Family Law & Divorce Solicitors in Manchester

The application can be made by one spouse alone, known as a sole application, or jointly by both spouses.

For a sole application, the court sends the divorce papers to the other spouse, who will normally need to acknowledge receipt. In a joint application, both spouses take part in progressing the divorce.

Once the application has been issued and the procedural requirements have been dealt with, there is a minimum 20-week period before an application can be made for the Conditional Order.

This waiting period is built into the divorce process. It can also provide time to consider any separate financial arrangements or issues concerning children, because those matters are not resolved automatically by the divorce itself.

After the 20-week period has passed, the applicant or applicants can apply for the Conditional Order.

The Conditional Order is the court’s confirmation that there is no legal reason why the divorce cannot proceed. It does not end the marriage.

Once the Conditional Order has been made, there is a further minimum wait of 6 weeks and 1 day before the Final Order can be applied for.

Before moving to the Final Order, it may be sensible to consider whether any financial matters remain unresolved. In some cases, the timing of the Final Order can affect the wider financial position.

The Final Order is the legal document that ends the marriage.

Once it is granted, the divorce is complete. However, it does not by itself settle financial claims between former spouses or determine arrangements for children.

If a significant period passes after the Conditional Order before the Final Order is requested, the court may require an explanation for the delay.

Where financial matters are still unresolved, that delay may be deliberate. It is therefore important to consider the timing of the Final Order in the context of the wider separation, rather than treating it as a purely administrative step.

Yes. You do not need to have made a final decision before speaking to a solicitor. Getting advice at an early stage can help you understand your legal position, the options available to you and the practical issues you may need to think about before taking any formal steps.

Our Divorce Solicitors in Manchester can talk through your circumstances in confidence and explain what separation or divorce could mean for you, including any related considerations involving finances, property or children. The aim is to give you the information you need to make an informed decision at your own pace.

It can be helpful to seek advice as soon as you feel you may need clarity about your rights, responsibilities or next steps. Early advice can help you understand the choices available to you before important decisions are made or arrangements become more difficult to change.

Our Family Lawyers in Manchester can help you consider the wider picture, including any immediate concerns and the issues that may need to be addressed as your circumstances develop. This can give you a clearer basis for deciding what to do next, whether or not you are ready to begin formal legal proceedings.

No. Under the no-fault divorce system in England and Wales, you do not need your spouse to agree that the marriage should end before you can apply for a divorce.

Our Divorce Solicitors in Manchester can explain how the application works, what happens if your spouse is uncooperative and the steps available if communication becomes difficult. We can also help you understand which related issues, such as finances or arrangements for children, may need to be dealt with separately.

In England and Wales, a divorce usually takes at least around six months from the date the application is issued. This is because there is a minimum 20-week period before you can apply for a Conditional Order, followed by a further minimum period of six weeks and one day before you can apply for the Final Order.

In practice, the overall timescale can be longer if there are delays in the application or if financial matters need to be resolved alongside the divorce. We can explain the likely timescale in your circumstances and help you understand what needs to happen at each stage.

A lack of communication does not necessarily mean your Family Law matter has to come to a standstill. Depending on the circumstances, your solicitor can communicate with your former partner or their legal representative on your behalf, set out proposals formally and advise you on the options available if they continue not to engage.

Changes in your circumstances can affect the advice you receive and, in some cases, the arrangements being discussed. This might include a change in income, employment, housing, family circumstances or the needs of your children.

It is important to tell your solicitor about significant changes as soon as possible so they can consider whether your approach needs to be reviewed. Our Divorce Solicitors in Manchester can explain what the change means for your case and advise you on any steps that may need to be taken.