We will help you navigate through what is now a relatively straightforward process, albeit one which is often wrapped up in emotion and mistrust.
Ending a marriage or civil partnership is now more straightforward than it used to be. Since the introduction of no-fault divorce in April 2022, neither party has to prove blame or wrongdoing. The sole ground for divorce in England and Wales is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, and that statement is enough.
What has not changed is the emotional weight of the process, or the complexity of what often sits alongside it.
How the divorce process works
One or both parties can apply online through the government website. Once the application has been issued by the court, there is a mandatory 20-week period before either party can apply for a conditional order, which confirms entitlement to a divorce. A further six weeks and one day must pass before the final order can be applied for, concluding the divorce formally. The minimum timeframe from application to final order is around six months.
Divorce and your finances
A final order ends the marriage, but it does not resolve your finances. The division of assets, property, pensions and income is a separate process entirely, and any agreement reached needs to be recorded in a court order to be legally binding. This is where the work really starts for most people, and where taking advice early makes a meaningful difference. A London divorce lawyer can advise on the full range of options available, from negotiated settlement to non-court dispute resolution, and help you understand what a fair outcome might look like in your specific circumstances.
Do you need a divorce lawyer or solicitor?
Not necessarily. The online divorce process is designed to be accessible without legal help, and for some people it works well. But instructing a divorce lawyer does not mean matters will become acrimonious or end up in court. In fact, it could be the opposite. We work with clients to keep things as proportionate and constructive as possible, with litigation as a last resort rather than a starting point.
Fees for a divorce lawyer
The court fee for a divorce or civil partnership dissolution in England and Wales is currently £612. Our fees for advice during the divorce process are likely to be between £500 and £750 plus VAT, depending on the level of input required. Matters involving financial settlement or children are costed separately.
Judicial separation
If you have religious or other reasons for not wishing to divorce, a judicial separation may be worth considering. It formalises your separation without ending the marriage, and the court retains jurisdiction to make financial orders. The court fee is £365, and our fees are broadly similar to those for a divorce. It is worth taking advice before deciding between the two routes.
We're always happy to have a no-obligation chat about the way forward. Complete our contact form or call us on 020 4579 5360.
This page reflects the law in England and Wales. Last reviewed: 12 June 2026.
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Do I need to get divorced?
No, it’s entirely up to you. But there may be consequences if you remain legally married when the relationship ends and either you fail to address the financial claims you each have over each other as a result of your marriage, or you agree a financial settlement but do not have this legally sanctioned by the court and therefore leave your financial claims over each other open.
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What happens if I don’t divorce?
You do not have to legalise your separation if you do not feel ready to, or if you do not feel the time is right to divorce. However, the main issues are financial: you cannot finalise any binding arrangement in respect of a financial settlement unless a divorce or judicial separation is filed. You can enter into a separation agreement to record any financial settlement agreed to, but this cannot be legally endorsed and therefore enforced.
If you delay filing a divorce, you should ensure your Will is up to date, any death in service benefits are updated and any jointly owned property reflects your intentions. This will not happen automatically by separating, but, all of these things can be regulated by a divorce and financial settlement.
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How much does a divorce cost?
If you deal with the divorce yourself, the costs are limited to the court fee (currently £612).
A divorce lawyer will charge you for dealing with the case. Usually this will be between £500 and £1,000 plus VAT, depending on the level of assistance you require.
The no-fault divorce system has cooling off periods of 26 weeks built in. This means a case should usually take around 7-10 months from the date the papers are filed.
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Can the other party stop me from divorcing them?
In practical terms, no. The revised system does not allow a case to be defended and you can deal with the case online, without having to go to court. There may be situations where a party can be difficult, but in reality these can be overcome relatively easily.
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What do I need to start a case and how do I do it?
You need to pay the court fee, complete the online forms and have a copy of your marriage certificate or a certified copy. If you were married in England and Wales, you can get a copy of your marriage certificate here. If your marriage certificate is in another language, you will need to have it formally translated.
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Will I have to go to court?
No, you do not need to attend court to obtain your divorce, but if there are issues over your finances or the arrangements for your children, then you may need to. If you think you may need help with these areas, please refer to our Finance and Child arrangements sections.