How Much Does a Family Law Solicitor Cost in the UK?

How much does a family law solicitor cost in the UK? Most charge by the hour for open-ended work and a fixed fee for defined steps such as a divorce application. At Prime Legal, an undefended divorce starts from £750 + VAT plus the £628 court fee. A financial or children case that settles through negotiation usually starts from about £1,500 + VAT, and costs rise with each court hearing. The figures below are our published starting points, followed by what pushes a case above them.

Updated November 2026.

The short answer: typical family law costs

Every case is different, but most fall into a small number of patterns. This table shows Prime Legal’s published starting fees for the most common family matters. The full list is on our pricing page.

These are starting points, not quotes. We give you a written estimate before any work begins, and payment plans are available.

Hourly rates or fixed fees?

Our family solicitors and most other firms charge in one of two ways, and many firms mix them.

• Fixed fees work for steps with a predictable amount of work: a divorce application, a consent order, a first meeting. You know the price in advance.
• Hourly rates apply where the work depends on the other side: negotiating finances, contested hearings, disclosure disputes. The rate depends on the solicitor’s seniority and location, and London rates are usually higher than in Manchester or Yorkshire.
• Staged fees sit between the two. Each stage of a case has its own estimate, so you can decide whether to go further once you see how the other side responds. This is how our financial and children fees are set out.

Whichever model is used, you should receive a written estimate at the start and an update whenever it is likely to change. If you have not had one, ask for it. Our guide to your first meeting with a family lawyer covers what to bring and what to ask.

Divorce costs

Since no-fault divorce began in April 2022, the divorce itself is usually the cheapest part of a separation. Neither spouse has to prove blame, and most divorces are not defended. The cost is the solicitor’s fixed fee plus the court fee, which is currently £628. Our no-fault divorce guide explains the process from application to final order.

The real cost of a separation lies in the money and the children. A divorce on its own does not end financial claims between spouses. Without a court order, either of you could make a claim years later, even after the divorce is final.

Financial settlement costs

This is where costs vary most. A couple who agree the split can have it written into a consent order for a modest fee. A couple who cannot agree may end up in financial remedy proceedings, which can run to three hearings and much higher costs.

The main things that push the cost up are:

• Incomplete disclosure. If one spouse hides or delays financial information, the other has to chase it, sometimes through the court.
• Complex assets. Businesses, several properties and pensions often need expert valuations. Pensions are frequently the largest asset, and a pension sharing report adds cost.
• Contested hearings. Each hearing needs preparation, a bundle and representation.
• Positional bargaining. Fighting over items worth less than the legal fees spent arguing about them.

For more on how the court approaches the split, see our guide to financial remedy proceedings.

Child arrangements costs

Most arrangements for children are agreed without a court order. Where they are not, you will normally need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before applying to court, unless an exemption applies, such as evidence of domestic abuse.

Mediation is usually much cheaper than court. A case resolved through mediation or solicitor negotiation stays in our Stage 1 fee band. A case that goes all the way to a final hearing moves through every stage in the table above. Our comparison of mediation and court for child arrangements sets out the differences in time and cost.

Court fees and other disbursements

Court fees are separate from solicitors’ fees and are paid to HM Courts and Tribunals Service. Other disbursements can include mediation fees, expert reports, valuations and barristers’ fees for contested hearings. Court fees change from time to time, so check the current fee on GOV.UK before you apply. Help with Fees is available if you are on a low income or certain benefits.

Can I get legal aid for family law?

Legal aid for private family cases is limited. It is generally only available where there is evidence of domestic abuse or child abuse, and you must also pass a means test. Legal aid can also cover mediation, and if one of you qualifies, the MIAM and first mediation session are usually free for both. If you have experienced abuse, our guide to domestic abuse and family law explains the protection available.

Other options include payment plans, help from family, and in some financial cases an application for the other spouse to contribute to your legal costs.

How to keep family law costs down

1. Get advice early. A short consultation before you reply to your ex or sign anything can avoid expensive mistakes.
2. Be organised. Send documents in full and on time. Time spent chasing paperwork is billed.
3. Try mediation first where it is safe to do so.
4. Keep perspective. Do not spend £2,000 arguing over a £500 item.
5. Ask for staged estimates so you can review costs at each point.
6. Know the process. Our beginner’s guide to family law explains the main steps.
7. Use email sensibly. Group your questions into one message rather than several.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a family law solicitor cost per hour?

It depends on the solicitor’s experience and location. London rates are usually higher than in Manchester, Yorkshire or Lancashire. Ask for the hourly rate of everyone who will work on your file, and for a written estimate of the total.

How much does a divorce cost in the UK?

An undefended divorce with a solicitor typically costs a fixed fee plus the court fee. At Prime Legal, our fixed fee starts from £750 + VAT, plus the £628 court fee. Sorting out finances and children costs extra.

Is a consent order expensive?

Not usually, if you have already agreed the terms. The cost is mainly drafting and a small court fee. It is far cheaper than contested proceedings and protects you from future claims.

Who pays legal fees in a divorce?

Usually each spouse pays their own. In financial proceedings, the court rarely orders one side to pay the other’s costs, unless someone has behaved unreasonably, for example by hiding assets.

Is the first consultation free?

We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and the likely costs. Contact our team to book one, or call 0330 341 4757.

Our family law solicitors act for clients in London, Manchester, Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Please note: This article is general information about the law in England and Wales as at November 2026. Fees shown are starting points and exclude VAT unless stated. It is not legal advice. Prime Legal Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA No. 834471.