It is possible to include a claim, within your divorce petition, for the court to order the other party to pay your divorce costs, or a contribution towards them. Such costs will be limited only to the costs you have incurred as the Petitioner in connection with issuing the petition at court, including any court fees and your solicitor’s charges. However, the court will usually only make a costs order if the divorce is based on unreasonable behaviour or adultery, unless the parties have agreed otherwise. It is possible for the parties to agree how any divorce costs will be met, including whether they will be claimed in the petition, whether they will be shared or whether each party will simply be responsible for meeting their own costs. It is not possible to claim in your petition for an order relating to any costs you have incurred in connection with resolving financial or children matters arising from your divorce.