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Divorce/separation

Here you'll find divorce help and support from other Mners. For legal advice, you may find Advice Now guides useful.

Original poster

Applying for divorce online

12 replies

4Candle · 23/02/2025 08:27

Hi, I want to file for divorce, is there any advantage to using a solicitor for this step? Or is it just best to do it online myself? Is the form easy to fill in?

We will want to use solicitors for mediation later I presume; just wondered is it best to keep every stage with a solicitor?

OP posts:
Strictlyfan74 · 23/02/2025 08:36

It’s really easy to do it yourself. I did unfortunately have to go to a solicitor after mediation failed, but they just asked me to send them a copy of the application. So yes do it yourself as it will save you a bit of money.

Original poster
4Candle · 23/02/2025 08:44

Strictlyfan74 · 23/02/2025 08:36

It’s really easy to do it yourself. I did unfortunately have to go to a solicitor after mediation failed, but they just asked me to send them a copy of the application. So yes do it yourself as it will save you a bit of money.

Thanks for that, do you use mediation at a solicitors though?

OP posts:
Strictlyfan74 · 23/02/2025 09:25

No, I did Mediation first (5 sessions!) which is separate to a solicitor. I did pay a solicitor for 1 hour’s advice first just to be clear on the law and what would be deemed ‘fair’ as my ex was trying to railroad me. In hindsight Mediation was a waste of money and time as he was never going to declare all his accounts/assets or even agree to get our property valued, so I ended up having to instruct a solicitor and I’m going through the court process now. His Form E (financial declaration) was a work of fiction 🙄 good luck OP, stay calm, do loads of research and take one day at a time.

Original poster
4Candle · 23/02/2025 09:54

Strictlyfan74 · 23/02/2025 09:25

No, I did Mediation first (5 sessions!) which is separate to a solicitor. I did pay a solicitor for 1 hour’s advice first just to be clear on the law and what would be deemed ‘fair’ as my ex was trying to railroad me. In hindsight Mediation was a waste of money and time as he was never going to declare all his accounts/assets or even agree to get our property valued, so I ended up having to instruct a solicitor and I’m going through the court process now. His Form E (financial declaration) was a work of fiction 🙄 good luck OP, stay calm, do loads of research and take one day at a time.

Thankyou.

OP posts:
brownbeauty80 · 24/02/2025 08:32

The divorce application is straightforward online..
It costs £593..
A solicitor will charge another £300 for filling in the form for you..
it's just your details and other sides name address phone number email..
Nothing that you don't already know..

JKM66 · 25/02/2025 11:15

Online divorce is simple and easy. I wouldn't involve a solicitor on the divorce but you might need to later, if you do not agree on finances. For the financial order even if you agree on everything have a solicitor draft your consent order as it has been proven that the judge wants you both to have legal advice. Good luck.

Pinkpanther111 · 29/08/2025 16:49

JKM66 - thank you so much.

dc1961 · 15/09/2025 12:49

Online divorce is, as others have said, really simple. However, be careful not to completely finalise the divorce BEFORE you have a signed financial agreement otherwise the other party can come back years later and start a financial claim. Mediation is very expensive

Backtoschooltime · 15/09/2025 16:41

Get a 1 hour session with a lawyer to know what you are entitled to, submit the divorce online, agree the financial and childcare split between you based on the advice you got (might take a few meet ups & as others have said perhaps escalating to need to pay for mediation but avoid if you can), get the lawyers to write the financial agreement in a consent order (cost ££ but means it is final), then and only then apply for the decree absolute.

edited to add that by submit divorce online I mean you do that and not the solicitor.

ChirpyAmberLion · 04/03/2026 15:38

I did mine myself post us selling the family home and going our separate ways. We'd already agreed to 50/50 from the sale proceeds, maintenance and the 2 days per week DS's 'should' be with him, but he was a fucker, challenged the meager £250 per month maintenance (because of course that was't for the DS's at all and was just for me 🙄). Plus the two days a week NEVER EVER came to fruition. It was when it suited him, never overnight, and for a couple of hours when he was 'free'. Oh I remember now, he had spoken about taking me to court for custody. 😂😂😂

I could have quite easily used a Solicitor but I was honestly more concerned at keeping my pension (he didn't have one at the time) and getting the divorce over the line quick smart before he cottoned on, or it potentially came in to question by a Solicitor.

I delivered everything to the court by hand and jumped with joy when I got the decree absolute. 🤗

Legoleopard · 04/03/2026 17:39

I did online. Really easy and straightforward.

Ours was mostly amicable though and we were on speaking terms.

Anything unsure of i googled.

Ralphiesaurus · 06/03/2026 18:00

This thread caught my eye as I am literally about to do this (got halfway through the online form today but havent yet submitted it). I took legal advice last week - needed to be clear on overall steps and likely outcomes - and lawyer recommended doing the filing myself online as less expensive. She will be available for drawing up the financial consent order in due course. Have been meaning to do this for a long time but for lots of reasons (mainly ill-founded husband threats, and DA) i postponed... until now.

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