DIY Divorce in the UK: Is It Worth It?

Around 42% of UK marriages end in divorce, and 37% of divorces are delayed due to cost concerns. To cut expenses, more couples are turning to DIY divorce services, but this option isn’t suitable for everyone.

Only 13% consider pensions when dividing assets; 23% waive rights, impacting retirement.

A DIY divorce involves completing the required forms, filing documents, and navigating the court process without legal assistance. While this approach can reduce costs, it carries significant risks—especially when financial matters remain unresolved.

In this advice article we explain the pros and cons of a DIY divorce, the risks, when it’s right for you and when a DIY divorce is not right for you.

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.

What Does a DIY Divorce Involve?

In the UK, divorce or dissolution refers to the formal end of a marriage or civil partnership. It involves:

– Legally ending the relationship
– Dividing finances and assets
– Making arrangements for any children

Couples often choose a DIY divorce to save money, especially if:

– They can separate amicably
– They have simple finances and minimal assets

While a DIY divorce can reduce costs, it’s important to understand the legal implications and potential risks before proceeding.

What to Consider Before Choosing a DIY Divorce

If you’re thinking about a DIY divorce in the UK, there are important factors to consider before proceeding. When you end a marriage or civil partnership, certain legal rights you gained as a spouse will no longer apply, so understanding the implications is crucial.

The speed and low cost of a DIY divorce can seem appealing, and it may work for straightforward cases. However, the process can become complex when children, shared finances, or property are involved.

There is also currently family law court delays, adding to additional stress, so its important there are no further delays from paperwork or applications being filled in incorrectly.

Ending your marriage legally does not automatically resolve financial matters. Under UK law, even after divorce, you and your ex-partner may still have financial obligations to each other. Without a formal financial agreement, one party could make a claim years later. A divorce solicitor can help protect your assets and ensure all financial issues are settled.

It’s also important to remember that agreements made amicably at the start can change during the process, which is why professional advice is often recommended.

Advantages of DIY Divorce

Low Cost Compared to Instructing a Solicitor

One of the biggest benefits of a DIY divorce in the UK is cost savings. By handling the paperwork and court process yourself, you avoid solicitor fees and keep expenses to a minimum. This makes DIY divorce appealing for couples with simple financial arrangements and no disputes.

Disadvantages of a DIY Divorce

1. Risk of an Unfair Divorce Settlement

Without expert legal advice, you may not receive a fair settlement. Even amicable separations can lead to mistakes. A lack of family law knowledge means you could miss out on assets you’re entitled to.

Worryingly, only 13% of divorcing couples consider pensions when dividing assets, and 23% waive financial rights, which can severely impact retirement plans.

2. Lack of Legal Understanding and Expertise

A family law solicitor ensures your financial agreement is legally binding and protects you from future claims. Without this, errors in paperwork can leave you vulnerable. For example, failing to secure a financial order could allow your ex to make claims years later.

3. High Risk of Mistakes

Divorce is permanent. Errors in forms or court submissions can cause delays, extra costs, and stress. DIY divorce is only suitable for very straightforward cases.

4. Hidden Fees and Delays 

While DIY divorce packages seem cheap, they often exclude court fees and additional costs. Incorrect paperwork can lead to delays, making the process longer and more expensive.

When is a DIY Divorce Not Suitable?

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

– 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

– 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

Why Professional Legal Advice Matters in Divorce

Some online companies offer low-cost services to prepare a divorce petition, but these fees do not include advice on dividing finances or protecting your assets. This can leave you vulnerable to future claims.

It’s essential to get advice from a specialist family law solicitor early in the process. Becoming financially as well as legally divorced ensures your ex cannot make claims against your property, savings, or pensions after the divorce.

How a Family Law Solicitor Can Help

A solicitor provides expert guidance to:

– Explain legal jargon and the implications of your decisions

– Draft 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

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 Family Law team 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. We have specialists that can help with all aspects of the process including child custody and access, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, financial settlements and collaborative law.

Sheffield: 0114 249 66 66

Barnsley:0122 680 51 90

Rotherham: 0170 936 40 00

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