UK Divorce FAQs | No Fault Divorce, Costs, Timelines & Child Arrangements

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UK Divorce at a Glance

Minimum timeframe: around 6–7 months
Court fee: £593
Law: No fault divorce in England and Wales
Application: Sole or joint
Key issues: finances, property, children
Governing law: Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020
Official guidance: GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/divorce

What is a no fault divorce?

A no fault divorce in England and Wales allows a marriage to end without either spouse needing to blame the other. It only requires a statement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. Since 2022, this is the only legal basis for divorce under UK law.

For a full breakdown of how this works in practice, see our guide to no fault divorce explained step-by-step on DivorcedParents.co.uk /no-fault-divorce/

How do I start divorce proceedings?

You can apply online or by post through GOV.UK.

You will need:

Marriage details
Both parties’ information
£593 court fee

Applications can be:

Sole (one person applies)
Joint (both agree)

Read more: how to apply for divorce in the UK step-by-step
DivorcedParents.co.uk /how-to-apply-for-divorce-uk/

How long does a divorce take in the UK?

The minimum timeframe is usually 6 to 7 months, assuming no delays.

This includes:

20-week reflection period
6-week waiting period after conditional order

Delays may occur if finances, property, or children are disputed.

For a full timeline breakdown, see:
DivorcedParents.co.uk /divorce-timeline-uk/

How much does divorce cost?

The standard court fee is £593. Additional costs depend on complexity:

Simple cases: lower legal fees
Disputes: higher solicitor and court costs

Most people pay their own legal fees unless a court orders otherwise.

For a full breakdown of costs, see:
DivorcedParents.co.uk /divorce-costs-uk/

How are finances and property divided?

There is no automatic 50/50 split.

Courts use factors set out in Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, including:

Children’s needs
Income and earning capacity
Contributions during marriage
Standard of living
Length of marriage

For a deeper explanation of financial settlements, see:
DivorcedParents.co.uk /post-divorce-finances/

What happens with children after divorce?

Parents are encouraged to agree arrangements themselves. The focus is on where the child lives and how time is shared.

If agreement cannot be reached, the court may issue a child arrangements order.

The child’s welfare is always the top priority.

For more support, see:

Can I apply for divorce without a solicitor?

Yes - this is often called a DIY divorce.

It may be suitable if:

Both parties agree
Finances are simple
No disputes exist

However, risks include missing pension claims or unfair financial settlements.

(simple overview)

Application submitted
Acknowledgement by other party
20-week reflection period
Conditional order granted
6-week waiting period
Final order issued

FAQ: UK Divorce Questions

What is a no fault divorce?

A divorce system where no blame is required, only confirmation of irretrievable breakdown.

How long does divorce take?

Around 6–7 months minimum in England and Wales.

How much does divorce cost?

£593 court fee plus legal costs if applicable.

Do I need a solicitor?

Not always, but legal advice is recommended for finances and children.

How are assets divided?

Based on fairness under UK law, not a fixed percentage.

Final note

Divorce in the UK is now simpler legally under the no fault system, but financial and parenting decisions still require careful consideration. Taking time to understand your rights and options can significantly improve outcomes for both adults and children.

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