The digital divorce landscape has reached a significant milestone as an online service specialising in uncontested divorces secures regulation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
James Brien, the managing director of Easy Online Divorce (EOD), emphasises that obtaining regulation is not only a testament to the firm’s expertise but also an effort to attract legally qualified professionals. Despite this step, the firm remains focused on uncontested divorces, steering clear of contested cases.
EOD was launched in 2020, following Mr Brien’s personal experience with divorce. He reveals that the company’s involvement in a recent investigation by the Competition & Markets Authority highlighted the presence of unscrupulous operators in the unregulated sector. “There are operators in the online divorce sector who behave in an unscrupulous way,” Brien stated, noting the unregulated nature before their current status. His aim has always been to offer an alternative to traditional high street solicitors, catering to those already in agreement about their separation terms.
Operating from Newquay, Cornwall, EOD employs seven staff members, including six paralegals and a sales adviser. Barbara Mathias-Polgase, a part-time legal director with a separate family law practice, has been part of the company’s journey almost from inception. Her role as head of legal practice was solidified with the granting of the firm’s ABS licence.
A significant part of EOD’s work involves drafting fixed-fee consent orders, and Brien is actively seeking to expand his legal team. The pricing structure of the firm’s services ranges from £299 for a simple no-fault divorce to £899 for more complex, high-net-worth consent orders, excluding court fees.
Before founding EOD, Mr Brien worked in international retail brand development, a background that made him keen to avoid conflict and expense during his divorce proceedings. He authored two books in 2019, offering guidance on divorce, which led to direct engagement with individuals seeking advice, marking a personal shift towards assisting end-users.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his career trajectory was profound, halting his retail efforts and prompting a relocation to Cornwall. This situation provided the impetus to establish EOD as a service focused on completing divorce documents online and facilitating court processes. Contrary to initial expectations of demand for DIY services, EOD found a preference for their fully managed services, which entail rigorous document checks and court submissions.
Despite self-funding the enterprise, Brien remains cautious about engaging external investors, fearing loss of control and pressure to increase service fees. He remains committed to maintaining EOD’s niche focus without extending into other areas. Looking ahead, he anticipates a 40-50% increase in staff within a year, aiming to make EOD an enticing workplace for legal professionals.
The transition to a regulated entity marks a pivotal chapter for Easy Online Divorce, as it continues to refine its services in the uncontested divorce sector, upholding its ethos of simplicity and integrity.
