Colchester Solicitors Asher Prior Bates family department specialises in all kinds of family legal matters including divorce.  One of the questions we are often asked is “how much will my divorce cost?”  The following hopes to guide clients of costs incurred and the fixed divorce fee Asher Prior Bates offers.

Firstly this really depends on whether you instruct a solicitor to represent you, or if you wish to do it yourself, this is known as acting in person.  In either case, there are county court fees to pay, which will remain the same (these are currently £340 for issue and £45 for the Decree Absolute) unless you are exempt from payment by reason of your because you have a low income or certain specified state benefits.

Should you act in person then the court fees above are likely to be the only fees you will pay. Should you instruct a solicitor, then you can expect to pay anything from a few hundred pounds to several thousand (plus VAT) depending on the individual circumstances and the solicitor instructed. You can also ask the court for an order that the other party pays or makes a contribution towards your legal costs.

In most cases we advise you to get a solicitor involved so that you can ensure that any associated financial, property and family matters are also dealt with in a fair and proper way minimising potential conflict for all involved.

At Asher Prior Bates Solicitors based in Colchester, Essex we offer most clients our bespoke fixed fee divorce package at the cost of £500 excluding VAT and disbursements (i.e. court fees).  As part of that fee we can offer an initial consultation dealing with issues in connection with children, and associated property and financial aspects associated with the marriage.  In most cases a “clean break” will be advisable, but it is important that any settlement entered into is bespoke to the individual’s concerned circumstances and needs of the client.

For advice on divorce or other legal family matters, please contact Michael Hicks  on 01206 768331 or by email to mhicks@apblaw.co.uk