You can apply to get a divorce in England & Wales to end your marriage if your relationship with your spouse has broken down irretrievably. Divorce is a legal process that ends a marriage between a husband and a wife after their relationship has irretrievably broken down. You can get a divorce in England & Wales only after you have been married for at least one year, and you have valid grounds for seeking a divorce. You can apply for divorce online or by completing a divorce application form D8 with valid grounds for divorce. You can also get a divorce in England & Wales if you do not know the whereabouts of your husband or wife.
At Premium Solicitors, our experienced divorce and family law solicitors provide professional legal advice and representation for individuals seeking a divorce in England and Wales. We understand that the breakdown of a marriage can be emotionally difficult and legally complex. Our solicitors offer clear guidance, practical solutions, and compassionate support throughout every stage of the divorce process.
Whether your divorce is straightforward or involves disputes regarding children, finances, property, or international issues, our specialist divorce solicitors are here to protect your interests and help you move forward with confidence.
Free Advice for Divorce Matters
At Premium Solicitors, we understand that divorce matters can be emotionally challenging and stressful. To help you better understand your legal position before booking a detailed consultation, our experienced team offers a 5-minute free divorce advice service.
This free initial advice session gives you the opportunity to briefly discuss your circumstances with one of our experienced divorce lawyers and receive general guidance about the legal options and next steps available to you.
To benefit from our 5-minute free divorce advice service, complete the enquiry form below or call us on 020 3930 3900 today.
What Is Divorce in England and Wales?
Divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage in England and Wales through the Family Court. Since the introduction of the no-fault divorce law under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, couples no longer need to blame each other or prove unreasonable behaviour, adultery, or separation periods to obtain a divorce.
The only ground for divorce is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
You can apply for:
- A sole divorce application
- A joint divorce application with your spouse
Our divorce solicitors can advise you on the most suitable approach based on your circumstances.
Eligibility Requirements to Apply for Divorce in England and Wales
You can apply for a divorce in England and Wales if:
- You have been married for at least one year
- Your marriage is legally recognised in the UK
- England or Wales is your permanent home, or you meet the jurisdiction requirements
- Your marriage has irretrievably broken down
If you were married overseas, our family law solicitors can advise whether your foreign marriage certificate is acceptable for divorce proceedings in England and Wales.
Grounds for Getting a Divorce in England
You can apply for a divorce on the grounds that your marriage has broken down irretrievably and cannot be saved. This means that either one or both of you feel that you cannot stay married to each other. Either of you may apply to the divorce court in England and Wales for the marriage to be dissolved as long as you have been married for one year at least, and that one of you has been a resident here for the year before your divorce petition is made. The application to the divorce court is called a Petition, and the spouse who files (sends) the Petition is called the Petitioner. The other spouse is then referred to as the Respondent.
From 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 has reformed the divorce process and removed the requirement to provide evidence of conduct or separation facts and replaced this with a simple requirement to provide a statement of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or civil partnership or to obtain a judicial separation.
It is no longer a requirement of the law to rely on the five facts, i.e. adultery, unreasonable behaviour, 2 years separation with consent, desertion and five years separation as grounds for divorce when applying for divorce in England & Wales. Instead, the petitioner is required to provide a statement of irretrievable breakdown of marriage.
The Divorce Process in England and Wales
The step-by-step divorce process in England and Wales is as follows:
1. Filing the Divorce Application
The divorce process begins by filing a divorce application with the Family Court. This can be completed online or through a solicitor.
Our divorce solicitors can prepare and submit the application on your behalf to ensure accuracy and avoid unnecessary delays.
2. Acknowledgement of Service
If it is a sole application, the respondent spouse will receive the divorce papers and must acknowledge receipt.
3. Conditional Order
After the required waiting period, the court may issue a Conditional Order confirming that the court sees no reason why the divorce cannot proceed.
4. Final Order
Following a further waiting period, the Final Order can be applied for, which legally ends the marriage.
At Premium Solicitors, we provide full legal support from the beginning of the divorce application until the Final Order is granted.
Clean Break Divorce
A clean break divorce is where no ongoing financial commitments remain between you and your spouse. The phrase ‘a clean break’ is particularly used as the opposite of an order where there is ongoing spousal maintenance payable, usually monthly, from one spouse to the other.
A clean break is only possible with respect to financial claims between spouses. It is not possible to have a clean break regarding financial obligations to your children.
In case you and your ex-partner have no assets to divide, you should also apply for a financial settlement order. It’s essential to do so, even if you don’t have any assets to divide at the time of the divorce. There’s no guarantee you won’t come into some money in the future, and if you haven’t obtained a financial settlement, your ex is still within their legal rights to make a financial claim.
Once a 'clean break' agreement of this kind has been ratified by court order, neither of you will be able to go back to court in the future to ask for maintenance or further transfer of assets. This gives both partners a much greater degree of certainty and allows them to completely disentangle their individual financial affairs.
How Long Does Divorce Take in England and Wales?
