Solicitor, mediator or DIY - which route fits your situation
The short answer
If you both agree on the split and your finances are straightforward, you can handle it without a solicitor. An online drafting provider can do the paperwork. If you mostly agree but are stuck on one or two points, mediation is cheaper and faster than a solicitor. A solicitor is the right call when finances are complex, when there is a real dispute, or when the assets are large enough that getting it wrong costs more than the fees.
There is no single right answer. The table below shows what each route costs, what it includes, and who it suits.
General guidance, not legal advice. This guide compares the main routes through a divorce financial settlement at the same level of detail for each.
Every route compared
Five routes, from the cheapest to the most comprehensive. All costs below are in addition to the £628 divorce application fee and the £62 consent order court fee (both checked on GOV.UK on 18 August 2026). Mediation and solicitor fees are estimates based on published pricing and market ranges.
| Route | Typical cost (on top of court fees) | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY | £0 | You handle disclosure, drafting and filing yourself. | Fully agreed, simple finances, confident completing forms. |
| Online drafting service | £159 – £279 | Consent order drafted for you. Most are not solicitors. | Agreed, simple, want someone else to draft the document. |
| Mediation | £480 – £1,500 per person | A trained mediator helps you reach agreement. Typically 3 – 5 sessions at £120 – £250 per person per session. MIAM (£120 – £250) is legally required before court in most cases. A £500 government voucher may apply. | Near-agreement but stuck on specific points. Children arrangements. Both willing to attend. |
| Fixed-fee solicitor | £500 – £1,000 + VAT | Consent order drafted by a solicitor with limited advice on fairness. | Some complexity: pensions, property, a few open questions. |
| Full solicitor | £2,500 – £25,000+ per person | Full advice, negotiation, court representation if needed. | Complex finances, genuine dispute, substantial assets, non-disclosure. |
Our review panel are independent family solicitors. They are not employed by Settle Divorce, and Settle Divorce is not a firm of solicitors. Every order is checked by an independent family solicitor from our review panel, in practice in England and Wales.
When each route goes wrong
DIY
The judge returns the order because it is badly drafted. Or worse: the order is sealed but does not properly handle the pension, and one of you loses out permanently. DIY works for genuinely simple cases, but "simple" means simple finances, not just a friendly relationship.
Online drafting service
You get a properly drafted document, but nobody has done a deep assessment of your financial position. If your case is more complex than you realise (a common pension-shaped blind spot), the document may be correct on its own terms but the deal behind it may not be fair. For complex cases, this is not enough.
Mediation
Mediation only works if both of you attend voluntarily and in good faith. It is not appropriate where there is coercive control, domestic abuse, or a serious imbalance of power. The mediator is neutral and cannot give you individual legal advice. You still need someone to draft the consent order after mediation.
Solicitor
Cost and escalation. A straightforward case that starts with a solicitor on hourly rates can cost thousands when the same outcome was available for hundreds. On the other hand, a genuinely complex case where you skimp on advice can cost you far more in a bad settlement than you would have spent on fees.
Common questions
Do I have to attend a MIAM before I can go to court?
In most cases, yes. A Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is a legal requirement before applying to the family court for a financial order. There are exemptions, including where there is evidence of domestic abuse. The MIAM itself costs roughly £120 to £250 per person.
Can I use mediation and a solicitor together?
Yes, and many people do. You attend mediation to reach agreement, then instruct a solicitor or an online drafting service to draft the consent order that turns that agreement into a legally binding court order. This is often cheaper than using a solicitor for the whole process.
What is the £500 mediation voucher?
The government's Family Mediation Voucher Scheme provides up to £500 per family towards the cost of mediation where child arrangements are involved. It also covers all-issues mediation (children and finances together). Your mediator can tell you whether you qualify.
Is legal aid available for divorce?
Legal aid for private family law (including divorce financial settlements) was largely withdrawn in 2013. It remains available in cases involving domestic abuse or where a child is at risk. If you qualify, it can cover mediation and solicitor costs in full.
Sources
Everything above leans on these. Primary sources where they exist.
- GOV.UK — Get a divorce: how to apply — the £628 divorce application fee. Checked 18 August 2026.
- GOV.UK — Apply for a consent order — the consent order process and £62 court fee. Checked 18 August 2026.
- GOV.UK — Check if you can get legal aid — eligibility for legal aid in family proceedings. Checked 18 August 2026.
- Published pricing from family mediation providers (MediateUK, Crowther Mediation, Family Law Service) — session costs and MIAM fees. Checked 18 August 2026.