Divorce Solicitors

• Will my case go to court?

• Will I get custody of my child?

• How much will it cost?

• How long will it take?

• How much can I claim in a settlement?

• Plus ask:

  • Who exactly will handle my case?

  • How experienced are they?

  • How often will I get updates?

  • How can I keep costs low?

  • How will my assets be valued?

No, it’s not legally required—you can apply online or by post yourself. However, a solicitor is highly recommended for guidance, especially on finances, and can apply online on your behalf.

• Fees vary based on your case’s complexity—court attendance, negotiations, paperwork.

• Typically, the person applying (the petitioner) pays, though sometimes respondents are asked to contribute through the divorce application

Yes—especially in amicable or no-fault cases, it can streamline and speed up the process

Absolutely. You can switch anytime if you’re unhappy with your current representation .

Yes. You can apply online via a government portal (create an account, provide details, pay fee), or send a D8 form by post and pay by cheque.

Uncontested, no-fault divorces take at least 7–8 months. Contested or with financial disputes, it may take longer.

• Solicitor’s basic fees (excluding VAT): £400–£600 (more if complex)

• Court fee to file petition: £593

You must prove your marriage breakdown using one of these five grounds:

1. Adultery (and you can’t live together for 6 months afterwards)

2. Unreasonable behaviour (most common—behaviour making it impossible to live together)

3. Desertion (spouse left for 2+ years)

4. Separation with both agreeing for 2+ years

5. Separation alone for 5+ years (no consent needed)

1. File a Petition citing irretrievable breakdown + one of the five grounds

2. Court issues and serves Petition; spouse (Respondent) acknowledges

3. Decree Nisi is granted after review

4. Wait at least 6 weeks, then apply for Decree Absolute to finalize the divorce

No-fault divorce allows you to end a marriage without assigning blame, simply stating it has irretrievably broken down. Introduced by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (effective April 2022), it focuses on key issues like children and finances, and generally takes at least six months for the final order.

• Only a statement of irretrievable breakdown is needed—no blame

• Petition filed, then a 20-week wait to get the Conditional Order (formerly Decree Nisi)

• Another 6-week wait before applying for the Final Order (former Decree Absolute)

Agreeing matters amicably with your spouse, considering mediation or collaborative law, and choosing fixed-fee services can significantly reduce legal costs .

• A financial settlement legally divides your assets (house, pensions, savings, etc.).

• Courts consider Section 25 factors: children, income, living standard, health, marriage length, future needs, contributions.

• Can be settled by agreement (via consent order), mediation, solicitor negotiation, or in court.

• If court is involved, expect additional fees (e.g. £275 for a financial order) and up to 9–12 months for resolution.