (e.g., universal credit).

Children Arrangements

Steps for custody and maintenance:

Parenting Plan: Free templates via CAFCASS.
Mediation: Mandatory MIAM (£80–£200), exempt for abuse/urgency.
Child Arrangements Order: Court application (£263).
Child Maintenance: Family-based or statutory via GOV.UK calculator. CMS if agreements fail.

Regional Differences

Scotland

Simplified divorce (£134, Form SD1, no kids under 16). Ordinary: £172. ScotCourts

Northern Ireland

£280 fee, no-fault/fault-based options. NIDirect

International Divorces

Confirm UK jurisdiction (residence/domicile).
Translated marriage certificate (certified).
Legal advice for EU (post-Brexit, Brussels II) or international assets.
Contact HMCTS for guidance.

What if Things Go Wrong?

Appealing Orders: Apply within 21 days; seek legal advice.
Fraud: Misrepresentation (e.g., false details) can void orders.
Delays: Contact HMCTS for updates on your application.

Emotional & Financial Support

Emotional: Samaritans (116 123), Relate (£30–£80).
Financial: MoneyHelper - free impartial advice.
Legal: Free advice via Resolution.
Community: Discussions on r/LegalAdviceUK (not legal advice).

Common Pitfalls

Incomplete forms: Double-check all details before submitting.
Non-responsive spouse: Can add 1–3 months to the process.
Unresolved finances: Risk future claims without a consent order.
Children disputes: Mediation is mandatory unless exempt.
International cases: Always seek specialist legal advice.

Glossary

No-Fault Divorce: No proof of fault needed. Introduced April 2022.
Conditional Order: Provisional decree after 20 weeks (formerly Decree Nisi).
Final Order: Ends marriage/partnership after 6 weeks (formerly Decree Absolute).
Consent Order: Legally binds financial agreement between parties.
MIAM: Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting - mandatory before court.

Case Study: Amicable Divorce

Jane & Tom's Story

Married 5 years with one child, they filed a joint application (£612). They used mediation (£300) for a parenting plan and consent order (£60).

Total Cost

£972

Timeline

10 months

Start your application →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY divorce free?

£612 court fee (2026; check GOV.UK). Fee exemptions via Help with Fees. Mediation (£100–£500), orders (£60–£313).

How long does it take?

Minimum 26 weeks. Average 9–14 months. Delays from errors, disputes, or non-responsive spouse.

Can my spouse refuse?

No-fault divorce (2022) prevents contesting, except on technicalities (e.g., jurisdiction).

What about kids/property?

Divorce only ends marriage. Finances: Consent order (£60). Kids: Court order (£263). Mediation first.

Joint vs. sole application?

Joint: Both apply, faster, both get updates. Sole: One applies, spouse responds. Both £612.

Spouse abroad?

Possible if UK-domiciled. Translated certificate, legal advice needed.

Do I need a solicitor?

Not for simple cases. Solicitors (£1,000–£10,000) for complex finances/disputes.

What if my ex won't agree to finances?

Court can decide via financial order (£313). Mediation recommended first.

Can I divorce if married abroad?

Yes, if UK-recognized and jurisdiction applies. Provide translated certificate.

Resources

Official Sources

GOV.UK Divorce - Official forms and guidance.
Form D8 - Divorce application form.
Help with Fees - Fee exemptions.
ScotCourts - Scotland divorces.
NIDirect - Northern Ireland.
HMCTS - International cases.

Support Services

Citizens Advice - Free legal advice.
Relate - Counselling (£30–£80).
Samaritans - Emotional support (116 123).
MoneyHelper - Financial advice.
FMC - Find mediators.

Useful Tools

Child Maintenance Calculator - Estimate payments.
Financial Guide - Splitting assets.
Pension Sharing Guide - Understanding options.

Free DIY Divorce Guide