divorce

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• Earliest timeline: 7 months (uncontested)
   
• Apply: Sole or Joint application
   

How divorce works now (no-fault)
 

• No need to give “reasons” or blame. You can apply alone or together. Disputes about whether to divorce are only possible on limited grounds (e.g., jurisdiction).
   

Step-by-step timeline
 

• Step 1 — Check you can apply. You must have been married over a year, the marriage must be legally recognised, and you must have a sufficient link to England & Wales (usually living here / “habitual residence” or domicile).
   
• Step 2 — Apply online or by post. Most people use the HMCTS online service.
   
• Step 3 — Service & Acknowledgement. If you apply on your own, the court sends your spouse the papers. They normally have 14 days to acknowledge.
   
• Step 4 — Reflection period. Minimum 20 weeks from issue before you can ask for a Conditional Order.
   
• Step 5 — Final Order. At least 6 weeks after the Conditional Order, you can apply for the Final Order (this legally ends the marriage).
   

Important to consider:
 

• Finances aren’t automatic. To make any agreement legally binding you need a Consent Order approved by a judge.
   
• Children are a separate process. Arrangements for where children live/time with each parent are handled separately; court applications (if needed) are different to the divorce.
   
• Help with fees. If you’re on a low income or certain benefits you may get help with the court fee.
   

What if my spouse won’t engage?
 

• The court can accept late acknowledgements. If there’s continued non-response, you can apply for alternative or dispensed service under the Family Procedure Rules / HMCTS guidance. We can do this for you.
   

How we help
 

• Clear advice on jurisdiction and the best way to apply (sole vs joint)
   
• Managing service issues, including alternative/dispensed service applications
   
• Agreeing finances and drafting Consent Orders
   
• Child arrangements and safety planning where needed
   
• Transparent pricing with fixed-fee options
  
   

FAQs
 

• How long does it take?
  The absolute minimum is around 7 months, due to the 20-week reflection period and 6-week wait to Final Order (plus admin time). Contested finances/children can extend this.
   
• Can my spouse stop the divorce?
  Not usually. Since April 2022, divorces can only be disputed on limited grounds (e.g., jurisdiction or validity of the marriage).
   
• Do I need to go to court?
  Most divorces are fully online/paper-based. A hearing is uncommon unless there’s a specific issue (e.g., a dispute or certain applications).
   
• What about our finances?
  The divorce itself doesn’t divide assets. To make a financial agreement binding and enforceable, apply for a Consent Order signed off by a judge.
   
• What does “habitual residence” mean for jurisdiction?
  It’s about where you live as part of your regular life. The usual basis for the court’s jurisdiction is where one or both parties are habitually resident in England & Wales. We can assess your position.
   
• I can’t locate my spouse—can I still proceed?
  Yes. The rules allow applications for alternative service or, in some cases, dispensing with service where appropriate. We’ll advise and make the right application.
   
• How much does it cost?
  The court fee is £612 to start the divorce. You may get help with fees depending on income/benefits. Our legal fees are transparent and fixed where possible.