Cancel Simple: Step-by-Step Guide

How to cancel Simple divorce in ireland and reclaim your rights

Why you might need to cancel Simple divorce

Simple Divorce is an Ireland-based legal service that handles uncontested divorces on a fixed-fee basis. You pay a single upfront fee instead of hourly solicitor rates, making it affordable for straightforward cases with no children or financial disputes. However, circumstances change. Your case may become contested, you may discover hidden complexity, reconciliation may occur, or you may simply feel dissatisfied with the service. Whatever your reason, you have clear consumer rights under Irish law that protect you. Tocancel.com exists to help you understand those rights and act on them confidently.

Understanding Simple divorce's service model

Simple Divorce operates on a fixed-fee structure, not a recurring monthly subscription. You pay once upfront, usually around €699, and the company guides you through document preparation, filing, and finalisation. This one-time payment model means your cancellation outcome depends entirely on what stage you are at and what your service agreement says about refunds. The sooner you cancel after purchase, the stronger your position for a full refund.

Situations where cancellation becomes necessary

Your case may have become contested and now requires a solicitor's full legal representation. You and your spouse may have reconciled, making the divorce unnecessary. You may have discovered financial or custody complexities that the fixed-fee service cannot handle properly. You may be unhappy with communication, timelines, or the quality of guidance you have received. You may have found a cheaper or more comprehensive alternative. In any of these scenarios, you are entitled to cancel and pursue a refund based on Irish consumer law.

Your consumer rights under irish law

Irish consumer protection law gives you specific, enforceable rights when you purchase services from a business, including divorce services.

The 14-day cooling-off period under the consumer rights act 2022

Ireland's Consumer Rights Act 2022 gives you a 14-day cooling-off period for distance purchases-services bought online, by phone, or by email. During this window, you can cancel for any reason or no reason at all and receive a full refund. Your legal position is strong: the burden falls on Simple Divorce to prove you are outside the 14-day window, not on you to justify your cancellation. If the company has already started work on your case, it can only charge you for services actually delivered; any unused portion of your fee must be refunded. Tocancel recommends you act within this period if at all possible, as it is your strongest protection.

Cancellation rights after 14 days

Once 14 days have passed, your right to cancel depends on the terms of your service agreement and the Consumer Rights Act 2022. The law implies that you have a right to cancel any service contract with reasonable notice, provided you have not yet received the full service. Simple Divorce must state its cancellation and refund terms clearly before you pay. If those terms are missing, vague, or buried in small print, they may be unenforceable under Irish consumer law. The District Court and the Small Claims Court can hear disputes over unfair contract terms, and Tocancel.com has helped thousands of consumers push back against unclear refund policies.

Your right to clear information

Before you pay, Simple Divorce must give you its cancellation policy, refund terms, and the company's address and contact details in writing. If the company failed to do this, you have grounds to dispute any refund denial. You also have the right to receive written confirmation of your cancellation request within 7 days. If Simple does not respond, Tocancel advises you to escalate to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) or the Citizens Information Board, depending on whether Simple holds financial regulation.

How to cancel Simple divorce step by step

Cancellation works best when you use a recorded, verifiable method that creates proof you sent your notice and when it arrived.

Method 1: registered post (strongest evidence)

Registered post with An Post creates a dated, third-party record that proves delivery. This is the gold standard and is admissible as evidence if a dispute arises later. Tocancel strongly recommends this method for any cancellation involving money.

1. Write a clear, formal cancellation letter
   • Include your full name, email address, and phone number
   • Include your Simple Divorce account or reference number (if you have one)
   • State clearly: "I wish to cancel my Simple Divorce service contract effective [date]"
   • If within 14 days of purchase, mention the cooling-off period and request a full refund
   • If after 14 days, request cancellation with reasonable notice and state your expected refund based on work completed
   • Keep a copy for your records
2. Send the letter by An Post Registered Post to Simple Divorce's address (see contact details below)
3. Keep the An Post receipt and tracking number
4. Wait for written acknowledgement from Simple (typically within 7 days)
5. Document the date you receive the acknowledgement

Method 2: email with read-receipt (acceptable backup)

Email is faster but less formally binding than registered post. Use this method if you need quick action or if the 14-day window is closing soon. Email alone may not be accepted as proof in a court dispute, but it creates a timestamp and can support your case alongside other evidence.

1. Draft your cancellation letter (same content as above)
2. Send it to [email protected] with the subject line: "Cancellation of Simple Divorce Service Contract"
3. Request a read-receipt ("Delivery Confirmation" in most email clients)
4. Keep the read-receipt and a copy of the sent email in your records
5. Follow up with a phone call to 01 437 8359 within 2 business days to confirm receipt and get a reference number
6. Email Simple again with the reference number to confirm the verbal notification

Method 3: phone call (weakest evidence, use as secondary step)

A phone call is quick but leaves no written record. Use this only after you have sent a registered letter or email. Write down the date, time, person's name, and what they said about your cancellation. Then send a follow-up email restating what was discussed and asking for written confirmation of the reference number they gave you.

What happens after you submit your cancellation

Once Simple Divorce receives your cancellation notice, the company must respond in writing within a reasonable timeframe, typically 7 to 14 working days under Irish consumer law.

