If you’re facing a divorce, you might assume the first step is to hire a solicitor and brace yourself for the bill. But that isn’t your only option. One of the most common questions we hear is simple: can you get divorce without a solicitor — and is it really a good idea? The short answer is yes, you can, and for many people it’s a perfectly sensible, far more affordable route. Here’s an honest, practical guide to how it works, what to watch out for, and where to get support if you want it.

The short answer: yes, you can

There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor to get divorced in England and Wales. You are entitled to manage your own divorce from start to finish — this is known as being a “litigant in person.” Thousands of people do exactly that every year, and since the law changed in 2022 it has become more straightforward than ever.

Why divorce is more DIY-friendly since 2022

The introduction of no-fault divorce in April 2022 removed the need to blame your spouse or prove wrongdoing. You simply confirm that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. This turned what used to be an adversarial process into a largely administrative one that you can complete online through GOV.UK.

The timeline is fixed by law: once the court issues your application there’s a 20-week “reflection period,” then you apply for the conditional order, and after a further 6 weeks and 1 day you can apply for the final order that legally ends your marriage. Start to finish, a divorce takes a minimum of around six months — regardless of whether you use a solicitor or not.

What you can handle yourself

The divorce application itself is very manageable without legal help. In practice it involves:

• Completing the online divorce application (on your own, or jointly with your spouse)
• Paying the court fee — or applying for Help with Fees if you’re on a low income
• Waiting out the 20-week reflection period
• Applying for the conditional order, then the final order

For the exact current fees, see our guide to how much divorce costs in the UK.

The part to be careful with: your finances

Here’s the single most important thing to understand: the divorce itself does not settle your finances. Ending the marriage and dividing your money, property and pensions are two separate processes. Even after your final order, your financial claims against each other can remain open — sometimes for years.

To make a financial agreement legally binding, you need a consent order approved by the court. This is the area where a mistake can genuinely cost you, so while you can absolutely handle the divorce paperwork yourself, it’s wise to get proper help with your financial settlement. Getting it right once protects you for the long term.

Where a McKenzie Friend comes in

“Doing it yourself” doesn’t have to mean doing it alone. A McKenzie Friend gives you experienced support while you represent yourself — helping with paperwork, explaining each stage, organising your evidence, preparing you for any hearings, and being beside you if you do end up in court. It’s the middle ground between going it completely alone and handing everything (and a large bill) to a solicitor. If you’re weighing the two up, our post on the difference between a solicitor and a McKenzie Friend breaks it down.

When you might still want a solicitor

We believe in being straight with you: representing yourself isn’t right for every situation. It’s worth getting formal legal advice if there’s domestic abuse involved, if your finances are complex (business assets, significant pensions, property abroad), if you suspect your ex is hiding money, or if things are highly contested. A good McKenzie Friend will always tell you honestly when your case needs more than self-representation — and point you in the right direction.

How much can you save?

The court fees are the same however you divorce — the savings come from what you don’t spend on solicitor fees. A fully solicitor-managed divorce can run to well over £1,000 in legal costs alone, and far more if finances are involved. Handling the process yourself with McKenzie Friend support can reduce that dramatically while still giving you experienced guidance at every step.

At Shield Family Law we keep pricing transparent and affordable: some of our services are available for a fixed fee, others are charged at an hourly rate, and for any case we’ll provide a clear project quote upfront — so you always know where you stand. You can see how it works on our fees page.

Is it legal to divorce without a solicitor?

Yes. There’s no requirement to use a solicitor. You can apply for and complete your divorce yourself as a litigant in person, with as much or as little support as you choose.

Can I sort out my own financial settlement?

You can reach the agreement yourselves, but to make it legally binding you’ll need a consent order approved by the court. Because errors here can be costly, it’s the one part most worth getting proper help with.

What is a McKenzie Friend?

A McKenzie Friend is someone who supports you while you represent yourself — helping with paperwork, preparation and moral support, and accompanying you to hearings. It’s a recognised legal right and a far more affordable alternative to full solicitor representation.

Thinking about divorcing without a solicitor? Let’s talk

If you’d like to keep your divorce affordable but still have experienced help in your corner, we’re here for you. Shield Family Law provides practical, low-cost McKenzie Friend support to families across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. Book a free, no-obligation consultation and we’ll help you understand your options — honestly and upfront.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Court fees and rules are correct as of 2026 and can change — always check the latest on GOV.UK.