How much is my divorce going to costs me

29th June 2020

How much is my divorce going to costs me?

It can be difficult to get legal advisors to give a straight forward estimate on the cost of a divorce.  Many are afraid that a truthful answer will chase away a potential client.  Other try to attract clients by providing a low estimate.  I try to be honest and give you the real facts and in doing so tend to lean towards a high estimate so there are only pleasant surprises when the divorce actually costs less than the initial estimate.

How much your legal fees for a divorce will be is very difficult estimate to give and it is an important question to discuss with your lawyer at your initial consultation.

It is safe to assume that a very simple, straight forward and uncontested divorce and financial settlement will cost at least £5,000 + VAT + court fees.  Depending on the complexity of your case, and how much you and your spouse can agree to, the price will go up from there.  Some clients with very complex cases can easily incur fees that range between £10,000 to £20,000 + VAT. 

That amount may sound a little crazy but you are paying for skilled professional services based on years of education and experience.  There is a very real possibility that, in most cases, the assistance of a skilled legal team will save you more money in the resolution of your case than what your legal services will cost.

Here are some things to keep in mind when considering how much your legal fees will be: –

In most cases, you will be required to pay an Advance Fee Deposit when you retain your lawyer.  This may be a standard amount or one based on the complexity of your case.

– Be aware that the Advance Fee Deposit is just to get your legal services started.  You will be paying throughout your case, usually monthly or more frequently, as it progresses.

– You will be charged for every contact you have with your legal team so plan wisely on how to use that time.  Don’t waste your lawyers time or that of their staff, or you will pay for it. Time is money.

– If your spouse is unpredictable and difficult to reason with, your case will very likely be more expensive.  It is an unfortunate reality that you have to plan for.

– There are additional fees charged by other professionals who may be needed to resolve your case.  Those services might include accountants, business and property valuation experts  These extra fees will be in addition to your lawyer's fees.

– There are costs and expenses involved in every legal case.  Costs and fees are in addition to your lawyers hourly rates.  Costs and expenses will, again, vary with the complexity of the case.  These costs include such things as postage fees, travel expenses, court filing fees and process service fees.

– All fees and costs will increase rapidly over a short period of time if your lawyer is preparing for court appointments or conferences. It is to your benefit to choose your battles and make sound business decisions about what to fight out and what not to waste time on.

– Remember, your legal team is on your side.  A level of trust and mutual respect is needed so that you can proceed on your case without spending a lot of time and money arguing with your lawyer.  Take time to listen to the legal advice you are being given and the reasoning behind it.

– Do your best to make unemotional, well-reasoned decisions on both the strategy of your case and the details of your property and debt division and, when necessary, your parenting plan.  What appears to be small amounts upfront can accumulate to substantial amounts over the course of years.  Stay focused on your goals, and always keep the big picture in mind.

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