With Sharon Lockwood, family law solicitor and director at Howells Solicitors

There are many things you can try and do yourself without the need of a specialist, but is a divorce really one of them?

With online applications and no-fault divorce making the process appear straightforward, many couples choose to handle their divorce without a solicitor.

To cut expenses amidst rising financial pressures, more couples are turning to DIY divorce services, believing that it seems the cheapest and easiest way to end a marriage.

However, while applying for the divorce itself is relatively simple, the biggest risks often arise when dealing with finances, pensions, property and arrangements for children.

Many people mistakenly believe that once their divorce is final, all financial ties with their former spouse end automatically. This is not the case. Without the right legal protections, a former spouse may be able to make financial claims years after the divorce has been completed.

Before you choose a DIY divorce, it’s important to understand the potential risks and hidden costs.

Top DIY Divorce Mistakes

1. Forgetting about pensions

Only one in five divorcees consider pensions when dividing assets and a quarter waive their rights to a share of their ex’s pension. This can impact your retirement. Many divorcing couples focus on property and savings but overlook pensions, which are often one of the most valuable assets in a marriage.

2. Risk of unfair divorce settlement

Many people underestimate the value of their marital assets and overlook assets or don’t consider their long-term financial needs when negotiating a settlement. Without expert legal advice, you may not receive a fair settlement. Once an agreement has been reached, it can be difficult and costly to challenge.

3. Not considering future inheritance

In some cases, assets acquired after divorce, including inheritances, may become relevant to unresolved financial claims if no financial order has been made.

4. Making informal agreements

Verbal agreements are not legally binding when it comes to divorce, finances or arrangements for children. Any informal agreements made amicably at the start can change during the process as circumstances, finances or emotions evolve. Without a legally binding agreement, disputes can arise later, potentially leading to additional stress, delays and legal costs.

5. Undervaluing assets

Businesses, investments and pensions are often incorrectly valued.

6. Making child arrangements without legal advice

Disagreements can arise later even where child arrangements initially appear amicable. As children grow older and circumstances change, parents may have different views on living arrangements, contact, schooling, holidays or other important decisions. Obtaining legal advice early can help ensure arrangements are practical, focused on the child’s best interests and less likely to result in future disputes.

7. Choosing a DIY divorce based only on cost

Saving a little money today could result in losing hundreds or even thousands in a financial settlement.

8. Making administrative mistakes

Errors in forms or court submissions can cause delays, extra costs, and stress. Incorrect paperwork can lead to delays, making the process longer and more expensive.

9. Not understanding hidden fees

While DIY divorce packages seem cheap, they often exclude court fees and additional costs.

Thinking about a DIY divorce?

Before making any decisions, contact one of our specialist divorce solicitors. We offer a free initial consultation to help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes, with fixed-fee divorce services from £330 should you choose to proceed.

As well as drafting the divorce, we can also deal with any financial settlement and children arrangements in one, keeping costs low and making the process more efficient. And, most importantly, making sure conflict is reduced to a minimum for you and your family.

Beyond legal expertise, a solicitor helps reduce the emotional and physical stress of divorce. Having a trusted professional by your side makes the process faster, smoother, and less overwhelming—something a DIY divorce cannot guarantee.

Call us on 0114 2235 807 to book your free consultation today or visit our website.