Free legal information about divorce

When should you use free legal information?

Start here before you spend money. If you and your spouse agree on most things, the official guides may be all you need to apply for the divorce yourself. If you disagree about money or children, free information helps you understand the options, so any paid advice later can be shorter.

The law and the process are different in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so use the guides for where you live.

Is free legal advice really free?

Yes. Everything listed here is free to use, although court fees still apply: the fee to apply for a divorce in England and Wales is £628 (GOV.UK court fees). Legal aid for family cases is limited. GOV.UK says you may get it for family mediation, or if you or a child need protecting from abuse (GOV.UK). Scotland and Northern Ireland run their own legal aid schemes, listed below.

Which service should you use?

Use GOV.UK, mygov.scot or nidirect for the official process and fees. Use a charity when you have a question about your own circumstances, and check advice line opening times, as lines are often busy. Resolution's search finds family lawyers and mediators who follow its code of practice. When you need advice on your case, you can find a family solicitor on divorcd.

Guides that may help

Other kinds of help

This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Facts checked 20 October 2026.