A divorce in England and Wales takes at least six months but can take longer if there are disputes over money, property, or children. It can take longer depending on:
- Whether court intervention is needed
- Whether there are disputes
- Whether alternative methods are used
The divorce process consists of:
- One or both spouses submitting a divorce application to the family court
- There is then a 20-week “cooling off” period
- The Court considers the application for a Conditional Order
- The Court provides a date for the Conditional Order to be made
- There is a six-week reflection period after the Conditional Order has been granted
- The applicant can apply for a final order from six weeks to one day after the Conditional Order is granted.
Sorting out financial matters and child arrangements can take longer than the minimum divorce timeline, potentially extending the process to 12-18 months or even longer. Using alternative methods to Court, like mediation, can reduce the time it takes to resolve issues, potentially shortening the overall process.
You may handle the divorce application, but submitting a joint application is also an option. Regardless of your choice, it is advisable to communicate with your spouse about this matter to ensure that receiving notice of the divorce does not come as a surprise. If you are facing financial difficulties, this should be a consideration when deciding who will file for the divorce. The current court fee is £593, but you might be eligible for government assistance if you have a low income or receive certain benefits. To qualify for government help with a joint application, you and your spouse must provide proof of your eligibility.
Need help with a family matter? Contact us, your local divorce lawyers, today, for a free initial half-hour telephone appointment via our contact page: https://www.harringtonfamilylaw.co.uk/contact/