A Guide to the Divorce Process

In the UK, the sole ground for divorce is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, which must be proven by one of five facts: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, two years' separation with consent, or five years' separation without consent.

The divorce process typically takes around 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the case and whether both parties are in agreement.

Most divorces in the UK do not require a court appearance if both parties agree on the terms. However, if there are disputes over children, finances, or property, a court appearance may be necessary.

The cost of a divorce varies, but it typically includes court fees (about £550) and legal fees, which can range from several hundred to several thousand pounds depending on the complexity of the case and the services used.

Yes, you can get a divorce without your spouse's consent if you have been separated for five years or if you can prove unreasonable behaviour, adultery, or desertion.

As of April 2022, the UK has introduced 'no-fault' divorce, allowing couples to apply for a divorce without needing to assign blame. They can simply state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

Arrangements for children need to be agreed upon, including where they will live and how much time they will spend with each parent. If parents cannot agree, the court may intervene to make these decisions.

Financial assets are divided based on what is fair and reasonable, considering factors such as the length of the marriage, the needs of each party, and the welfare of any children. This may not always result in a 50/50 split.

A consent order is a legal document that confirms your agreement on financial matters and makes it legally binding. It can cover the division of assets, maintenance payments, and other financial arrangements.

Yes, you can change your name back to your maiden name after divorce. You will need to provide your marriage certificate and the decree absolute as evidence.

A decree nisi is a provisional decree of divorce, indicating that the court is satisfied there are grounds for the divorce. It is not the final decree and does not end the marriage.

A decree absolute is the final decree that legally ends the marriage. You can apply for it six weeks and one day after the decree nisi is granted.

Yes, you can remarry after your divorce is finalized. You will need to have the decree absolute to show that your marriage has legally ended.

Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps divorcing couples reach amicable agreements on issues such as finances and childcare. It is often encouraged and sometimes required before taking disputes to court.

To start the divorce process, you need to file a divorce petition with the court, providing details of your marriage and the grounds for divorce. This can be done online or by submitting paper forms.