Getting a Divorce

A Divorce (also known as dissolution of marriage) is the legal process of ending a marriage. Contact our divorce & family law solicitors for legal assistance.

You can apply to get a divorce in England & Wales to end your marriage if your relationship with your spouse has broken down irretrievably. 

If you do not want a divorce, you can get a legal separation so you can live apart without ending the marriage. You might also be able to annul the marriage. You can apply for separation or annulment during your first year of marriage.

You can get divorced in England or Wales if all of the following are true:

• you've been married for over a year
• your relationship has permanently broken down
• your marriage is legally recognised in the UK (including same-sex marriage)

Before you apply for a divorce

You must decide whether you want to make a joint application with your husband or wife or whether you want to apply on your own.

After you apply for a divorce

If you applied jointly with your husband or wife

Your application will be checked. If it's correct, you'll both be sent:

• a notice that your application has been issued (sent out)
• a copy of your application stamped by Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
• an 'acknowledge receipt'
• a case number

You need to wait 20 weeks. After this time you and your husband or wife can continue with the divorce by applying for a conditional order.

If you applied as a sole applicant

Your application will be checked. If it's correct, you'll be sent:

• a notice that your application has been issued (sent out)
• a copy of your application stamped by HMCTS
• a case number

The court will send your husband or wife the divorce application and an 'acknowledgement of service' notification.

Your husband or wife must respond to the acknowledgement of service notification within 14 days saying whether they:

• agree with the divorce
• intend to dispute the divorce

If your husband or wife does not respond the court will tell you what you need to do. You will not need to go to court.

If they agree with the divorce

You can continue with the divorce by applying for a conditional order (or a decree nisi if the court issued your divorce application before 6 April 2022). You will need to wait 20 weeks before you can apply for a conditional order or decree nisi.

How long does it take to divorce in the UK?

It normally takes at least 6 months to get a divorce. This is the same for joint and sole applications.

How our divorce and family law solicitors can help you?

Divorce and separation is a very difficult decision to make and should never be taken lightly. Our team of divorce solicitors are aware of the sensitivity and complexity involved in divorce matters.

We understand that every individual is in a different situation. To make your life easier, our highly trained and experienced divorce solicitors will guide and support you at each step of the divorce process. Our specialist family law solicitors will cut through the legal jargon and ensure you understand exactly what's happening at all times.