Amicable - cost

[Ashleyupnorth]

Hello all,
Myself and H had an initial 15 minute appointment with Amicable on Tuesday. We were quoted £5910 for their package as we're starting from scratch.

Our situation is quite straightforward and don't forsee any complexities so the cost seems an awful lot in comparison to submission of divorce papers and a financial consent order and maybe a few letters with a solicitor.

Am I missing something?

If it is a clean break and straightforward finances you can do it directly with the courts. It was about £300 when I did it a few years ago and looks like c £600 now.

Seems a lot, here in Scotland I'm paying a solicitor just over a grand to do a separation agreement and my wife has spent over a grand on legal advice to ensure it's ok. But the rules are a bit more prescriptive up here so not that much negotiation in an amicable divorce

@TheDogsMother well there will be pensions to consider. He's a considerable higher earner so I think this is where it will pay for itself potentially?

It does seem an awful lot doesn't it @Farside99 which is why I wondered if I missed something! I guess in the grand scheme of losing thousands potentially the cost isn't too extortionate when its split between us?! maybe!

If it's an all inclusive cost I assume they price it on the basis of sometimes they lose money and sometimes they make money as some situations require more work. Personally I would ask a local solicitor specialising in family law how much it would cost for what you think you need. As I say I'm just experiencing the Scottish version, and pensions seem much easier to deal with up here, so I am definitely not an expert in English costs.

@AshleyupnorthYes in that situation legal advice is a must. My situation was a straight 50/50 so we didn’t need to involve solicitors. Good luck.

That sounds a lot. We are doing through gov website. £612. Financial stuff is separate though I think.

Yes, true. Having had a quick glance at divorce costs on here they vary wildly and I think as @TheDogsMother has mentioned if its a clean break its rather inexpensive. I potentially could end up with losing out. Better get saving!!

Yes @mizu the financial order is different and if its not a clean break it could end up costing a lot via a solicitor.

its hard, isn’t it? I’m trying to buy my H out of our flat and only just starting the process having got advice from an independent mortgage broker who was recommended. He said it is doable but complicated. Having never done anything like this before it’s quite stressful. Good luck!

Oh goodness @mizu yes it is!! I hope you manage to buy your H out of the flat. Wishing you all the luck too x