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Divorce or Dissolution Process: Key Points

Family law · Factsheet

Overview

  • Divorce ends a marriage, dissolution ends a civil partnership
  • Must be married/in partnership for at least 12 months to apply
  • Process takes at least 6 months (26 weeks) from application
  • Can apply online or on paper
  • Online process is generally quicker and easier

Application Process

  • 1. Decide to apply jointly or solely
  • 2. Complete application form (online or paper)
  • 3. Pay court fee or apply for help with fees
  • 4. Court sends application to respondent (if sole application)
  • 5. Respondent has 14 days to respond
  • 6. 20-week waiting period begins
  • 7. Apply for conditional order after 20 weeks
  • 8. Wait 6 weeks, then apply for final order

Key Points

  • No need to prove fault or give reasons for divorce
  • Financial matters are separate from divorce process
  • Consider resolving finances before final order
  • Final order doesn’t end financial obligations
  • Update your will after divorce/dissolution
  • Be cautious about remarrying before finalizing finances

Common Issues

  • Ex doesn’t respond to application
  • Difficulty serving application to ex
  • Disagreements about finances or children
  • Ex is missing or presumed dead
  • Domestic abuse situations

Helpful Resources

  • GOV.UK: Apply for a divorce
  • Advicenow: Guides on finances and children
  • Resolution: Find a family lawyer
  • Family Mediation Council: Find a mediator
  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
  • Citizens Advice: Free advice on various issues
Source
Download this factsheet as a PDF 4-Divorce-or-Dissolution-Process-Key-Points.pdf · 1 page

The PDF is retained as historical material: it shows a superseded service name (National Domestic Violence Helpline). The service is now the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, 0808 2000 247. Checked against nationaldahelpline.org.uk on 6 August 2026.

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