A standard divorce in England and Wales usually takes a minimum of approximately 6 to 8 months, depending on:
- Court processing times
- Whether the divorce is contested
- Delays in responding to documents
- Financial settlement negotiations
- Child arrangements disputes
Our solicitors work proactively to minimise delays and keep your matter progressing efficiently.
Can a Divorce Be Contested?
Under the no-fault divorce system, it is now very difficult to contest a divorce application. However, disputes may still arise concerning:
- Jurisdiction
- Financial matters
- Child arrangements
- Validity of the marriage
Our specialist divorce solicitors can advise and represent you in all contested family law matters.
Financial Settlement After Divorce
Obtaining a divorce does not automatically resolve financial matters between spouses. It is important to obtain a legally binding financial settlement to protect your future interests.
Our divorce and family law solicitors can assist with:
- Division of property and assets
- Spousal maintenance
- Pension sharing orders
- Child maintenance
- Consent Orders
- Clean break agreements
- High net worth divorce matters
We aim to achieve fair and practical financial outcomes through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings where necessary.
Child Arrangements During Divorce
If you have children, it is important to make suitable arrangements regarding:
- Where the children will live
- Contact arrangements
- Schooling decisions
- Holiday arrangements
- Parental responsibility issues
Our family law solicitors always prioritise the best interests of the child while helping parents reach workable agreements.
We can also assist with:
- Child Arrangements Orders
- Specific Issue Orders
- Prohibited Steps Orders
- International child matters
Divorce Advice Service London
Our divorce lawyers in London offer the best legal services for divorce on a fixed-fee basis. Our top divorce lawyers in London provide a divorce advice service for all divorce matters, drawing on extensive knowledge of divorce laws and a wealth of experience in successfully handling such matters. Our divorce lawyers can provide detailed legal advice and consultation, either in person at our London offices or virtually via Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, or by phone. Click on the link below to book an appointment online with one of our specialist divorce lawyers:
Our divorce lawyers in London will agree with you, upfront, the total fixed fee to handle your divorce matter during the divorce consultation session. If you later instruct us to handle your divorce or family law matter within 14 days of your advice and consultation session, we will deduct the consultation fee from the fixed fee quoted for your divorce case.
Our Divorce & Family Law Services in London
Our team can help with every aspect of divorce and separation, including:
- Filing for Divorce – Preparing and submitting all necessary paperwork.
- Financial Settlements – Negotiating a fair division of assets, property, savings, and pensions.
- Child Arrangements – Putting your children’s best interests first in custody and contact agreements.
- High Net Worth Divorce – Handling complex financial portfolios, business interests, and overseas property.
- Contested & Uncontested Divorce – Representing clients in both amicable and disputed divorce cases.
- International Divorce – Managing cases involving overseas assets or spouses living abroad.
Why Choose Premium Solicitors for Your Divorce?
At Premium Solicitors, we provide trusted and professional divorce and family law services tailored to your individual circumstances.
Our Advantages:
- Experienced divorce and family law solicitors
- Clear legal advice and fixed fee options
- Assistance with straightforward and complex divorces
- Support with financial settlements and children matters
- Remote and in-person appointments available
- Friendly and compassionate legal support
- Available 7 days a week, 365 days a year
We offer appointments via:
- Face-to-face meetings
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- Telephone consultation
How Can Our Divorce Lawyer Help with Your Divorce Matter?
Divorce and separation are very difficult decisions to make and should never be taken lightly. Our team of divorce lawyers is aware of the sensitivity and complexity involved in divorce matters. We understand that every individual is in a different situation. To make your life easier, our highly trained and experienced divorce lawyers will guide and support you each step of the divorce process. Our specialist divorce lawyers will cut through the legal jargon and ensure you understand exactly what’s happening at all times.
Our divorce lawyers will discuss the possible grounds on which you can apply for divorce after gathering all the factual information from you. We will explain the court procedures to you in straightforward, transparent terms, thoroughly guide you through the process, and handle all follow-up until the court issues the Divorce Order.
Specialist Divorce Lawyers London
As one of London's leading divorce lawyers, our solicitors have extensive experience and deep expertise in divorce matters.
Thinking of getting a divorce in England & Wales? Get divorce advice and representation from our fixed-fee divorce lawyers in London. Our team of fixed-fee divorce lawyers will provide you with fast, friendly, reliable and fixed-fee legal services for your divorce and financial settlement matters.
Our team of divorce lawyers in London can provide expert legal advice and representation on your divorce matter on a fixed-fee basis. At Premium Solicitors, our specialist divorce lawyers in London provide clear, practical, and compassionate legal advice to guide you through every stage of the divorce process. We understand that divorce can be one of the most stressful experiences in life, and we aim to protect your interests, minimise conflict, and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Whether you are considering starting divorce proceedings or have already been served with divorce papers, our experienced divorce solicitors in London can offer the legal expertise and emotional support you need.
