On-Line Divorce

[DioneTheDiabolist]

I am seeking divorce. Me and the Ex have been apart for 3 years. I applied for Legal Aid and although I am on benefits, I have been told that I would have to pay just over £1000, which I can't afford.

I have seen a site that offers On-Line divorce for much less. Is this legal? Has anyone else done it? There are no assets to dispose of and we have settled access and maintenance ourselves.

Is it really this easy and legal?

Why would you have to pay £1000? If you do it yourself by downloading the relevant forms and the guides on how to fill them in, all you should have to pay is £395 ish court fee which could be waived or part waived depending on benefits etc.

Can't remember the website I got mine from but a good google should do it.

It seems straightforward in your case. The maintenance is for children, not yourself? Any pensions involved? there are things to think about but with careful research and goodwill on both sides it should not be a problem. Would the CAB advise? Could you just pay for an hours solicitor's time just so they could make sure there are not pitfalls? Still on the steep side though if you havent much money, why do you need to repay the legal aid if you are on benefits and there are no assets?

No pensions. No assets. Maintenance sorted for DS not me.

I don't understand the Legal Aid assessment. I did call them but all they said was that: The only benefit exemp from payment is JSA. As I am on Incapacity, they have taken my benefit, added CTA and CB, deducted a (random) sum and assessed my disposable income at £6440 per annum. From this they have decided that I should pay around £1040, just over £85 per month, which I simply cannot afford.

I think OP has been misunderstood. The online divorce costs much less than £1000.
It is all perfectly legal. I'm assuming it's a solicitor behind it. Best to check.

@ DioneTheDiabolist :- I think lubeybooby must be referring to doing a divorce as litigants in person. The relevant court forms and explanatory leaflets will be in the list provided by selecting "Work Type" divorce on this page :- www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/HMCSCourtFinder/FormFinder.do

Info on whether or not you have to pay the fee (fee remission)is in the EX160A leaflet which has an EX160 Form at the end of it :- www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/HMCSCourtFinder/GetLeaflet.do?court_leaflets_id=172