13 March 2026
Informal divorce agreements – often referred to as “quickie divorces” – are becoming increasingly popular as couples look for a faster and cheaper way to reach a settlement following a relationship breakdown. When spouses are amicable, the idea of creating an agreement together without involving third parties like mediators or solicitors may seem attractive.
However, it is important to understand the significant risks involved in a DIY Divorce, and why having a qualified solicitor on your side offers essential protection.
Why Informal Divorce Agreements Don’t Legally Protect You
An informal financial agreement may feel like a ‘hassle-free’ way to divide assets and move on, but it does not legally sever the financial ties between you and your spouse.
The only way to achieve a clean financial break is through a Financial Order, approved and sealed by the Family Court.
A Financial Order:
- Sets out exactly how assets will be divided
- Confirms whether maintenance (if applicable) will be paid, by whom, and for how long
- Prevents either party from making further financial claims in the future.
Even after the Final Order in your divorce is granted, without a Financial Order in place your ex-spouse can still make financial claims against you, even many years later. For example, if you were to come into a sum of money (such as inheritance, or a lottery winning) a decade after the Final Order was pronounced, your spouse would still be entitled to make a claim for a portion of that money.
The safest way to protect yourself and ensure your clean break is to secure a properly drafted Financial Order.
Why AI and DIY Divorce Documents Can Be Dangerous
Not all DIY Divorces include a legally binding order, and even when couples do submit a Financial Order to the Court, the drafting can be problematic.
As the use of AI to assist in everyday life becomes increasingly common, people are beginning to turn to AI as a cost effective and speedy tool to draft legal documents without the help of a qualified solicitor.
AI lacks the real-world experience and reliable knowledge needed to advice you as to whether the agreement you are signing constitutes a fair outcome for you. Complex arrangements for pension sharing, shifting timelines for maintenance payments and the inclusion or exclusion of assets such as gifts and inheritance are unlikely to be suitably addressed by AI, and leave you at risk of signing a financial agreement that detriments you and leaves open opportunity in the future for further financial dispute.
A legally binding Financial Order must be drafted with care and reviewed by a qualified solicitor to ensure it is fair, enforceable, and covers every necessary detail. Without this expert input, you risk signing an agreement that disadvantages you now and leaves the door open to future financial complications.
Get Legal Advice on DIY Divorce from a Family Solicitor
If you and your spouse have reached an agreement, or if you need help understanding your options, our experienced and friendly family solicitors are here to support you.
