Divorce law governs how a marriage is legally ended in England and Wales. It sets out the process you must follow, the evidence required and how financial and child arrangements are handled.

The Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 is the key piece of legislation. Since April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 introduced no-fault divorce, removing the need to blame your spouse. The sole legal ground for divorce is now that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

You must have been married for at least one year before you can apply. Your marriage must also be legally recognised in the UK, including same-sex marriages and civil partnerships.

The divorce process in England and Wales now follows a structured, court-managed timetable. While every divorce is different, here is what to expect:

1. Making the Application

You can apply for a divorce online through the government portal, either on your own or jointly with your spouse. You will need your original marriage certificate or a certified copy. The current court application fee is £628.

2. Acknowledgement of service

If you apply as the sole applicant, your spouse will be served with the application and asked to respond. They have 14 days to acknowledge receipt.

3. Conditional order

After a 20-week reflection period from the date of application, you can apply for a conditional order. This was previously called a decree nisi. It confirms that the legal requirements for divorce have been met.

This waiting period give both parties time to consider important decisions around finances, property and arrangements for children.

4. Final order

Six weeks and one day after the conditional order has been granted, you can apply for a final order, previously called a decree absolute. This legally brings your marriage to an end.

On average, the full process takes between six and nine months. However, where financial matters or child arrangements are disputed, the process can take longer.

While the legal process follows a set timetable, the decisions you make during that time are often far more significant than the divorce itself. We can help you to understand your options, negotiate where possible and represent your interests if court proceedings become necessary,

Not sure where to start? Call 0800 689 1058 or complete our online enquiry form and we will guide you through your options.

Sorting out finances is often the most complex part of a divorce. Reaching a fair financial settlement requires careful analysis of all assets, liabilities, incomes and needs.

The court can make a range of financial orders, including:

•       Property adjustment orders, transferring or selling the family home

•       Pension sharing orders, dividing pension assets between both parties

•       Lump sum payments

•       Maintenance orders, providing ongoing financial support

•       Clean break orders, ending all future financial claims between you

For many people, reaching a financial settlement is the most important part of the divorce process. It’s about much more than dividing assets. It’s about securing your financial future and giving you the confidence to move forward.

Every family’s circumstances are different. We take the time to understand your situation to advise as to what options are available. Whether you have modest assets or a complex financial portfolio, we’ll help you achieve a fair outcome.

Our solicitors are experienced in high-value and complex cases, including those involving business assets, overseas property, significant pension funds and trusts. We negotiate firmly on your behalf and, where necessary, we will represent you in court.

Where appropriate we’ll also advise whether a clean break order is right for you to help protect you from future financial claims after your divorce is finalised.

Where children are involved, their wellbeing will always come first.

The courts no longer use the term custody. Instead, child arrangements orders set out where a child lives and how much time they spend with each parent.

Our solicitors approach children matters with that in mind, aiming to reach practical arrangements that work for the whole family and avoiding court proceedings where it is genuinely possible to do so.

Where agreement cannot be reached, we can represent you in applications to the family court. We have significant experience in contested cases, including those involving parental alienation, safeguarding concerns and applications for shared lives with orders.

If you have experienced domestic abuse, physical, emotional, financial or coercive controlling behaviour, we’re here to help you understand your rights and take the steps needed to protect yourself and your children.

We can help you apply for non-molestation orders and occupation orders to keep you and your children safe. We will also advise you on whether Legal Aid is available to fund your case.

We understand these situations are highly sensitive.  We’ll take the time to listen and advise you on what steps to take, in what order, and what to consider before making contact with your spouse or the court at a pace that feels right for you

Where urgent action is needed, we’ll act quickly to protect you and your family.

The court fee for a divorce application is currently £628. Beyond that, legal costs depend on how complex your case is and whether you and your spouse can agree on the key issues.

We offer two service options for private clients:

• Fixed fee divorce packages for more straightforward cases, including options that cover financial matters

• A tailored service for complex cases requiring more detailed advice and representation

We will always tell you clearly what your costs are likely to be at the outset and we will keep you updated throughout your matter. Legal Aid may be available in certain circumstances, including cases involving domestic abuse.

Our aim is to resolve matters as efficiently as possible, we know that keeping costs down matters. Our solicitors will always encourage agreement where it is fair and achievable, protecting what is important to you.

Call 0800 689 1058 or complete our online enquiry form to discuss your options and get a clear estimate of costs.

If you’re not ready to instruct a solicitor, a one-off consultation can be a valuable first step. Many clients find that having expert advice early, gives them the confidence to make informed decisions and move forward with clarity.

Our dedicated team of family law solicitors brings together significant expertise across all areas of divorce and separation law. We’re here to offer more than law. We’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Rubina Vohra

Partner and Head of Department, Family/Divorce

Rubina leads our family and divorce department. She has extensive experience in complex financial remedy proceedings, child arrangements and high-value cases. She is known for her determined approach and her ability to guide clients clearly through difficult and emotionally charged situations.

Nicola Rushton

Senior Associate, Family/Divorce

Nicola is a Senior Associate advising on all aspects of divorce and family law. She is highly regarded for her attention to detail and her commitment to achieving fair outcomes for her clients.

Sarah Robson

Solicitor, Family/Divorce

Sarah Robson advises clients on all aspects of family law, including divorce and matrimonial finances. Sarah is known for her approachable manner, technical expertise and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients.

Lucy Whittaker

Solicitor, Family/Divorce

Lucy Whittaker specialises in all aspects of family law including divorce, financial remedy and private children matters, delivering clear, practical advice throughout every stage of the process. Lucy is known for her approachable manner, attention to detail and dedication to supporting clients through challenging times.

Speak to our family and divorce team. Call 0800 689 1058 or complete our online enquiry form. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.