Co-Respondent Court Costs

Hi all,

I've been named as a co-respondent in a divorce. My question is, what is the max costs i would be expected to pay if i dont defend the case and admit to adultery? If its only the £550 court fee then i would be inclined to just pay and not hold anything up, but would they be able to claim fees for childcare and housing and all that? I dont want to be stuck with thousands of pounds to pay. What are some examples of grounds not to pay for court proceedings?

Many thanks!!

Adultery petitions are rare, particularly those where the co-respondent is named.

The costs would be confined to the costs of the divorce - the process of ending the marriage. The finances and children issues are not included.

If a solicitor is being used those costs will be in addition to the court fee and if you were personally served with the papers that cost is added too.

If it's undefended solicitor costs would be around £1000 + VAT and the court fee of £550. Process servers fees can be £100 + VAT to serve the petition on each party.

Costs orders would normally be made jointly against the respondent and joint respondent so you would pay half.

Charles