Consent Order Cost Calculator
Consent Order Cost Breakdown
Court Filing Fee-
Solicitor/Drafting Fee-
Pension Actuary Report-
Property Transfer Costs-
Estimated Timeline-
Total Estimated Cost-
Consent Order Costs by Service Type 2025/26
| Service Type | Court Fee | Service Fee | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (self-drafted) | £53 | £0 | £53 |
| Online Fixed-Fee Service | £53 | £300–£800 | £353–£853 |
| High Street Solicitor | £53 | £1,000–£2,500 | £1,053–£2,553 |
| Complex/Contested | £53 | £3,000–£10,000+ | £3,053–£10,053+ |
Key Consent Order Facts
Court Fee
£53
Avg Online Service
£500
Avg Solicitor
£1,500
Processing Time
4–12 wks
Pension Report
£500–£1k
Validity
Permanent
How to Use This Calculator
1
Select your service type
Choose between DIY, online fixed-fee, full solicitor, or complex service based on the complexity of your financial situation.
2
Indicate property involvement
Select whether your consent order involves a single property, multiple properties, or no property. Property transfers add conveyancing costs.
3
Specify pension sharing
If pensions need to be split, a pension actuary report (PODE) is usually required, adding £500–£1,000 to costs.
4
Note children arrangements
If the consent order includes child arrangements alongside finances, this adds complexity and cost.
5
Review total cost estimate
The calculator shows the total estimated cost including court fees, professional fees, and any specialist reports needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a consent order in divorce?
A consent order is a legally binding court order that records the financial agreement between divorcing spouses. It covers the division of property, savings, pensions, and ongoing maintenance. Once approved by a judge, it prevents either party from making future financial claims. The court fee is £53, making it one of the most cost-effective legal protections available.
Can I draft a consent order myself?
Yes, you can draft a consent order yourself and submit it to the court with the £53 fee. However, the court requires a specific format and legal language. Many online services offer template-based drafting for £300–£800. The risk of DIY is that a poorly drafted order may be rejected by the judge or may not adequately protect your interests.
How long does a consent order take?
After submission to the court, a consent order typically takes 4–12 weeks to be approved by a judge. The judge reviews the order to ensure it is fair to both parties. If the judge has concerns, they may request amendments or a hearing, which can add 4–8 weeks. The total process from drafting to approval is usually 6–16 weeks.
Do I need a consent order if we agree?
Yes, strongly recommended. Without a consent order, either party can make financial claims against the other at any point in the future — even decades after the divorce. A consent order for £53 provides permanent protection. Many people discover too late that a verbal or informal agreement has no legal standing.
What happens if the judge rejects it?
If a judge considers the consent order unfair to one party, they can refuse to approve it. Common reasons include: one party receiving significantly less than their entitlement, inadequate provision for children, or insufficient financial disclosure. The judge will usually indicate what changes are needed, and you can resubmit the amended order.
Can a consent order be changed later?
Consent orders are designed to be final and binding. They can only be varied in limited circumstances: a significant change in circumstances (e.g., serious illness, redundancy), if one party failed to disclose assets, or by mutual agreement through a new court application. Maintenance provisions can sometimes be varied, but capital orders (property/lump sums) are almost never changed.
Official Sources & References
Data verified against official UK government sources. Last checked April 2026.