Understanding the divorce process

The Divorce Process in England & Wales: Step‑by‑Step

Since April 2022, with the introduction of no-fault divorce, couples no longer need to apportion blame or give reasons for ending the marriage. Our team is here to guide you through each stage of the process with straightforward, clear advice.

  1. Check Eligibility

Before applying, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must have been married for at least one year
  • Your marriage must have irretrievably broken down (confirmed by a simple statement)
  • You must have the necessary jurisdictional connection to England or Wales
  1. Decide Whether to Apply Solely or Jointly

You can apply:

  • Solely – this is where just one of the spouses applies
  • Jointly – both spouses apply together
  1. Submit the Divorce Application

The application is filed online or by post. You will need:

  • Your marriage certificate
  • Contact details of both spouses
  • The court fee (currently £612)

Once issued, the court sends the application to the respondent (unless joint).

  1. Acknowledgement of Service

If it is a sole application, the respondent must complete an Acknowledgement of Service confirming they have received the application.

Under no‑fault divorce, the grounds cannot be disputed except in very limited circumstances which we can advise upon.

  1. The 20‑Week “Reflection Period”

There is a mandatory 20‑week waiting period from the date the application is issued. This is designed to allow time for reflection and to encourage agreement on practical matters such as finances or arrangements for the children.

  1. Apply for the Conditional Order (formerly Decree Nisi)

After the 20‑week period, the applicant(s) can apply for the Conditional Order.

The court will review the paperwork and, if satisfied that you are entitled to a divorce, they will issue a date for the Conditional Order to be pronounced.

  1. Six‑Week Waiting Period

There is a further minimum six‑week period after the Conditional Order before you can apply for the final stage.

  1. Apply for the Final Order (formerly Decree Absolute)

This is the legal document that ends the marriage.

Once granted:

  • You are legally divorced
  • Financial claims remain open unless a Financial Order is approved by the court

The divorce itself does not resolve:

  • Financial settlements
  • Child arrangements
  • Property division

These issues are dealt with separately, often alongside the divorce.

What is the cost of a divorce?

Our divorce fee: £450 +VAT
Court Fees: £612

What is not included?

  • Advice regarding arrangements for children
  • Advice on the financial aspect of your separation
  • Representation at court in relation to cost orders
  • Obtaining a copy of your marriage certificate
  • Personal service upon the respondent if appropriate
  • An application for deemed service or to dispense with service if the Respondent does not file the Acknowledgment of Service to the court
  • Court fees relating to any of these applications above

The above fees are subject to any changes in the rate of VAT or changes to court fees made by the government.