7 Ways to Reduce Legal Costs in Divorce Proceedings

Going through a divorce can be emotionally draining, and the financial burden can add another layer of stress. If you're seeking a low-cost divorce option, you're not alone. Here are our tips on reducing your legal costs during a divorce..

1. Prioritise issues based on their importance

During divorce proceedings, it's essential to identify and rank the issues that matter most to you.  

By focusing your resources on high-priority matters – such as custody arrangements or significant asset divisions – you can ensure that these are resolved efficiently. Less critical issues can sometimes be settled through compromise, avoiding prolonged negotiations and reducing costs.

2. Be prepared and organised

Before meeting with your solicitor or barrister, ensure you have all necessary documents and financial information ready. Being organised can significantly reduce the time professionals spend on your case, effectively lowering your legal expenses. This includes having bank statements, property valuations, and other relevant documents readily available.

3. Consider a direct access barrister

Hiring a direct access barrister can potentially result in lower divorce costs. Unlike solicitors, barristers can be instructed directly by clients, cutting out intermediary charges. This approach can be particularly beneficial for specific tasks or court appearances, allowing you to manage certain tasks independently while keeping expert legal advice at hand. 

It’s also worth noting that a number of direct access barristers are family law specialists – meaning you don’t have to sacrifice expertise for a cheaper divorce.

4. Communicate clearly and regularly

Avoiding misunderstandings and unnecessary back-and-forth with your legal representatives can save both time and money. Ensure that your expectations, concerns, and questions are communicated clearly. Email summaries of phone conversations and keep records of all communications to minimise discrepancies.

5. Limit emotional discussions

While it's important to discuss emotional aspects during your divorce, confine these conversations to friends and family – or even therapy sessions – rather than legal meetings. Solicitors often charge by the hour, and using their time for non-legal advice can inflate your costs. 

6. Agree where possible

Settling disputes outside of court can significantly reduce costs. Where reasonable, collaborate with your spouse to agree on as many aspects as possible, such as child custody, asset division, and financial support. Each issue resolved outside of court translates into savings on legal fees and court costs. 

7. Opt for a fixed fee arrangement

Many legal practitioners offer fixed fee arrangements for divorce services, which can help you manage and anticipate costs better. This option involves an agreed-upon fee for specific services, providing transparency and avoiding unexpected expenses. Be sure to discuss all services included in the fixed fee and any potential extra costs, so you can plan your budget accordingly and avoid surprises. 

Wondering if the direct access route might be right for you? Take a look at our FAQs page to find out more about direct access, how it works, and what you can expect when instructing a direct access barrister.