Divorce Process
Understanding the divorce process.
Starting the divorce process can feel daunting, but it begins with understanding the steps involved.
In order to commence the divorce, you must have been married for at least one year.
The divorce process is completed online. We will require your original marriage certificate, or certified copy to make the application. There is a court fee of £593 to pay.
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One or both spouses (or both if jointly applying) submit the divorce application (previously known as the divorce petition), stating that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. There is no need to assign blame.
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The other spouse (the respondent) acknowledges receipt of the application. This step is not needed in joint applications.
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Once the application is officially issued by the court, a mandatory 20-week reflection period begins. During this time, you can consider financial matters arising from the divorce.
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Once the reflection period is over, you can apply for a conditional order (previously known as the decree nisi), which confirms you are entitled to divorce.
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After at least six weeks from the conditional order, you can apply for the final order (previously known as the decree absolute), which legally ends the marriage.
How long will my divorce take?
At a minimum, the divorce process takes around 6 months, but the exact duration will depend on several factors. The legal process of ending a marriage is independent of both financial settlements and child arrangements (if applicable), which are negotiated separately. The complexity of your case, the level of cooperation and court schedules may influence how long your divorce takes.
Call us on 020 7426 4915 or
Request a callbackHow we help with the divorce process.
At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we guide you through each stage of divorce, ensuring you stay on track and feel supported.
We simplify the paperwork, helping you complete essential forms like the D8 divorce application accurately and efficiently to minimise delays.
Meet our family law team
Getting started is easy.
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Our friendly team is looking forward to hearing from you and understanding your concerns and objectives. If we can’t speak with you straight away we’ll arrange a convenient time to discuss your case. We’ll handle your case with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.
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We’ll review your case and provide clear and tailored advice on your options and costs. We aim to provide you with all the necessary information to make informed decisions about your case.
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Once you decide to proceed, our team will develop a tailored strategy, handle all necessary documentation and guide you every step of the way.
Call us on 020 7426 4915 or
Request a callback
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Frequently asked questions
How does online divorce work?
How does the divorce process work?
The divorce process starts with filing a divorce application (previously known as a petition). After a 20-week reflection period, a conditional order (previously known as the decree nisi) is granted, and six weeks later, you can apply for the final order (previously known as decree absolute) to officially end the marriage.
The legal process of ending a marriage is independent of both financial settlements and child arrangements, which are agreed separately. Thomas Mansfield Family Law can guide you through the online divorce process, ensuring no mistakes are made which may impact your finances and child arrangements.
How much does a divorce cost?
The cost of a divorce can vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether you reach agreements easily or need court involvement. The main fees include the court filing fee, which is currently £593 in England and Wales.
If you use a solicitor, legal costs will depend on the level of support needed, such as handling paperwork, negotiations or complex financial and child arrangements. Mediation or out of court methods can help reduce costs.
We offer transparent quotes tailored to individual circumstances. An initial consultation will provide you with an estimate based on the specifics of your case.
What are the key considerations in a high net worth divorce?
Are there differences in the process for civil partnerships and same-sex divorce?
Civil partnerships and same-sex marriages are legally distinct, but the process for dissolving them (often referred to as 'civil partnership dissolution' and 'same-sex divorce') is largely similar.
Both processes follow the legal frameworks established to handle relationship breakdowns, focusing on fair division of finances, arrangements for children and emotional wellbeing. However, there are some differences in terminology and valid grounds for ending the relationship.
Is Islamic divorce recognised in England and Wales?
What happens if we can't agree divorce terms?
If you and your spouse can't agree on the terms of your divorce, you can try negotiating through solicitors, using mediation, or opting for collaborative law to find a compromise. These methods focus on finding mutually acceptable solutions without the need for court involvement.
However, if these approaches don't work, you may need to take the matter to court, where a judge will make legally binding decisions on key issues like finances and child arrangements. If one party doesn't comply with the court's ruling, legal enforcement may be needed.
At Thomas Mansfield Family Law, we work to help clients avoid court by encouraging amicable solutions through negotiation and mediation. However, if court involvement becomes necessary, we offer expert representation to protect your interests.
Ready to talk things through?
Speak with our family law solicitors.
Family matters often involve important decisions about your future and your children. Our experienced family law solicitors provide thoughtful, specialist advice tailored to your circumstances.
Complete our form to arrange an initial discussion, or call us to speak directly with our family law team.
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