how much does divorce cost?

[katkit]

hello,
i'm getting divorced from my husband of 5 years. we would both like to do it nicely (ha) using mediation, however i'm worried now that a disagreement is brewing over how we divide up our assests. how much does divorce cost? i am quaking whilst writing this. is it pointless paying for lawyers if all the assets are taken by lawyer's fees?

during the 5 years we have saved nothing. we do however have some cash which i received in september last year (after we broke up). my husband wants about 30% of this. we have a toddler who would stay primarily with me.

if anyone could share their experience of how much divorce costs (and how court was) i would be grateful.

[countydurhamlass]

your actual divorce should cost around £1200 (on the generous side) including court fees based on a solicitor charging £200 per hour for the person issuing divorce proceedings, its the financial side of it that can cost a fortune. it could cost anywhere between £1500 - £10,000! each

a solicitor will want to see each person's financial information, 12 months bank statements, valuation of properties, details of any policies, savings, matrimonial debts etc (you each would need your own solicitor) so to make life easier you could both collect this each ready for when they ask for it. they will then work out what is in the "matrimonial pot" assets minus liabilities and then help you decide on the best way to split it. if you can agree between yourself it would be much easier.

details of what you agree is put into a Consent Order to be filed at court after the Decree Nisi stage of your divorce. the judge considers this and then decides whether or not to approve it (usually does if it is fair to both parties).

You could do the divorce yourself. you can get the forms online or at a county court and they are easy to fill in. then just leave the solicitors to deal with finances thereby saving yourself some money.

you dont need to go to court for the divorce side of it and it is in only extreme circumstances where you cannot come to an agreement after negotiation that you would go to court regarding finances. if there really isnt much to argue over then most decent solicitors will try and prevent court proceedings

[katkit]

thsnks so much, county, invaluabl info. only just been able to sneak back on here.