How to keep costs down during divorce
One of the most common questions I get asked during divorce proceedings is: “How much is this going to cost me?”
Sometimes that’s in relation to the division of assets between spouses and sometimes it’s a question of fees, administrative expenses and Court costs.
Clients usually refer to horror stories from friends and family in which divorce costs reach into the tens of thousands but, while that does occur in some cases, it doesn’t have to be such a financial burden.
This article aims to provide some practical advice on keeping your costs down during your divorce, based on my experience in dealing with these matters on a daily basis.
Obtain legal advice as soon as possible
Investing in good legal advice as soon as you can, can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.
While it might seem like a way to cut costs by avoiding legal fees, making uninformed decisions can lead to more significant expenses and complications down the line.
Remember that mistakes during divorce don’t just come with more fees, they might mean you lose more of your assets than you have to.
It’s always best to speak to a qualified and experienced solicitor who genuinely has your best interests in mind when going through a divorce.
Remember there are no winners or losers in a family case
Approach negotiations with a mindset of problem-solving rather than winning.
This approach not only saves money but also promotes a more amicable resolution, which can be especially beneficial if children are involved.
Reaching a fair settlement quickly will allow you to move on with your life sooner and with fewer expenses.
Get organised!
One of the most effective ways to keep your costs down during divorce proceedings is to be as organised as possible.
This includes ensuring you have all your financial statements, tax returns, mortgage details, bank statements, pension information, and any other relevant paperwork.
You should also want to make a list of all the assets and debts you and your spouse hold, along with their current values.
The less we have to chase you for these documents, the lower your overall costs should be. reducing the hours billed.
It is also important to label your documents clearly and if possible, organise any time sensitive documents (such as bank statements etc) in chronological order.
All of this preparation helps your solicitor focus on the critical legal work rather than administrative tasks.
Consider your instructions and avoid the temptation to send rushed correspondence or multiple emails when one will suffice
Family law proceedings can be quite the emotional rollercoaster. Take some time to process any correspondence that has been sent to you and if necessary have a slight pause before providing instructions. Making rash decisions can lead to unnecessary expense and stress all round.
Be realistic and willing to compromise
Being realistic about your expectations and willing to compromise can go a long way in reducing the costs of your divorce.
Divorce should be a process of negotiation and insisting on having everything your way can lead to prolonged disputes and increased fees.
Start by asking: “What are the issues that matter most to you?”
For instance, if keeping the family home is your main concern, be prepared to compromise on other aspects, such as splitting financial assets or pension rights.
It’s important to distinguish between your needs and wants – focusing on the former can streamline the negotiation process.
Focus on what matters and not the “minor” issues
Try to avoid extended disputes over minor issues as these can quickly escalate legal fees.
For help and guidance, please get in touch with one of our team.

Shelley De’Worringham
Shelley leads the Family Department, ensuring that we deliver the very best service to our clients with clear advice, strategic planning, empathy and understanding.
Experience
Shelley joined Alsters Kelley in October 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience gained across the UK.
Shelley is regularly instructed by high profile clients to include High Net-Worth Individuals, Celebrities and Senior Professionals. Shelley has a wealth of experience in dealing with cases concerning public sector pensions such as Military, Police, NHS, Government etc, as well as cases involving alleged hidden assets, complex trusts and taxation issues.