Do DIY divorces leave you more at risk?

3 November 2026

Divorce proceedings and financial matters can feel intimidating in both contentious and amicable situations.

Not knowing what legal steps lie ahead can lead some to attempt to conduct a divorce online or arrange their own financial order in the mistaken belief that it will be more straightforward.

However, these DIY orders can leave one or both parties exposed to significant risk and could see tensions escalate if matters are not handled appropriately.

What are the main risks of a DIY divorce?

Many people mistakenly believe that a divorce or financial order is as simple as dividing everything the couple has down the middle and going their separate ways.

Financial assets are not always easily split neatly down the middle and an attempt to do this may end up with some important assets going unnoticed and therefore not included within any agreement reached.

How pensions are treated during a divorce is something that is often misunderstood in divorce proceedings and handling them properly can be essential for safeguarding your future.

Due to them often being sizeable assets, pensions are subject to very specific treatment during a divorce and we recently outlined the core considerations for this.

Other high-value assets, like business interests and digital assets, also need to be handled delicately and it is entirely possible that one party may be disadvantaged by an agreement that seems fair on the surface but fails to factor in the true value of the asset.

Knowing exactly what should be divided and by how much is also something that may not be as straightforward as it seems.

Assets acquired before and after a marriage may be viewed differently and it is not always the case that assets acquired prior to the marriage default back to the original owner – hence why pre- and post-nuptial agreements factor those in, though such agreements are influential rather than determinative.

Is getting a DIY divorce and financial order worth it?

It is generally not advisable to get a DIY divorce and financial order due to the dangers it can present to some couples.

This will be particularly true in marriages where there is an imbalance of power or wealth, as dealing with things between yourselves could be used as a means to exploit the weaker party.

For example, it is unlikely that a DIY divorce would consider matters like spousal maintenance, but a traditional divorce could put such measures in place if they were appropriate.

Fundamentally, there is also a risk that any agreement reached may not be as final as the separating couple believe.

Instead, it is best practice to obtain independent legal advice. Our expert solicitors are adept at handling a full range of divorces and financial matters to ensure that a fair outcome is achieved and that the divorce is finalised.

Our goal is to ensure that your legal rights are protected and your legal responsibilities fulfilled, allowing you to step into the next stage of your life with confidence.

For effective divorce support, get in touch with our team.