Who Pays for a Divorce?

The end of a relationship is likely to cause many levels of stress across numerous things and your finances are just one of these areas. When starting a divorce process it is important to know how these will be impacted – and the cost of the divorce is one consideration that must be factored in.

There are a number of costs involved including

1. Court Costs
2. Solicitor Costs
3. Financial settlements such as child maintenance
4. Asset dividing as decided in the divorce such as property

Who pays solicitors fees in a divorce?

The spouse who applies for the divorce is known as the Petitioner and the other party is the Respondent. As they are the person applying for the divorce, the Petitioner will be responsible for the cost of the divorce from the outset.

The Petitioner is responsible for covering the cost of:

• the preparation of paperwork
• the submission of the divorce paperwork,
• legal advice 
• paying the Court fees. 

The Respondent will only be responsible for covering their own legal fees.

So, depending on whether you are the Petitioner or the Respondent, your costs will be decided by your situation but you are likely to need to pay for your own legal representation. At Henry Hyams, we aim to guide you through our fixed-fee divorce Leeds lawyer representation costs before instruction.

How much does the court charge for divorce applications?

Court and tribunal fees are different from legal costs (e.g.paying for a solicitor). At present, the courts in the UK charge £593.00. As mentioned above, this fee is paid for by the petitioner. This fee also includes your decree absolute application.

If you are on a low income, have limited savings or are in receipt of certain benefits an application can be made for Help with Fees. It is then at the discretion of the Court as to whether you pay the court fee or whether the fee can be reduced. 

If a Joint Application is being made Help with Fees is only available where both parties have limited savings, get certain benefits or are on a low income. If this only applies to one party then Help with Fees will not be available unless a Sole Application is made. 

At Henry Hyams, we offer a fixed fee to deal with divorce. The fixed fee is for a straightforward uncontested divorce. If you are the Applicant in divorce the fixed fee is £600 plus VAT and if you are the Respondent the fixed fee is £300 plus VAT. 

There are certain circumstances where the fixed fee for divorce will not be applicable. Please call us and we can discuss this with you.

How Henry Hyams family law solicitors can help with our divorce services

Our divorce lawyers are one of the top family law firms in Leeds and have the experience and expertise to guide you through any no-fault divorce proceeding that you are currently in or about to begin. 

One of our fixed-fee divorce Leeds lawyers can talk you through the legal process, any costs involved, and answer any questions you may have about divorces. Please contact our Leeds family law solicitors on the email below or contact us on 0113 2432288.

Contact our Leeds divorce solicitors:
family@henryhyams.com