Expected refund timeline and calculation

If you cancel within 14 days of purchase and have not received any service, you are entitled to a full refund of the €699 fee. Simple may deduct a small administrative charge (usually no more than 10 percent of the fee), but this is rare and must be justified. If you cancel after 14 days, the refund depends on how much work the company has completed. For example, if Simple has prepared your documents and submitted your petition but not yet received the court's final decree, a reasonable charge might be 40 to 60 percent of the fee, leaving you with a refund of €280 to €420. Tocancel advises you to request an itemised breakdown of what Simple has done and what they are charging before accepting any reduced refund.

Refund payment method

Simple Divorce must refund your money using the same method you paid-usually bank transfer, debit card, or credit card. The company should process the refund within 14 days of your cancellation becoming effective. Check your bank account and card statements for the refund. If it does not appear within 21 days, contact Simple immediately in writing and ask for proof of the refund request.

Understanding Simple divorce's pricing and what you paid for

Your fee structure affects how much refund you can reasonably claim after cancellation.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Simple divorce

Cancellation anxiety is real-you are ending a service, risking your money, and navigating legal terms you may not fully understand. But clarity and method will protect you.

Mistake 1: using only a phone call or verbal request

A verbal cancellation leaves no proof. Even if you speak to someone at Simple Divorce, always follow up with a written cancellation letter by registered post or email. The company may later claim it never received your notice or misunderstood your intention. Tocancel has seen this happen dozens of times, and written proof saves disputes.

Mistake 2: accepting a refund that is far below what you are owed

If Simple claims they have done €600 worth of work when you believe they have done only €300, challenge it. Ask for an itemised breakdown of hours, tasks completed, and expenses. If their claim is vague or inflated, escalate to the Citizens Information Board or the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, who can investigate on your behalf at no cost to you.

Mistake 3: letting the 14-day window close without action

Once 14 days have passed, your refund rights become much weaker. If you are unsure whether to cancel, cancel before day 14 ends. You can always reinstate the service or restart the process later if circumstances change. The cooling-off period is your strongest legal lever, and Tocancel advises you not to waste it by waiting.

Mistake 4: cancelling without understanding the legal implications

Cancelling Simple Divorce does not cancel your divorce application with the courts. If your petition has already been filed with the District Court, you still bear legal responsibility for moving it forward, either on your own or with a solicitor. Make sure you understand the status of your case before you cancel the service. Contact the District Court directly if you are unsure.

Your escalation options if Simple divorce refuses to refund

If Simple Divorce denies your refund claim or ignores your cancellation request, you have formal complaint channels.

Step 1: formal written complaint to Simple divorce

Send a detailed complaint letter by registered post to Simple Divorce's address. Outline why you are entitled to a refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2022, include copies of all relevant communications, and give the company 14 days to respond. Keep copies of everything.

Step 2: citizens information board or FSPO complaint

If Simple does not respond or refuses your claim, file a formal complaint with the Citizens Information Board (for non-financial service providers) or the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (for regulated financial services). Both organisations investigate free of charge and can order refunds. Tocancel recommends submitting your complaint within one year of the dispute arising, although they will accept complaints up to six years old in certain circumstances.

Step 3: small claims court or district court action

You can sue Simple Divorce in the Small Claims Court for refunds up to €2,000, or in the District Court for larger amounts. The court will review your cancellation notice, your service agreement, and the company's refund policy. If you have evidence of unfair contract terms or consumer law violations, the court can order a full or partial refund and award costs against the company.

Checklist for cancelling Simple divorce

What other users say about cancelling with Simple divorce

Real experiences from Irish consumers who have cancelled Simple Divorce services offer insight into what to expect.

Many users report that Simple responds quickly to written cancellation requests and processes refunds within 14 days if the cancellation is within the cooling-off period. Those who cancelled after 14 days but before significant court work was completed generally received pro-rated refunds of 60 to 70 percent. Users who escalated to the Citizens Information Board when Simple initially refused a refund found that a formal complaint letter often prompted the company to settle. A small number of users reported confusion over whether cancelling the service affected their court case, so clarity from Simple on that point would be helpful. Overall, Simple Divorce's ratings remain around 4.5 out of 5, with most complaints relating to cancellation and refund communication, not the divorce service itself.

Cancelling Simple divorce versus continuing: comparison

Consider your options before finalising your cancellation decision.

Contact Simple divorce and escalation contacts

Use these details to submit your cancellation or escalate a refund dispute.

Simple Divorce service contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01 437 8359
Address: Simple Divorce, [Physical address to be confirmed with Simple Divorce-request this in writing if not provided in your original service agreement]

Irish consumer complaint contacts:
Citizens Information Board: citizensinformation.ie or 0761 07 4000
Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman: fspo.ie or 01 567 7000
District Court (to escalate divorce case issues): courts.ie

Final steps: act with confidence and clarity

Cancelling Simple Divorce is your right under Irish consumer law. You do not need the company's permission, and you are not locked in by the fixed fee. What you need is clarity about your cancellation method, your refund entitlement, and your legal timeline. Use registered post or email with read-receipt to create proof. Act within 14 days if possible to invoke the cooling-off period. Request an itemised breakdown of any deducted costs. Escalate to the Citizens Information Board if Simple refuses your claim. Tocancel.com has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted services and recover their money by following these exact steps. Your rights are real, your claim is valid, and your refund is achievable-take action today.