Going through a divorce is rarely straightforward, even when the legal steps themselves are. Since the no-fault divorce system was introduced in April 2022, couples no longer need to assign blame or prove a reason for their marriage breaking down – they simply confirm that it has irretrievably broken down. This has removed the need to assign blame and reduce conflict, although divorce can still involve difficult decisions about finances, children, and future arrangements.
Below, we break down each stage of the process, what to expect if you’re responding to an application, and how no-fault divorce has changed the experience for separating couples.
What do I need to begin the divorce process?
To apply for a divorce in England and Wales, you must have been married for at least one year and your marriage must be legally recognised in the UK.
You’ll need the following documents to hand:
- Original marriage certificate (or a certified copy), plus a certified translation if it is not in English
- Proof of a name change, where applicable
- Your spouse’s full name and current address
Solicitor’s tip: Having these ready from the outset can help avoid delays. If your marriage certificate is missing, you can apply to the relevant register office or certificate service for a certified copy.
What are the steps in a UK divorce?
The process of divorce in the UK follows five clear stages.
1) Making and responding to the application
The divorce process begins when one or both spouses submit an application – either online or by post – and pays the court fee.
Where a sole application is made, the court sends the documents to the respondent to acknowledge. If there is no response, further steps may be needed to confirm that the papers have been properly served.
Our guide on how to get divorced covers full details on eligibility, the documents you’ll need, sole and joint applications, court fees, and how to respond to an application.
2) The 20-week reflection period
Once the court issues the application, a 20-week minimum reflection period begins. It’s designed to give couples time to reflect on their decision while also giving them space to start resolving practical matters.
For example, many applicants begin to work through financial arrangements and, where relevant, discuss child arrangement orders, including living arrangements and time spent with each parent.
3) Applying for the conditional order
After the 20 weeks have passed, you can apply for a conditional order, previously known as a Decree Nisi. This confirms the court sees no reason why you can’t divorce, though it doesn’t end the marriage itself.
The court reviews the application and, if the legal and procedural requirements have been met, grants the conditional order. A hearing is not normally required at this stage. Once granted, the court can approve an agreed financial consent order – though this cannot happen before the conditional order is in place.
4) The six-week waiting period
You must wait six weeks and one day after the conditional order is granted before applying for the next step. This is another mandatory pause built into the no-fault process.
5) Applying for the final order
The final order, previously the Decree Absolute, is the legal document that ends your marriage. Once issued, you’re officially divorced and free to remarry.
If you applied as joint applicants, one of you will initiate the final-order request and the other will need to complete it. If the second applicant does not act, the first may be able to switch to a sole application to keep things moving.
If a sole applicant does not apply for the final order, the respondent can apply after an additional three months have passed beyond the earliest date on which the applicant could have applied.
Solicitor’s tip: It may be in your best interest to delay the final order application until the financial matters are resolved as this will have an impact on your rights in the event of your spouse’s death and it’s best to take legal advice before doing so.
How long does the divorce process take?
A straightforward divorce normally takes between 6-8 months. This includes the minimum 20-week period before the conditional order, the six-week-and-one-day wait before the final order, and the time the court needs to process each stage.
The process may take longer if:
- Documents are incomplete
- The other person is hard to contact or does not respond
- Either party delays taking the next step
Check out our guide to how long divorce takes in the UK for an in-depth explanation of the factors that can affect the overall timeline.
When should I sort out finances?
The divorce application ends the marriage, but it does not automatically divide your money, property, pensions, or other assets. Financial settlements are dealt with separately and can run alongside the divorce itself, so you don’t need to wait until the process is complete before starting those conversations.
If you reach an agreement, a consent order is normally needed to make it legally binding – though the court cannot approve one before the conditional order has been granted.
Solicitor’s tip: It’s worth taking advice before you apply for the final order, because finalising the divorce first can have financial consequences, particularly where pensions are involved.
When should I sort out child arrangements?
Child arrangements are dealt with separately from the divorce application and can be discussed at any point during separation. In many cases, parents are able to agree between themselves where their children will live, how much time they’ll spend with each parent, and other contact arrangements.
Where that’s difficult, solicitor-led negotiation or family mediation can often help reach a workable outcome. A court application may be considered where arrangements cannot be agreed, or where there are urgent or safeguarding concerns.
Do I need a solicitor for a UK divorce?
It’s not a legal requirement, but many people find that having a solicitor makes a meaningful difference, particularly when it comes to finances. Ending a marriage legally and protecting your financial future are two separate processes, and getting one without properly addressing the other can leave you exposed.
A solicitor can also help if your spouse is uncooperative, if there’s a dispute over jurisdiction, or if your situation involves more complex matters like international assets or high-net-worth settlements.
For many people, that support is most valuable when things feel uncertain, and sometimes, joining a case part-way through can be just as important as being there from the start.
One client who came to our Newcastle family law office part-way through their divorce found exactly that. Orla O’Connor joined the case at a late stage, provided clear and practical advice, and kept matters moving forward. As the client put it:
“Orla came on to my divorce case late on in the process and has been an absolute breath of fresh air for me. Orla is quick to respond both by phone and emails. I appreciate that she will give all options and explain things in plain English.
“I have found Orla to be fast and efficient in her work, professional at all times but also friendly. I believe Orla to be a caring individual who can empathise with people. I would have no hesitation in recommending Orla and believe she is a credit to her profession. It has been an absolute pleasure having dealt with her.”
Our team of divorce solicitors has supported families across the UK for over 50 years. Whether you’re just starting to consider your options or you’re ready to begin, we’ll be by your side with compassionate, practical advice.
Speak to our team to talk through your circumstances, so you can move forward with confidence.
Keep reading…
How long can a spouse drag out a divorce in the UK?
What are common divorce mistakes?
Originally written June 2026
