DIY Divorce UK: Is a DIY Divorce Really Worth It?

A DIY divorce may seem like the cheapest way to end a marriage. With online applications and no-fault divorce making the process appear straightforward, many couples choose to handle their divorce without a solicitor.

However, while applying for the divorce itself is relatively simple, the biggest risks often arise when dealing with finances, pensions, property and arrangements for children.

Many people mistakenly believe that once their divorce is final, all financial ties with their former spouse end automatically. This is not the case. Without the right legal protections, a former spouse may be able to make financial claims years after the divorce has been completed.

Before you choose a DIY divorce, it’s important to understand the potential risks and hidden costs.

Common DIY Divorce Mistakes We See

Over the past 5-years, financial pressures have delayed roughly 280,000 recent divorces. To cut expenses, more couples are turning to DIY divorce services, however these come with risks such as:

1. Forgetting about pensions

Only 1 in 5 divorcees consider pensions when dividing assets and 1 in 4 waive rights to a share of their partner’s pension. This can impact your retirement. Many divorcing couples focus on property and savings but overlook pensions, which are often one of the most valuable assets in a marriage.

2. Risk of unfair divorce settlement

Without expert legal advice, you may not receive a fair settlement. Many people underestimate the value of their marital assets and overlook assets or don’t consider their long-term financial needs when negotiating a settlement. Once an agreement has been reached, it can be difficult and costly to challenge.

3. Making informal agreements

Verbal agreements are not legally binding when it comes to divorce, finances or arrangements for children. It’s also important to remember that any informal agreements made amicably at the start can change during the process as circumstances, finances or emotions evolve. Without a legally binding agreement, disputes can arise later, potentially leading to additional stress, delays and legal costs.

4. Undervaluing assets

Businesses, investments and pensions are often incorrectly valued.

5. Failing to obtain financial orders

Without the correct financial order, your ex-partner may still be able to make future claims. A family law solicitor ensures your finances are protected from future claims and that all paperwork is legally binding.

6. Making child arrangements without legal advice

Disagreements can arise later even where child arrangements initially appear amicable. As children grow older and circumstances change, parents may have different views on living arrangements, contact, schooling, holidays or other important decisions. Obtaining legal advice early can help ensure arrangements are practical, focused on the child’s best interests and less likely to result in future disputes.

7. Choosing a DIY divorce based only on cost

Saving a little money today could result in losing hundreds or even thousands in a financial settlement.

8. Making administrative mistakes

Errors in forms or court submissions can cause delays, extra costs, and stress. Incorrect paperwork can lead to delays, making the process longer and more expensive.

9. Not understand hidden fees

While DIY divorce packages seem cheap, they often exclude court fees and additional costs.

Thinking about a DIY divorce?

Before making any decisions, contact one of our specialist divorce solicitors. We offer fixed-fee divorce services and a free initial consultation to help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes. Contact us to make a free consultation.

DIY Divorce vs Fixed Fee Divorce Solicitor: What Do You Actually Get?

DIY Divorce	Fixed Fee Divorce Solicitor
Complete paperwork yourself	Professional guidance throughout
Risk of mistakes	Documents prepared correctly
No advice on finances	Advice on financial settlements
No protection from future claims	Financial orders and clean break advice
Lower upfront cost	Greater long-term protection

When is a DIY Divorce Not Suitable?

A DIY divorce is not appropriate for most cases. You should always seek professional family law advice if any of the following apply:

• – There are shared or individual assets, such as property, pensions, savings, shares, trusts, businesses, or investments
• – There are disagreements about child arrangements, including where a child should live and how much time they spend with each parent
• – You need advice about claiming costs from your spouse
• – You want to be legally separated but not divorced
• – You are filing a petition for annulment
• – You have been married for less than 12 months
• – You are in a civil partnership

The Biggest DIY Divorce Risk: Financial Settlements

For most couples, the divorce application itself is not the hardest part of the process.

The real challenge is reaching a fair financial settlement.

This can involve:

• – Property
• – Pensions
• – Savings
• – Investments
• – Business interests
• – Debts
• – Maintenance arrangements

A DIY divorce may legally end your marriage, but without a formal financial order you could remain financially linked to your former spouse. Find out more on divorce financial settlements.

Can You Handle Child Arrangements Yourself?

Many parents can reach agreements about their children without going to court. However, even where arrangements seem straightforward initially, disagreements can arise over time, including:

• – Where a child lives
• – Schooling
• – Holidays
• – Contact arrangements
• – Relocation

A family law solicitor can help parents reach clear, practical agreements that are focused on the child’s best interests while reducing the risk of future disputes. Where agreement cannot be reached, a solicitor can explain your legal options, protect your parental rights and even represent you in family court, helping you secure the best possible outcome for your child. Find out more on child arrangements.

How a Family Law Solicitor Can Help

A family law solicitor provides expert divorce guidance and support, including:

• – Explaining legal jargon and the implications of any decisions
• – Drafting your divorce petition correctly, using the right wording and reasons for ending your marriage or civil partnership
• – Handle divorce, finances, and child arrangements together for a complete solution
• – Review your financial settlement to ensure it’s fair—you could be entitled to more
• – Offer impartial advice if you’re unsure where to start
• – Secure the best outcome for your children
• – Deal with your divorce, finances and children arrangements simultaneously

Beyond legal expertise, a solicitor helps reduce the emotional and physical stress of divorce. Having a trusted professional by your side makes the process faster, smoother, and less overwhelming—something a DIY divorce cannot guarantee.

Divorce Solicitors at Howells

Our divorce specialists can help you through your divorce, providing invaluable support and guidance along the way. We offer a free consultation to all new clients to discuss your options and costs, and we offer fixed fee divorce packages from £330. We can also deal with your divorce, financial settlement and children arrangements in one, keeping costs low and making the process more efficient. And, most importantly, making sure conflict is reduced to a minimum for you and your family.

Thinking about a DIY divorce? Request a call back below or call us on 0114 2235 807 to book your free consultation today.

DIY Divorce Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DIY divorce?

A DIY divorce in the UK (do it yourself divorce) is when a couple handles the divorce process themselves, without hiring a solicitor. This means completing all the required forms, submitting documents, and navigating the court process independently, without a divorce solicitor.

Do I need a solicitor for divorce?

No, but it is advised as obtaining legal advice can be invaluable when dealing with finances, property, pensions or arrangements for children. A solicitor can help ensure any agreements are fair, legally binding and protect you from future financial claims. This aligns with common guidance that the divorce itself is separate from resolving financial matters.

Can a DIY divorce include a financial settlement?

A DIY divorce can include discussions about how finances should be divided but reaching an agreement and making it legally binding are two different things. A divorce does not automatically end financial claims between spouses. Without a court-approved financial order, either party may still be able to make financial claims in the future. A family law solicitor can advise on pensions, property, savings and other assets, helping ensure any settlement is fair and properly documented.

Is DIY divorce suitable when children are involved?

If there are disagreements about where a child should live, contact arrangements, schooling, holidays or relocation, legal advice is strongly recommended. A solicitor can help parents reach practical, child-focused agreements and reduce the risk of disputes arising in the future, while ensuring the child’s best interests remain the priority.

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