The divorce process can be funded by the publicly funded scheme (legal aid) for those who are financially eligible for it. Our solicitors have many years of experience in divorcing people under the scheme and continue to be committed to helping those who are eligible.
What if legal aid is not available?
Stephensons are delighted to be able to offer low cost fixed fees for divorce. We recognise that divorcing can be a stressful not least the question of ‘how much will this cost?’ For ease, simplicity and certainty, we offer two fixed fee divorce packages for the full divorce process.
We offer a fixed fee for those who want to start the divorce ‘the petitioner fixed fee’ and a fixed fee for those who have received the divorce papers ‘the respondent fixed fee’.
We also offer fixed fees for specific and limited areas of the divorce process.
The fixed amount quoted is what it will cost for each process and is available for those who qualify and have an undefended divorce.
What is included in the fixed fees and what is the cost?
Our solicitors will advise if one of our packages is appropriate.
The petitioner fixed fee includes all work from the preparation of the divorce papers and commencement of the proceedings up to and including the granting of the Decree Absolute. The fixed fee includes solicitor costs, VAT and the Court fees. Our petitioner fixed fee is £895 in total.
The respondent fixed fee includes all work necessary to complete the Acknowledgment up to and including receiving the Decree Absolute. The fixed fee includes solicitor costs and VAT. Our respondent fixed fee is £360 in total.
There are no hidden costs in our divorce packages. The fixed fee is what is paid.
What is included in the petitioner fixed fee of £895?
- VAT
- Initial consultation
- All divorce correspondence with our client, their spouse and the Court
- Preparing the Court documents
- Working together to finalise the Court papers
- Starting the divorce process and paying the Court fee (£340)
- Receiving the Acknowledgement of Service
- Preparing the application for Decree Nisi and sending it to our client
- Applying for the Decree Nisi
- Receiving confirmation of the date of Decree Nisi
- Receiving Decree Nisi and sending it to our client
- Preparing the application for Decree Absolute and sending it to our client
- Applying for Decree Absolute and paying the Court fee (£45)
What is included in the respondent fixed fee of £360?
- VAT
- Initial consultation
- All divorce correspondence with our client, their spouse and the Court
- Completing the Acknowledgement and returning it to the Court
- Receiving confirmation of the date of Decree Nisi
- Receiving Decree Nisi and sending it to our client
- Receiving Decree Absolute and sending it to our client
What is not included in the fee?
- Expenses charged by other professionals, for example the cost of obtaining a replacement marriage certificate.
- Unforeseen circumstances and complexities, for example if the divorce becomes defended, or papers require amending, or a spouse fails to progress or cooperate with the divorce, or there are issues about divorce costs.
- Any advice or correspondence relating to financial issues or concerning children.
In situations where there is need for additional work which is not included within the fixed fee our clients are immediately advised and no further expense is incurred until a new fee arrangement has been agreed. Variations from the agreed fixed fee will occur if the work needed has changed. If this occurs our solicitors consider the change and impact upon the divorce process, and if developments fall outside the agreed plan of action then our clients are immediately notified in writing and retain the choice of accepting a new arrangement.
What additional fixed fees are available?
In addition to offering fixed fee divorce packages, we are also pleased to be able to offer limited pieces of work which are also at fixed cost to provide assistance to those who want limited help.
Preparation of Divorce Papers - £250
This fee is for those who wish to petition for divorce but do not want to have the involvement of solicitors through the process. It covers an initial consultation, specific advice relevant to the divorce and preparation of the Court papers. Our solicitors will prepare the documents to start the Court process which can be taken away and used. Although this is a limited piece of work, experience shows that accurate and detailed papers setting out the reasons for divorce can make all the difference to the process and the outcome. This package can help and support those who wish to petition for divorce but also wish to limit the costs by dealing with the process themselves whilst having the confidence to know that there is good prospects of success as their paperwork is right.
Completing Acknowledgement - £120
This fee is for those who have received divorce papers but do not want to have the involvement of solicitors through the divorce process. It covers an initial consultation, specific advice relevant to the divorce and completion of the Acknowledgement received with the papers. The completed Acknowledgement can be taken away to be filed with the Court. Although this is a limited piece of work, experience shows that accurate completion of the Acknowledgement can make all the difference to the process. This package can assist those who wish to agree to the divorce but also wish to limit the costs by dealing with the process themselves whilst having the confidence to know that the Acknowledgement is completed correctly and that they have complied with requirements of the Court.
How to pay?
Payment cannot be easier. We are able to accept cash, cheque or payment by card. If payment is by card then it can be taken in the office, over the phone or via our website.
We ask for payment of the fixed fee in full at the start of the case.
We can accept payment of the petitioner fixed fee by two instalments by making an initial payment of £500 at the start of the case and a second payment of £395 four weeks thereafter.
