There are several stages to the divorce process and you will usually need to deal with other matters alongside the actual divorce. This includes having a financial order made and deciding for children, where appropriate. We look at the different stages of divorce and answer the question, ‘How long does a divorce take from start to finish?’
Please note, this blog is intended for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. If you need divorce advice and representation please contact your local BakerLaw office or email us at enquiries@baker-law.co.uk.
What are the beginning stages of divorce?
If you want to begin divorce proceedings, you will usually be advised to speak to a divorce solicitor at the outset to ensure that all aspects of your separation are dealt with at the same time. It is crucial to have a financial order made when you divorce. Without this, your former spouse may be able to make a claim against you in the future, even after your divorce is finalised.
It is often advisable to delay the actual divorce until financial matters have been agreed upon or you have asked the court for a financial order.
Once you are ready to deal with the divorce itself, i.e. the legal ending of your marriage, getting divorced can take place relatively quickly.
Divorce timeline UK
The first stage is applying for divorce by filing an application form at court. You can do this jointly with your spouse if you wish or make a sole application. If you apply yourself, then notice of the application is served on your spouse and they will have two weeks in which to respond and return an acknowledgment of service form to the court.
After the application and acknowledgement of service, there is a cooling-off period of 20 weeks. You will then be able to apply for a conditional order.
Once the conditional order is granted, you need to wait a further six weeks and one day, then you can apply for a final order.
How long do the stages of divorce last?
The total time for the divorce process to end a marriage is just over six months. However, the other aspects that need to be dealt with are likely to take longer.
How long does a divorce take if both parties agree?
If both parties are able to agree on financial matters and arrangements for children, these issues can be put in writing in a draft consent order. The court can then be asked to approve and seal them, making binding orders.
A quick divorce can potentially be dealt with in under a year if both parties are motivated to agree on matters and work to have an amicable and easy divorce.
How long can a spouse drag out a divorce?
If your spouse is unwilling to agree on related matters, then it can be a lengthy process to finalise everything.
The first step in dealing with disputes in divorce is usually to consider mediation. This can be used for financial issues and for child arrangements. Other alternative methods of dispute resolution are also available, including arbitration and collaborative law. Generally speaking, alternatives to litigation are faster and cheaper than litigation.
If mediation is not successful, then an application can be made to the court for an order. The length of time taken will depend on the complexity of the case, the preparation needed and the availability of hearing dates. Even relatively straightforward financial applications can take around a year to be dealt with.
How long does a divorce take when making arrangements for children?
The court process can be lengthy, and family courts often have a substantial backlog of cases. In cases relating to children, the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) will usually be asked to prepare reports on your family to help the judge make the right decision.
Cases involving children can move slowly and it is likely to take between one and two years to finalise matters.
We are often asked how long it takes for a divorce, and we always help clients to resolve matters out of court wherever possible to try and reduce the time taken.
Book a free initial 30-minute consultation with our divorce solicitors
If you want to discuss how long it takes to get a divorce or you have questions about the divorce process, our family law solicitors can provide expert divorce advice and representation.
Our divorce lawyers have many years of experience and can take steps to finalise your divorce as quickly as possible. We will provide the advice and guidance you need and work with you to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
You can contact your local BakerLaw office or email us at enquiries@baker-law.co.uk.
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