Roman Abramovich’s divorce from his third wife Daria Zhukova is speculated by commentators to potentially take the title for the world’s costliest divorce. The couple are to divorce after 10 years of marriage and it is predicted that the Chelsea owner, who is worth £7bn, is set to share a substantial portion of his wealth and properties with Miss Zhukova in the split.

While the sums to be granted to Miss Zhukova in the divorce are yet to be confirmed, Mr Abramovich’s third divorce follows his “quickie” divorce from his second wife, Irina, which took place in in Moscow in 2007. Mr Abramovich reportedly agreed to give property amounting to over £150m to Irina in their divorce. It is rumoured that she was also given his £18m Fyning Hill Estate in Petersfield, West Sussex, as well as two of his homes in London.

The average cost of divorce in the UK

Figures show that approximately 320 married couples divorce in the UK every day, spending a total of approximately £154m on legal fees every year. Experts claim that the average cost of divorce in the UK is rising and currently costs couples £70,243, with the average divorcee giving up £4,686 of their salary. Despite falling legal costs, this figure has risen 57% from £28,000 in 2006. Divorcees also incur other costs, spending over £8,926 in legal fees, approximately £5,089 on finding somewhere else to live and £51,543 in sharing assets and paying off their debts.

Divorce expenses are higher in London due to the higher costs of legal fees, higher interest on debts and the greater expense of accommodation. The cost of divorce in the capital is £134,525, nearly twice the cost of the average divorce in other areas of the UK.

UK divorce: hidden costs

In addition, Aviva also found that couples tended to spend money on items to help themselves feel better after their divorce, finding that that four out of ten new divorcees spend money on various items and experiences to help boost their mood after their separation. Aviva found that 13% of the newly divorced spent money on new technology, such as a new phone or laptop, with people spending an average of £1,292 on new gadgets. Aviva also found that one in eight people spent money on a holiday, spending approximately £1,925 on a trip away from home.

Aviva also found that four out of ten people surveyed felt that they were less comfortable financially following their divorce and that 53% of people needed more than six months to resolve all financial matters, with approximately one in 10 couples needing over two years to put their finances in order. The survey also found that one in ten respondents felt that they would have less money to fund their retirement as the result of their separation.

Protection director for Aviva, Louise Colley, said: “Two thirds of couples who are married or co-habiting have some shared finances, so these arrangements can take some time to unravel if a relationship unfortunately breaks down.”

The survey also uncovered that four out of ten men felt that they were better off as the result of their divorce. In addition, four out of ten women felt that they struggled with finances after their divorce, in contrast to 33% of men.

The benefits of an amicable split

An amicable divorce was also found to keep costs down for couples, 29% said that an amicable divorce helped them save money on legal expenses. One in ten also told Aviva that they shared accommodation with their ex-partner in order to save on accommodation costs.

Contact our experienced divorce lawyers today

Our Family and Matrimonial team helps families across West London and Buckinghamshire. If you would like to discuss any aspect of family law, are considering divorce proceedings or a trial separation, or want to draw up a pre or post-nuptial agreement, call us in absolute confidence on 03456 381381. Alternatively, email us at familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.

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