DIY Divorce vs. Hiring a Lawyer: Pros and Cons
Splitting up is incredibly difficult. Once you've made that call, you're staring down another big decision: tackle the divorce yourself or pay for a lawyer? At Skylark Hill, we’ve seen clients agonise over this choice for weeks. The truth is, both paths can work – it really depends on your situation. Cheaper isn't always better, but expensive doesn't guarantee success either. Let’s take a closer look.
What Is a DIY Divorce?
Put simply, DIY divorce means handling everything yourself. You'll fill out the forms, submit the paperwork to the court, and manage the entire process without a solicitor holding your hand. Since the 2022 no-fault divorce reforms, the process has become a bit more straightforward in England and Wales.
Most people use online services that provide the basic templates and some guidance on filling everything out properly. You'll still pay the court fee, but you'll save on legal fees. If you're thinking about going it alone, you might want to check out our ultimate guide on how to get a divorce before diving in.
What Does Hiring a Divorce Solicitor Involve?
When you hire a solicitor, you're paying for their expertise and time. They'll manage all the legal bits – drafting documents, filing paperwork on time, and representing your interests throughout. They know the system inside out and can spot potential issues before they become problems.
A good divorce lawyer doesn't just handle paperwork. They're part counsellor, part financial advisor, and part negotiator. We've seen countless cases where having experienced legal support for divorce cases made all the difference, especially when things got heated or complicated.
Pros and Cons of DIY Divorce
Pros of DIY Divorce
The biggest win with DIY divorce is the cost savings. While a solicitor might charge anywhere from £2,000 to £15,000+ plus VAT depending on complexity, doing it yourself means you're only paying that court fee.
You're also in complete control. No waiting for your solicitor to return calls or explaining yourself repeatedly to different people.
Speed can be another advantage. Without the back-and-forth between legal teams, things can move faster when you're handling it yourself.
Cons of DIY Divorce
Let's be honest – you might miss things. We’ve seen people agree to settlements that seemed fair at the kitchen table but left them financially vulnerable years later. Without proper legal advice, it's easy to overlook important details like pension sharing or the true value of assets.
Stress is another factor. While you're saving money, you're taking on all the responsibility for getting things right. Make a mistake on the forms? That's on you. Miss a deadline? Also on you.
And if your ex-partner decides to renege on promises halfway through, you might find yourself out of your depth without professional support.
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Divorce Solicitor
Pros of Hiring a Divorce Solicitor
Knowledge is power when it comes to divorce. Solicitors have spent years learning the ins and outs of family law, so they know what judges look for, what's reasonable to ask for, and how to negotiate effectively.
They also provide emotional distance. When you're in the thick of a breakup, it's hard to think clearly. A solicitor can give objective advice without the emotional baggage.
For complex situations – businesses, large assets, international elements, or difficult exes – having a professional in your corner can be priceless.
Cons of Hiring a Divorce Solicitor
The cost is the obvious downside. Legal fees add up, especially if your case drags on or gets contentious.
Some people also feel they lose control of the process. Your case becomes one of many for the solicitor, while for you, it's your whole life, and this element can be frustrating.
The process might also take longer with legal teams involved, as schedules need to align and communications go back and forth.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between DIY and a Solicitor
Complexity of Financial Arrangements
Got a house, pension, investments or a business? The more complicated your finances, the riskier DIY becomes. We’ve seen too many people lose out on their fair share simply because they didn't know what to ask for or how to value complex assets properly.
Child Custody & Support Considerations
Having children changes everything. If you're arguing over where the children will live or how often each of you sees them, professional help often proves its worth. Courts take child/children arrangements very seriously, and getting this wrong can affect your family for years.
Spousal Agreement
How well do you and your ex get along? If you're still able to have civil conversations and broadly agree on how to split things, DIY might work. If there's bad blood, ongoing arguments or power imbalances, you'll likely need professional support.
Understanding UK Divorce Law
Be honest with yourself. Are forms, legal language and court procedures your thing? Some people take to it naturally; others break out in a cold sweat just thinking about it. There's no shame in admitting you need help navigating the system - that’s what we’re here for.
Final Thoughts
There's no perfect answer to whether you should DIY your divorce or hire a solicitor. For straightforward, amicable separations with simple finances, doing it yourself can save thousands. For everything else, at least some professional input usually pays for itself.
Many people take a middle path – handling the basic divorce themselves but getting specific legal advice on finances or children. This can give you the best of both worlds: some cost savings plus protection where it matters most.
Whatever you decide, remember that divorce is temporary, but its outcomes can be permanent. Better to get it right than to get it cheap.
