DIY Divorce in the UK: How to Do It Yourself

What if I told you that you could end a marriage without the hefty fees of a lawyer? You’ve heard about those nightmare divorce stories—thousands spent, months of endless back and forth, emotional and financial burnout. What if you could bypass all that?

In the UK, a DIY divorce is not only possible but becoming increasingly common for those who want to keep things simple, quick, and most importantly, affordable. The big secret? You don't need to be a legal expert. With just the right steps, a bit of paperwork, and a calm approach, you can successfully navigate your way out of marriage—no lawyer needed. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how you can do it.

Why People Choose DIY Divorce

Divorces are already tough. Adding legal fees on top of emotional strain? That’s just unnecessary. The average lawyer fees in the UK for a straightforward divorce range from £500 to £1,500, not counting court costs. But for some couples, that’s money better spent elsewhere—on relocation, childcare, or even just saving for the future.

Now, imagine the alternative: a DIY divorce where you only pay court fees, which currently stand at £593. That’s it. No hidden fees, no hourly lawyer rates, no endless phone calls. Just you, your paperwork, and the UK court system.

But why stop there? By taking charge of your own divorce, you remain in control. You’re no longer waiting for solicitors to draft letters or negotiate settlements. It’s all in your hands.

Key requirements to make this possible:

• Agreement on the divorce: Both parties should agree to the divorce. This makes the process smoother and avoids the need for solicitors or contested hearings.
• No major disputes: If there are disagreements about finances, property, or children, then DIY divorce might not be for you. Mediation or legal help may be required in such cases.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of a DIY Divorce in the UK

Let’s break it down into simple, actionable steps. You can go from "I want a divorce" to having it legally finalized, all from the comfort of your home.

1. Check if You’re Eligible

Before you rush into the paperwork, it’s crucial to ensure you meet the UK’s divorce eligibility criteria:

• You must have been married for at least a year.
• Your relationship has irretrievably broken down. This means there’s no chance of reconciliation.
• One of you must be domiciled in the UK.

You’ll also need a reason to divorce, known as “grounds.” The most common grounds for divorce in the UK are:

• Unreasonable behaviour
• Adultery
• Desertion
• Separation for two years (if both agree)
• Separation for five years (even if one party doesn’t agree)

2. File a Divorce Application Online

Filing for divorce has never been easier. In fact, most UK divorces are now processed online. Simply visit the government’s divorce website and fill out an application. You’ll need:

• Your marriage certificate (either a physical copy or a scanned image)
• Personal details of both parties
• The reason for your divorce (as outlined earlier)

Once submitted, you’ll need to pay the court fee, which is £593.

3. Wait for Your Partner’s Response

Once your application has been received, it will be sent to your spouse (unless you’ve filed jointly). They’ll receive a notice asking them to acknowledge the application. They need to respond within 14 days.

At this stage, your spouse has two choices:

• Agree: If they agree to the divorce, you can move on to the next steps quickly.
• Disagree: If they contest the divorce, the process becomes more complicated, and you might need legal help. This moves you out of DIY territory.

4. Apply for Conditional Order

Once your spouse has agreed to the divorce, you can apply for what’s known as a “Conditional Order” (formerly known as Decree Nisi). This is a legal document stating that the court sees no reason why you can’t divorce.

The application for the Conditional Order is straightforward and can be done online. It typically takes about 6 weeks to get approval, depending on how busy the courts are.

5. Final Order: The Last Step

Once you receive the Conditional Order, you must wait 6 weeks and 1 day before applying for the Final Order (formerly known as Decree Absolute). This is the last and most critical step. Once the Final Order is granted, your divorce is legally binding, and your marriage is over.

You can file for the Final Order online, just as you did with previous steps. There are no additional fees at this stage—unless, of course, you’ve fallen behind on any prior payments.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Pitfall 1: Not having all your documents ready
One of the most common mistakes in DIY divorces is failing to have essential documents on hand—such as the original marriage certificate. If you’ve lost yours, you can order a copy from the General Register Office (GRO).

Pitfall 2: Disagreements
While a DIY divorce can work smoothly for couples who agree on everything, things can get messy if disagreements arise—particularly over finances or children. If this happens, mediation might be your best bet before involving solicitors.

Pitfall 3: Incomplete or incorrect forms
It’s crucial to fill out every form accurately. Missing information or errors can lead to delays or even rejection of your application. Take your time, read every section carefully, and review the government’s guidelines to ensure you don’t make mistakes.

What Happens to Finances and Property?

Even with a DIY divorce, financial settlements are still necessary. You’ll need to decide on how assets such as your home, savings, and pensions are divided. While the divorce process itself can be handled on your own, a financial consent order (which legally binds any agreements regarding money) requires a court’s approval.

Without a financial consent order, your ex-spouse could potentially make a financial claim against you years later—even after the divorce has been finalized. It’s worth considering getting legal help for this specific part.

Children and Custody Arrangements

If you have children, you’ll also need to agree on custody and visitation rights. As with financial matters, any decisions made about your children should be documented in a “Child Arrangements Order.” This ensures that both parties are clear on their responsibilities.

The Cost Breakdown

Divorce Step	Cost
Filing for divorce (court fee)	£593
Mediation (optional)	£100-£150 per session
Financial consent order (optional)	£50-£100 (if done by yourself)

Conclusion: Is DIY Divorce Right for You?

A DIY divorce in the UK is certainly an attractive option for many couples, particularly those on good terms who want to avoid excessive legal costs. It’s straightforward, cost-effective, and puts you in control of your own timeline.

However, for couples with more complex financial situations or ongoing disputes, it might not be the best solution. In such cases, seeking legal advice or mediation could save both parties time and stress in the long run.

The key takeaway? If you and your partner are in agreement and have no major assets to divide, a DIY divorce can be a quick and affordable way to end your marriage—without involving solicitors or a hefty price tag.