Divorce solicitors in St AlbansNobody has to be blamed.
We deal with the paperwork and guide you through each step, for a fixed fee.
- Fixed fees, agreed upfront
- Solicitor-led, St Albans office
- Reply within 1 working day
Divorce application
£950+ VAT
£1,140 including VAT
- Included
- Check you can apply
- Prepare and submit the application
- Your spouse is notified
- Apply for the conditional order
- Apply for the final order
- Not included
Court fee to apply for a divorce: £628 (no VAT)
If you have a low income and limited savings, you may be able to get help paying the court fee through the government's Help with Fees scheme.
- Typical timescale
- The law sets minimum waiting periods: 20 weeks from when the court issues the application before you can apply for the conditional order, then at least 6 weeks and 1 day before you can apply for the final order.
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- Fixed feesAgreed in writing before we start
- 1 working dayTo reply to every message
- English, বাংলা, اردو, हिन्दीLanguages we speak
What it costs
A fixed fee for handling your divorce application from start to finish, agreed before we start.
| Service | Our fee | Including VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce application | £950+ VAT£1,140 incl. VAT | £1,140 |
Our fees are + VAT at 20%. They don't include court fees, which you pay directly to the court.
- Court fee to apply for a divorce£628
Court fees have no VAT. Correct at 25 October 2026.
If you have a low income and limited savings, you may be able to get help paying the court fee through the government's Help with Fees scheme.
Typical timescale. The law sets minimum waiting periods: 20 weeks from when the court issues the application before you can apply for the conditional order, then at least 6 weeks and 1 day before you can apply for the final order. Beyond that, it depends on the court and on when you choose to apply for each order.
Your fixed fee, in writing, before we start.
Tell us about your situation on a free call and we'll confirm the fee that applies to you.
Book a free call for your quoteIs this you?
Not sure? Answer 3 quick questions or book a free call and tell us what's happened.
- Your marriage or civil partnership has broken down and you want to end it legally.
- You're not sure whether to apply on your own or together with your spouse.
- You want a solicitor to deal with the forms and the court, so you know it's done properly.
What's included
Step 1: Check you can apply
We confirm you've been married for at least a year and that the courts in England and Wales can deal with your divorce. We help you decide between a sole or joint application.
Step 2: Prepare and submit the application
We prepare the divorce application, including the statement that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, and submit it to the court with your marriage certificate.
Step 3: Your spouse is notified
In a sole application, the papers are sent to your spouse (the respondent), who must confirm they've received them. In a joint application, you apply together, so this step isn't needed.
Step 4: Apply for the conditional order
Once 20 weeks have passed since the court issued the application, we apply for the conditional order. The court checks you're entitled to a divorce and, if so, makes the order.
Step 5: Apply for the final order
At least 6 weeks and 1 day after the conditional order, we can apply for the final order, which legally ends the marriage. We'll advise you on whether to wait until your finances are sorted first.
What no-fault divorce means
Since April 2022, you don't need to blame your spouse or prove you've been separated for a set time. The only legal requirement is a statement that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, and the court accepts that statement as proof. The same process applies to ending a civil partnership, which is called dissolution.
Sort out your finances too
The divorce ends your marriage, but it doesn't end financial claims between you. Until a court order deals with them, either of you could make a claim in future, even years later. Whether you've agreed or not, it's worth dealing with your finances alongside the divorce, ideally before the final order is made.
Who will handle your case
Every matter is supervised by
Sony Sadaf Haroon
Principal solicitor, SRA ID 482574
Your matter is run by one of our SRA-regulated solicitors. We'll tell you who your contact is when you instruct us.
Sony supervises our solicitors and caseworkers, and is the firm's Compliance Officer for Legal Practice and for Finance and Administration. She studied at SOAS University of London, was called to the Bar by Lincoln's Inn in 1997, and qualified as a solicitor in 2008.
Check us on the SRA register (opens in a new tab)In our clients' words
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I contacted Sony to get advice after my settlement application was refused. Her professional advice helped us to decide what would be the best option for the next step. The whole process was very quick and smooth, the correspondence was fantastic, and I received a positive decision from the HO literally a couple of hours after all necessary documentation was sent off. I would really recommend Sony Law for their professionalism, efficiency, understanding, and help, and I will definitely go back in the future if needed. Many thanks, Sony!
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I used Sony Law after a recommendation from a friend, and they didn't let me down. They explained everything clearly and kept me updated throughout the process. There were no hidden charges, and they worked very hard throughout the case. I really recommend them, and the service was highly professional.
How much will my divorce cost?
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Guides on this topic
- The divorce process in England and Wales, step by stepHow no-fault divorce works in England and Wales: applying, the 20-week wait, the conditional order and final order, and how money and children fit in.5 min read
- Is a nikah-only marriage legal in the UK?What a nikah that was never legally registered means in England and Wales, your rights if you separate, how to register a civil marriage, and talaq and khula.6 min read
- How a consent order worksWhat a consent order is, what it can cover, how to apply, and what the judge checks, so your financial agreement on divorce becomes legally binding.4 min read
Frequently asked questions
Does my spouse have to agree to the divorce?
No. You only need to state that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, and nobody has to be blamed. Your spouse can only dispute the divorce on limited legal grounds, such as whether the courts in England and Wales can deal with it.
Should we apply on our own or jointly?
A joint application suits couples who both agree and will cooperate. A sole application doesn't depend on your spouse taking each step with you. We'll help you decide.
Why is there a 20-week wait?
The law builds in 20 weeks between the application being issued and applying for the conditional order. It gives you both time to reflect and to work out arrangements for money and children.
We married abroad. Can we divorce here?
Usually, as long as your marriage was legally valid where it took place and the courts in England and Wales can deal with your divorce, for example because you both live here. If your marriage certificate isn't in English, you'll need a certified translation.
Should I wait before applying for the final order?
Often, yes. Once the final order is made, you can lose rights linked to being married, such as a survivor's pension from your spouse's scheme, so it's usually wise to have your financial order approved first. If you wait more than 12 months after the conditional order, you'll need to explain the delay to the court.
What if my spouse doesn't respond?
The divorce can still go ahead. There are other ways to show the court your spouse has received the papers, and we'll explain the options.
Book a free 15-minute call
Tell us a little about your situation and pick a time. Our team will call you, explain how we can help and what it will cost.
It takes about two minutes. If you'd like us to help after the call, we send you a fixed quote in writing. There's no obligation.
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