DIY Divorce

Is it wise to attempt a divorce without using solicitors?

The main reason for this is mainly to try and keep the cost down. My ex went off with another bloke and is kind of a hurry to get divorced. So she obviously won't contest the divorce. We've been separated for about a year now. We have a 2 year old son who lives with her and I get to see regularly. There aren't many assets to divide (been sorted already).

So, I ask the question: Is it wise to attempt a divorce without using solicitors?

For a straight forward uncontested divorce, yes it is wise to do it yourself and save yourself the money. You can download the forms and advisory leaflets on the court service website. All you will have to pay is the Court fees of £300 at the start and £40 for your absolute.

King Club,

If you have agreed contact and finances and are both keen on wrapping the divorce up with minimal costs then you don't really need to get solicitors involved.

Is it wise? Well, it is wise to make sure that your proposed Consent Order reflects your agreement. Solicitors can do this and take the hassle out of your lives, but they can also cause problems by telling you both that you could each get more or that in twenty years time you could be destitute while the other party is having a great time at your expense, etc, etc, etc.

If you are both reasonable people and one of you has the time to read up on divorce procedure and the wording of consent orders ("precedents") then no solicitors need be involved. In any event you might consider, if you haven't already done so, buying a DIY divorce pack on-line or hard copy from Lawpack which gives excellent guidance on how to settle an amicable divorce.

If you do chose to DIY, be prepared for the possibility of a 10 min. hearing in front of a judge for him to satisfy him/herself that you and your xtb both know what you're letting yourselves in for.

Good Luck!

Thank you to everyone that responded to my question. It did put my mind at ease.

Thank you

Hi all,

Just a follow up to this. I am complete new to the divorce thing and its only been 3 weeks since my wife said she wanted out.

We have agreed a price for her to buy me out of the house and we can split the contents in a fair way.

Us too would just like it to be a legal divorce. I've been thinking about going with one of these online companies that complete the forms for you for about £70.

But there is also another option for £150 for a Clean Break.

Can someone tell me what this is in simple terms and if we need it?

150 plus 340 court fees, is that about right?

A straight forward uncontested divorce isn't particularly difficult and there isn't really any point in paying for an online divorce. The forms and guides can be downloaded from hmcourts website and there are instructions here that might be useful.

www.doyourselfjustice.com/startingdivorceproceedings.asp

The financial settlement is a bit more complex, you need one so neither of you have any future claims on the other, but I would always recommend legal advice to ensure there is no come back at a later date.

I used divorce online and the gold service which I have found very good so far. As long as you are still talking and agree on everything I would recommend it.