Cost of Divorce is set to rise
This autumn sees an increase in fees in family courts and this will have a financial implication for children issues and see the cost of divorce increase.
The fee for a divorce, dissolution and judicial separation petition will increase from £550 to £592 and the fee to commence Children Act proceedings will increase from £215 to £232.
Commenting on the increase, Family Law Solicitor at Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers, Lucinda McWatt says:
“The family courts have been busy throughout the pandemic as for many it has been a time of reflection. We are already seeing delays in proceedings but a price hike in costs could have implications for clients and it seems harsh when the introduction of digital services reduces the costs of the service.
We are particularly concerned about the disproportionate impact on women & victims of domestic abuse but work hard with all clients to find affordable payment plans and options,” she added.
How do the cost of divorce and financial proceedings breakdown?
A divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, will be £592 instead of £550 previously.
For any contested financial order the application fee will increase by £25 to £275.
How will Specific Issue Orders and Children issues change:
An application for any of the following orders will be increasing from £215 to £232:
A Child Arrangements Order, a Specific Issue Order, a Prohibited Steps Order, a Special Guardianship Order.
The Government has said the income will go towards the running of the courts and a Help with Fees scheme is in place to assist those on benefits or on a lower incomes. The last time the divorce fee was increased was 2016.
“Any clients with concerns about cost can chat with us,” added Lucinda McWatt.
At Pearson Solicitors in Oldham, we do not want the cost to be prohibitive to achieving a successful outcome in any family law matter.
Contact our Family Law team for advice on Divorce and Child Care
For some clients contacting a family law solicitor might be unnerving so call us on 0161 785 3500 for a friendly chat and a free no obligation discussion. Alternatively, you can email us at family@pearsonlegal.co.uk
Subscribe to our newsletterPlease note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.
This blog was posted some time ago and its contents may now be out of date. For the latest legal position relating to these issues, get in touch with the author - or make an enquiry now.
