Who will pay the Divorce costs?

If you initiate the divorce you will be known as the Petitioner.  Your Solicitor will need to prepare the divorce petition and certain other documents on your behalf. 

As you are initiating the divorce you will be asked to pay the Court fees as well as your Solicitors fees and VAT on those fees. 

If you are the Respondent in a divorce (i.e. your spouse has initiated divorce proceedings) you will be responsible for your Solicitors fees and VAT on the fees, however, you do not have to pay Court fees as these are payable by your spouse.

In some cases the Petitioner can seek  repayment of their costs from the Respondent.