Divorce Fees: Clear Fixed Prices, and We Do Not Charge VAT
What an uncontested divorce really costs in England and Wales: our fixed fee, the court fee that every applicant pays, and the things a fixed fee does not cover, set out plainly before you instruct us.
Most people searching for divorce costs want one thing: a straight answer. Many firms quote a fee and then add VAT, then add disbursements, then mention the court fee in the small print. At KQ Solicitors our fees are fixed, they carry no VAT, and the only other cost on a straightforward divorce is the court fee, which goes to the government and not to us.
This page sets out exactly what you pay, what the fixed fee covers, and what it does not. Fees on this page were last updated in November 2026.
Our Fixed Fees for an Uncontested Divorce
These fees apply where the divorce is not disputed, which is now the position in almost every case. Since April 2022, England and Wales has had no-fault divorce, so there is no need to prove blame and a divorce can no longer be contested on the ground of the marriage having broken down.
Applicant
For the person starting the divorce, whether applying alone or jointly with their spouse.
- Advice on the process and your options
- Preparing and filing the application
- Notifying your spouse through the court
- Conditional order and final order applications
Respondent
For the spouse who has received a divorce application from the other side.
- Reviewing the application you received
- Advice on your rights and next steps
- Acknowledging service with the court
- Guidance through to the final order
Consent Order
Makes your agreement about money, property and pensions legally binding.
- Drafting the consent order
- Preparing the financial information form
- Filing with the court for approval
- Needed in addition to the divorce
We Do Not Charge VAT
KQ Solicitors does not add VAT to its fees. The figures above are the full amount you pay us. When comparing quotes, check whether another firm's price is shown "plus VAT", because that adds 20% to the figure you first see.
What Your Total Cost Will Be
Add our fee to the court fee and you have the full cost of the divorce itself. Here is the position for a straightforward case.
| Item | Paid to | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Our fixed fee, applicant | KQ Solicitors | £600 |
| Divorce application court fee | HMCTS (the court) | £628 |
| Total for the divorce | £1,228 | |
| Our fixed fee, consent order (if needed) | KQ Solicitors | £450 |
| Consent order court fee | HMCTS (the court) | £62 |
| Total for the divorce and a consent order | £1,740 |
If you and your spouse apply jointly, the court fee can be shared between you. It is still one court fee of £628 for the application. If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may qualify for Help with Fees, which can reduce or remove the court fee. Help with Fees applies to the court fee only, not to solicitors' fees.
What Is and Is Not Included
Included in the fixed fee
- Initial advice on grounds, timing and process
- Preparing and filing the divorce application
- Dealing with the court and your spouse (or their solicitor)
- Applying for the conditional order and the final order
- Keeping you updated at each stage
Not included (quoted separately)
- The court fee, paid to HMCTS
- Financial settlement and consent order
- Arrangements for children
- Certified translation of a foreign marriage certificate
- Tracing a spouse, or serving papers abroad or by process server
The Divorce Does Not Settle Your Finances
A divorce ends the marriage. It does not, by itself, deal with the house, savings, pensions or debts. Unless a court approves a financial order, your former spouse can still bring a financial claim against you years later. If you have assets, a home or children, a consent order is strongly advisable.
How a Divorce Works, Step by Step
Advice and Instructions
We confirm that you can divorce in England and Wales, collect your details and your marriage certificate, and explain the fee before you pay anything further.
Divorce Application Filed
We file the application with the court, on your own or jointly with your spouse. The court fee is paid at this point.
Your Spouse Is Notified
The court sends the application to your spouse, who confirms receipt by acknowledging service.
20-Week Reflection Period, Then Conditional Order
You must wait 20 weeks from the date the application is issued before applying for the conditional order. This is the court's confirmation that it sees no reason you cannot divorce.
Final Order
You can apply for the final order six weeks after the conditional order. Once it is made, you are legally divorced. Do not apply for it before your finances are protected.
Other Court Fees You May Meet
These are fixed by the government and are the same whichever solicitor you use. They apply only if your case needs more than the divorce itself.
| Application | When it applies | Court fee |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce application | Every divorce | £628 |
| Consent order | You agree the finances and want them made binding | £62 |
| Financial order (Form A) | You cannot agree the finances and need the court to decide | £321 |
| Child arrangements order (C100) | You cannot agree arrangements for children | £270 |
Court Fees Can Change
Court fees are reviewed by the Ministry of Justice, and the divorce fee increased on 13 July 2026. We check the current figure on GOV.UK when we file your application.
Want to Know Your Exact Cost?
Book a free consultation. We will tell you whether a fixed fee suits your situation, what the court fee will be, and whether you need a consent order. No VAT, and no surprises.
Book Your Free Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a divorce cost at KQ Solicitors?
Our fixed fee is £600 for the applicant and £400 for the respondent. The applicant also pays the court fee of £628, so the total for an applicant is £1,228.
Do you charge VAT?
No. KQ Solicitors does not charge VAT, so the fees quoted on this page are the full amount payable to us.
Is the court fee included in your fixed fee?
No. The court fee is paid to HM Courts and Tribunals Service, not to us. It is £628 and is the same whether you apply alone or jointly, and whether or not you use a solicitor. If you qualify for Help with Fees, you may pay less or nothing.
Who pays the court fee?
The applicant pays it. In a joint application the two of you can agree to share it. The respondent does not pay a court fee to respond.
Does the fixed fee include the financial settlement?
No. Dividing property, savings and pensions is separate work. If you agree the terms, we can draft a consent order for the fixed fee shown above, and the court charges £62 to approve it. If you cannot agree, the position is different and we will advise you on the options and costs.
How long does a divorce take?
There is a minimum of 20 weeks between the court issuing your application and your being able to apply for the conditional order, followed by a further six weeks before the final order. In practice, the process usually takes around six months or more, depending on how quickly your spouse responds and how busy the court is.
Can I get divorced if my spouse does not agree?
Yes. Under no-fault divorce, one spouse's refusal cannot stop the divorce. A divorce can be challenged only on narrow grounds, such as the court's jurisdiction or the validity of the marriage.
I married abroad. Does that change the fee?
It can. If your marriage certificate is not in English or Welsh, you will need a certified translation, which is a separate cost. We will tell you before we file whether anything extra is likely to apply.
Do I need a solicitor to get divorced?
No, you can apply yourself through the online service. A solicitor is worth considering where you were married abroad, where your spouse lives overseas, where you cannot find your spouse, or where there are finances, a home or children to protect.