Divorce Costs When Both Agree: A Complete Guide
Understanding the true cost of an amicable or mutual agreement divorce — from the court fee to the consent order that protects you both.
When both parties agree to divorce, costs can be kept to a minimum. But cutting corners on the financial settlement can be an expensive mistake. We explain exactly what you need, what it costs, and why each step matters.
Court fee
£593
Fixed — all divorces
Divorce solicitor fees
From £750
+ VAT
Consent order
From £500
+ VAT — strongly recommended
Typical total
~£1,843+
For straightforward amicable divorce
Full Cost Breakdown: Amicable Divorce
Every amicable divorce involves the same core costs. The total depends on whether you have assets, pensions or property to divide. Here is a transparent breakdown of every cost you may encounter.
Court fee (divorce application)
RequiredFixed government fee paid to HMCTS. The same for all divorces in England and Wales. You may qualify for a fee exemption if you receive certain benefits.
£593
Solicitor fees — divorce proceedings
Our fixed fee covers preparing and filing the divorce application, applying for the conditional order and the final order. This covers the divorce itself — not financial matters.
From £750 + VAT
Consent order (financial agreement)
Makes your agreed financial settlement legally binding. Without one, either party can make financial claims in the future — even years after divorce. Strongly recommended for all divorces.
From £500 + VAT
Financial settlement advice
Even where you agree on finances, independent legal advice ensures the agreement is fair and protects you from future claims. We review your proposed settlement and advise on any risks.
From £300 + VAT
Pension sharing order
If pensions are being divided, a pension sharing order is required in addition to the consent order. Pension actuaries may also be needed to value pension assets.
From £750 + VAT
All fees are exclusive of VAT at 20%. We confirm all costs in writing before any work begins. No hidden extras.
The Amicable Divorce Process: Step by Step
Understanding the process helps you plan costs and timescales. Here is how a mutual agreement divorce works from start to finish.
Joint or sole application
Under no-fault divorce law (in force since April 2022), you can apply jointly or as a sole applicant. A joint application is ideal for amicable divorces — both parties confirm they want the divorce, reducing conflict from the outset.
20-week reflection period
After the application is submitted, there is a mandatory 20-week period before you can apply for the conditional order. This time is well spent agreeing your financial settlement and drafting the consent order.
Conditional order
The court confirms there is no reason why the divorce cannot proceed. Both parties (in a joint application) confirm they wish to proceed.
Financial consent order
Your agreed financial settlement is drafted as a consent order and submitted to the court for approval. The court checks it is fair before sealing it. This is the most important step for protecting both parties.
Final order
Six weeks after the conditional order, you can apply for the final order of divorce. This legally ends the marriage. The consent order takes effect at this point.
Common Misconceptions About Amicable Divorce Costs
Many people underestimate the true cost of an amicable divorce — or make decisions that cost far more in the long run. Here are the most common myths we encounter.
Myth: We agree on everything — we don't need solicitors
Reality: Even where you agree, a solicitor ensures your consent order is correctly drafted and approved by the court. An informal agreement is not legally binding and offers no protection if circumstances change.
Myth: An amicable divorce is always cheap
Reality: The court fee (£593) and basic solicitor fees are fixed and unavoidable. The total cost depends on whether you have assets, pensions or property to divide. A consent order is an essential additional cost.
Myth: We can sort finances after the divorce
Reality: This is one of the most common and costly mistakes. Without a consent order, financial claims remain open indefinitely. We have seen claims made many years after divorce — including against inheritances and lottery wins.
Myth: A joint application means we share one solicitor
Reality: Each party should have independent legal advice, particularly regarding the financial settlement. Sharing a solicitor creates a conflict of interest and may mean the order is not approved by the court.
Your Family Law Specialist
Martin Dias
Family Law Executive
Martin brings almost 30 years of specialist family law experience to every case — divorce, separation, financial settlements and children matters. Clients value his straight-talking honesty, patience, and genuine emotional support throughout what is often a very difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an amicable divorce cost in total?
Can we use one solicitor between us to save money?
What is a consent order and why do I need one?
How long does an amicable divorce take?
What is a collaborative divorce?
Do I need to go to court for an amicable divorce?
Related Family Law Guides
Divorce Costs Chester — Full Guide
Complete cost breakdown for all types of divorce in Chester and Cheshire.
Clean Break Financial Orders
How a clean break order severs all financial ties and protects your future.
Consent Orders Guide
Everything you need to know about obtaining a consent order in the UK.
Spousal Maintenance Guide
Rights, responsibilities and how maintenance is calculated on divorce.
Financial Settlements
How assets, pensions and property are divided on divorce.
Divorce Process Explained
Step-by-step guide to the no-fault divorce process in England and Wales.
Funding Your Legal Fees
Own a property? You may not need savings to fund your case.
If you jointly own the matrimonial home, a Sears Tooth agreement allows us to secure our fees against your share of the property — meaning no upfront payment is required. Fees are deducted when the property is sold or transferred. This option is particularly suited to non-working spouses or those with limited income.
Explore all funding optionsWe do not accept legal aid cases. PDA Law is a private client practice. All family law matters are funded privately — through direct fees, payment plans, or a Sears Tooth agreement where applicable.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
“Martin and the team at PDA Law made an incredibly difficult time much more manageable. Their advice was always clear, compassionate, and practical. I felt fully supported throughout.”
Rebecca H.
Family law client, Chester
* Names changed to protect client confidentiality. Testimonials reflect genuine client experiences.
Get a Fixed-Fee Quote for Your Divorce
We confirm all costs in writing before any work begins. No hidden extras.