How to get divorced quickly in the UK

Colin Freeman of Freeman Jones Solicitors answers the question “How quickly can you get divorced?“

Fast-Track Divorce: What You Need to Know

If you and your spouse agree to divorce, the process doesn’t have to be long or stressful. With the right steps and the right legal support, you could finalise your divorce in as little as six months. This guide breaks down the timeline, options, and ways to avoid delays.

Quick Overview: Divorce Options & Timelines

Type of Divorce	Key Features	Estimated Time	Best For
Uncontested Divorce	Both parties agree to split, and the terms are settled	~26 weeks (6 months)	Couples with mutual agreement
Contested Divorce	One or more issues are disputed (finances, children, etc.)	12–18+ months	Complex or high-conflict cases
Online Application	Apply via the government portal, pay the fee, and submit documents online	Quicker than by post	Tech-savvy individuals
Postal Application	Submit Form D8 and documents by post	Slower than online	Those preferring paper applications
With Solicitor Support	Expert guidance with documents, finances, children & court involvement	Varies, but more reliable	Anyone wanting clarity, protection, and speed
DIY Divorce (No Solicitor)	Handle everything yourself, no legal advice	Risk of errors/delays	Very simple cases, low risk, limited assets

How Long Does It Take?

A typical uncontested divorce takes around 26 weeks under UK law:

20 weeks from application to Conditional Order
6 weeks + 1 day waiting period before the Final Order

Need a refresher? View our step-by-step divorce guide.

Want to Speed Things Up?

You can fast-track your divorce if:

You agree on finances and childcare
You both respond to paperwork quickly
You avoid court involvement

Delays happen when people disagree about money, property, or parenting.

Legal Help Makes It Easier

You’re not legally required to use a solicitor—but working with a family law expert like Freeman Jones can help you:

File correctly and avoid rejection
Resolve financial disputes faster
Secure parenting agreements
Avoid common delays or hidden legal risks

Tip: Be Prepared Early

Gather these before starting:

Original marriage certificate (or certified copy)
Partner’s details
Proof of ID or name change (if relevant)
£592 court fee

Let Freeman Jones Help You Move Forward

Our solicitors have helped hundreds of people in Chester, Liverpool, Warrington, and Wrexham go through divorce quickly and with less stress. Whether you want support filing, handling finances, or protecting your rights, we’re here to guide you from start to finish.