Life events
Borrowing after divorce or separation
Financial separation, removing a joint borrower, credit file impact, bridging costs during a split, and rebuilding financially on your own.
6 min read → Family law costs
Divorce Costs Loan —
Fixed Cost, Fast Decision
Divorce brings unavoidable financial pressure: solicitor retainers, court filing fees, and the sudden cost of running a household alone. A Cash Train loan gives you a fixed amount, fixed monthly repayments, and a clear end date — so you can focus on what matters.
Apply now →Unregulated lender • Apply online — decision in minutes • Subject to status and affordability
Understanding the cost
What divorce actually costs in England & Wales
Divorce costs depend on whether proceedings are contested and how complex your financial arrangements are. The figures below are typical ranges for 2024 — your situation may differ.
Court divorce petition fee
£593
The HMCTS online divorce application fee, payable at the point of filing. A fee remission may apply if you are on a low income.
Solicitor — uncontested divorce
£750–£2,500
Fixed-fee solicitor service covering the petition, consent order drafting, and correspondence where both parties agree.
Solicitor — contested divorce
£3,000–£15,000+
Hourly rates of £150–£400 per hour are common. A contested financial settlement can run to multiple hearings over 12–18 months.
Interim living costs
£500–£3,000
Rental deposit and first month's rent, utility set-up costs, or replacing shared household items after separation.
Child arrangements order
£500–£2,000
Solicitor fees to draft and file a child arrangements order if you and your ex cannot agree informally.
Financial consent order
£400–£1,200
Converts an informal financial agreement into a court order — essential to prevent future financial claims.
Free financial guidance is available at MoneyHelper, including a divorce cost calculator and a guide to splitting pensions.
Is a loan the right choice?
When a personal loan makes sense — and when it doesn't
When a loan can help
- You need to pay a solicitor retainer upfront before the financial settlement is finalised
- You're covering an interim rental deposit while the marital home is sold
- Legal aid is not available for your matter and you need access to representation quickly
- A fixed monthly repayment fits your new solo household budget better than an unpredictable overdraft
- The amount required is £100–£5,000 — enough for fees without taking on an unsustainable burden
Alternatives to consider first
- Legal aid — available for certain family law matters, particularly where domestic abuse is involved. Check at gov.uk/legal-aid.
- Mediation — MIAM (Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting) is required before most court applications and is cheaper than litigation.
- Fixed-fee solicitors — many firms offer unbundled services so you only pay for what you need.
- Citizens Advice — free guidance on divorce process and financial settlements.
- Family court self-representation — some applicants represent themselves (litigants in person) for straightforward matters.
How Cash Train works for divorce costs
Three steps to funding your legal costs
Apply online today — get a fast decision. Fixed monthly payments, no hidden fees.
Apply online
Tell us how much you need and what it's for — no commitment, no hard credit search at this stage. Takes around two minutes. We'll confirm your loan details by email.
Fast lending decision
Complete your full application online once we're live. We assess affordability and creditworthiness and aim to give you a decision the same day.
Funds to your account
Approved funds go straight to your nominated bank account. Pay your solicitor, the court fee, or your deposit directly — repay us in fixed monthly instalments.
Indicative loan amounts
Choose the right amount for your situation
All amounts and terms are indicative only, subject to status and affordability assessment.
£100–£750
1–6 months
Court fees & initial consultation
Covers the HMCTS petition fee and a fixed-fee solicitor consultation. Suitable for uncontested divorces where the main cost is the court charge.
Apply now →£750–£2,500
6–18 months
Uncontested divorce & consent order
A typical uncontested divorce with a financial consent order drafted by a solicitor. The most common range for straightforward separations.
Apply now →£2,500–£5,000
12–24 months
Interim costs & complex matters
Contested elements, rental deposits, or sustained solicitor engagement over several months. Covers the upfront gap before a settlement is reached.
Apply now →
Common questions
Divorce costs loan — FAQs
Yes. Going through a divorce does not disqualify you from applying for a personal loan. Lenders will assess your individual income, outgoings, and credit history as normal. If your credit has been affected by the separation, some lenders specialise in lending to people with impaired credit — though rates will be higher.
A personal loan taken out in your sole name is your liability only and should not directly affect your settlement, though your solicitor should be aware of all debts when advising on a financial order. Get legal advice before borrowing significant sums during proceedings.
Legal aid for family law is means-tested and is generally only available where domestic abuse, child protection, or serious welfare issues are involved. Most separating couples are not eligible. Check your eligibility at gov.uk/legal-aid.
You can apply for an additional loan once you have repaid a portion of your existing balance — subject to affordability at that time. It is worth building a 10–15% cost contingency into your initial budget as divorce proceedings often overrun.
Cash Train charges no early repayment fees. If your financial settlement is reached sooner than expected, you can clear the balance without penalty.
Cover your divorce costs — register now.
Apply online today and get a fast decision. Fixed monthly payments, no hidden fees.
Apply now →Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk
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