A step-by-step guide to divorce

If your marriage has come to an end, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. The divorce, financial settlement and child arrangements process can be complex, on top of navigating a stressful and difficult time in your life, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Our team of family solicitors offer expert guidance and a sensitive helping hand to get you to your next chapter.

In this guide, we aim to simply outline the divorce process, helping you to understand what to expect from each stage.

How to initiate the process

The first step is filing a divorce application with the court, which can be done via an online or postal form. As of April 2025, the court fee is £612 and you can only file for divorce if you have been married for at least a year. You will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate and have contact details for your former partner.

You also need to choose whether to make a sole or a joint application with your spouse. The best option depends on a variety of factors, such as whether you’re both in agreement about ending the marriage and if you think your husband or wife will communicate during the process.

Since the introduction of no-fault divorce in April 2022, you no longer need to provide an explanation for the breakdown of the relationship.

It’s best to consult a specialist family lawyer as soon as you and your spouse have decided to divorce, as they can help you to understand the process and ensure you get what you are entitled to.

Understanding the timeline of a divorce

Once the court has processed the divorce application, a copy of it will be sent to your spouse (the respondent) if you made a sole application. They must acknowledge receipt of the application within 14 days. If you made a joint application, you will both receive a copy.

There is then a reflection period of 20 weeks in which you can negotiate financial matters and child arrangements. Once this period has passed, an application for a Conditional Order can be made, which is confirmation from the court that the divorce can proceed.

Six weeks and one day after the Conditional Order has been granted, you can apply for a Final Order. This is the final stage and once it is granted, the divorce is finalised.

It’s important to note that there could be implications if a divorce is finalised before financial matters are formalised. For example, if the other party dies before a financial agreement/order is reached, then valuable pension benefits would be lost.

Financial settlements

Due to the above, the timing of applying for the Final Order needs to be considered carefully with your solicitor. The 20-week reflection period is a good opportunity to negotiate and prepare a Financial Consent Order. A Financial Consent Order sets out how your money, pensions, property and other assets will be divided and it needs to be approved by the court.

Whilst finances can often be the most complex and contentious part of a divorce, they don’t have to be. Using resolution-based methods, such as mediation, can help you to avoid the courts and come to faster, more flexible, and amicable agreements.

Child arrangements

Where possible, we encourage co-parents to make decisions between themselves, with the help of their solicitors or a mediator. These arrangements can be made legally binding through a Consent Order if necessary; however, the court will consider whether an order is required.

If an agreement can’t be reached in this way, then you can apply for a Child Arrangements Order. This sets out where a child will live and when they will spend time with each parent and is determined by the court based on the child’s best interests. The children’s welfare is the court’s paramount consideration.

You can read more about co-parenting effectively in our Amicable Separation Guide.

Moving forward with the right guidance

In this guide, we’ve set out what the divorce process looks like for many people, but individual circumstances mean there can be additional steps and differing timescales depending on each situation. As such, it’s key to reach out to a specialist family lawyer when you’re ready to take the first step, to ensure that you have the support required to get the best outcome for you and your family.

At Maguire Family Law, we’re here to guide you through the process and help you get to day one of your new life.

FAQs

How long does the divorce process take?

Usually, an uncontested divorce process takes about six months to complete. Any issues related to children or finances could elongate the process between six and twelve months. In some circumstances, it can take longer. It is always worth seeking the advice of a family law specialist to ensure that the process is fully and properly completed and that you have investigated the financial implications involved.

How much does it cost to get a divorce?

At Maguire Family Law, we offer a fixed-fee initial consultation. We can then provide you with a cost estimate based on the circumstances of your individual case. If we are acting for the applicant, an average uncontested divorce (where both parties agree on the divorce and the key terms) usually costs in the region of £500-1000 + VAT, in addition to the court fee, which is currently £612. Costs relating to finances or children matters will vary depending on the complexities of the case.

How should I prepare for the first meeting with my solicitor?

It is helpful to prepare a short chronology of your relationship, a summary of assets, incomes and liabilities and a list of points or questions you would like to raise. This will help your family lawyer to understand your circumstances quickly and ensure you get the most out of your first meeting.