Reducing the cost of divorce: An essential guide for women

Research by Legal & General (2 April 2025) has revealed that women see their income cut in half during the year following divorce. In comparison, men’s income falls by just 30% over the same period.

So, if you’re a woman going through a separation, reducing the cost of divorce could be an essential step towards safeguarding your financial security and wellbeing.

Keep reading to find out more.

The cost of divorce in the UK

Understanding the costs involved in getting divorced could help you identify opportunities for saving money.

The total amount you’ll pay will depend on your specific circumstances and how easily you and your spouse can reach an agreement. However, there are certain key costs to consider.

In the UK, the government charges a £612 fee to cover the administrative costs of the divorce process. The person who files for divorce is responsible for paying this fee.

You may also need to cover the cost of some or all of the following:

• Solictor’s fees
• Court fees
• A consent order
• A Child Arrangement Order
• Mediation or arbitration fees
• A financial order (if you and your spouse fail to reach an agreement).

In general, contested divorces are far more expensive than uncontested cases, due to higher legal and court fees.

Remember to also factor in any ongoing costs you may incur, such as child maintenance or spousal support.

3 practical tips for reducing the cost of divorce

While there may be some factors beyond your control, here are three effective strategies you could use to keep costs down without compromising your interests.

1. Be organised and efficient with paperwork

Typically, the longer a divorce takes to finalise, the more expensive it becomes. So, getting your paperwork in order is one of the simplest ways to minimise costs.

Here are some of the key documents and information you may need:

• Divorce application (Form D8)
• Your original marriage certificate
• Your spouse’s full name and address
• Proof of name change (if applicable)
• Fee exemption application (if you are applying for the £612 fee to be waived).

If you’re applying for a financial settlement, you will also need to provide the relevant supporting documentation, such as bank statements and a valuation of your pension.

Being prepared may reduce the time your solicitor and other professionals spend on your case, which could lower your legal fees. It may also minimise the risk of mistakes being made that could lead to additional legal work and extra expense.

2. Avoid going to court if possible

If your case goes to court, the legal costs could quickly spiral out of control.

According to the most recent figures from MoneyHelper (22 December 2023), a fully contested financial hearing in court could cost you around £25,000 to £30,000.

Moreover, as a financial expert who specialises in supporting divorcing clients, I have seen costs escalate well beyond these amounts, often when it isn’t necessary.

In contrast, the average cost of an uncontested divorce is £1,300 to £2,600 for the petitioner and £400 to £800 for the respondent.

As you can see, reaching an agreement outside of court is likely to save you a considerable amount of money.

If you’re struggling to achieve this by communicating directly with your spouse, it might be worth considering mediation or arbitration. While this may come at a cost, it’s likely to be faster and less expensive than court proceedings.

Both mediators and arbitrators act as a neutral third party to help divorcing couples negotiate and resolve any disputes amicably.

The key difference between these two sources of support is that an arbitrator assumes a more formal role, and their decision is final and binding on both parties. In contrast, mediation is less formal and gives the couple control over the outcome.

3. Seek advice from a financial expert

If you’re looking for ways to cut costs during your divorce, seeking additional professional advice might seem counterintuitive.

However, working with a financial expert could help you make significant savings during (and after) your divorce by:

• Ensuring that assets are valued correctly – This is essential for achieving a fair settlement
• Helping you understand your financial position – Supporting informed decision-making during negotiations
• Explaining complex financial issues – Such as splitting pensions and separating assets tax-efficiently
• Reviewing and adjusting your investment strategy – In line with your new financial situation and long-term goals
• Supporting effective budgeting and financial planning – Before, during, and after your divorce.

What’s more, seeking financial guidance from a professional could ease stress and help you feel more confident about your decisions at this emotionally charged time.

Get in touch

I specialise in supporting women before, during and after divorce.

If you’re concerned about the potential costs of separating from your spouse or civil partner, I can help you take control of your finances.

To find out more, please get in touch by email at lottie@truefinancialdesign.co.uk or call 03300889138.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax planning.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. 

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates, and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.  

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. 

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.