The high quality of the legal services provided by our best team of divorce lawyers is evident from the 5-star Google Reviews rating received by 99% of our clients. Our London-based divorce lawyers are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, offering unwavering dedication and exceptional legal support for a wide range of divorce and family law cases. Our divorce lawyers bring more than 5 decades of collective, specialised expertise to handle divorce and family law matters.
Meet Our Team of Divorce Lawyers in London
At Premium Solicitors, our strength lies in the expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our divorce lawyers in London. We understand that divorce and family law matters are life-changing, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the process with professionalism and care.
Our team comprises a diverse group of divorce lawyers, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. We are united by a shared goal: to deliver the highest level of legal support and advocacy tailored to your needs.
Nazamah Munir Akhtar
Divorce & Family Law Solicitor
Arshad Mahmood
Divorce & Family Law Solicitor
Tushita Scalzullo
Divorce & Family Law Solicitor
Victoria Gbenoba
Divorce & Family Law Solicitor
Alina Rizvi
Divorce & Family Law SolicitorLanguages Spoken By Our Team
At Premium Solicitors, we prioritise clear and effective communication in all legal matters. Our team of specialist divorce and family law solicitors offers multilingual legal services, ensuring clients receive accurate advice in a language they fully understand.
By removing language barriers, we help minimise misunderstandings and handle your case with clarity and confidence.
Languages we speak:
English | Urdu | Punjabi | Hindi | Farsi | Italian | German | Marathi
Schedule Your Consultation With Our Divorce Lawyers
Are you seeking expert divorce advice and consultation from our highly experienced and qualified team of divorce lawyers in London? It's easy to secure an appointment with our dedicated divorce specialists. Our expert divorce lawyers and lawyers provide detailed advice and consultation, in person at our London office or virtually via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, or Phone. Book your appointment today using the appointment booking link provided below:
Our divorce lawyers are ready to assist you with your divorce matter. Book your appointment today for personalised guidance and support.
Fixed Fees for Divorce Matters
Our fixed-fee divorce lawyers in London provide professional divorce services at reasonable fixed fees, available on flexible payment terms for all clients. A Fixed-Fee Arrangement for divorce matters is an alternative to the standard hourly rate used by divorce lawyers, offering a fixed price to cover all work on the divorce matter. An agreed fixed fee is not dictated by the time spent on the divorce case. The agreed fixed fee gives certainty of divorce solicitors' legal costs and thus enables you to budget for your lawyer’s fees for your divorce matter.
Our fixed fees for various applications to end marriage or civil partnership are as given in the fee table below:
| Our Service | Our Fixed Fees Range |
| Full service for divorce, dissolution of civil partnership and annulment of marriage to cover all our work until the decision by the court to end the marriage or civil partnership, where neither party has contested or disputed the court proceedings. | From £800 + VAT to £1,200 + VAT |
| Full service for Judicial Separation to cover all the work until the decision by the court, where neither party has contested the court proceedings. | From £800 + VAT to £1,200 + VAT |
Where we can't estimate the volume of work due to the nature and complexity of the matter, we will charge on an hourly rate basis. We charge an hourly rate of £245 + VAT for representing in divorce, dissolution of civil partnership, annulment of marriage and Judicial Separation matters.
Get a Fixed Fee Quote for Your Divorce Matter
At Premium Solicitors, we believe in transparency and simplicity. We offer fixed-fee quotes for our specialist divorce and family law services.
Ready to get started? Use the link below to request a fixed-fee quote tailored to your needs.
How to Engage Us for Your Divorce and Family Law Matter?
You can instruct divorce and family law solicitors in London at Premium Solicitors for your divorce and family law matter by getting in contact with us using one of the following means of contact:
Call Us: 0044 20 3930 3900
Email Us: familylaw@premiumsolicitors.co.uk
Complete Enquiry Form: Send your enquiry through our website enquiry form
Book an Appointment Online: You can book an appointment with one of our specialist divorce and family law solicitors in London for detailed advice and consultation on your matter.
FAQs - Getting a Divorce
The following are various frequently asked questions (FAQs) about getting a divorce in England & Wales:
The divorce process in England and Wales is now based on a no-fault divorce system. This means you do not need to blame your spouse. The process generally involves:
- Filing a divorce application (sole or joint)
- A mandatory 20-week reflection period
- Applying for a Conditional Order
- Applying for a Final Order (legally ending the marriage)
Since April 2022, divorce has been based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. There is no requirement to prove fault, such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour.
A divorce typically takes around 6 to 8 months, depending on:
- Court processing times
- Whether both parties cooperate
- Whether financial matters are resolved alongside the divorce
Yes, you can make a sole application without your spouse’s agreement. Alternatively, you can apply jointly if both parties agree to divorce.
You are not legally required to instruct a solicitor. However, seeking expert advice from divorce lawyers at Premium Solicitors ensures:
- Correct preparation and submission of your application
- Advice on financial settlement and child arrangements
- Protection of your legal rights
The court fee for filing a divorce application is currently £612. Additional legal fees may apply if you instruct divorce lawyers, particularly where finances or children are involved.
Under the current law, divorce applications cannot be contested except in very limited circumstances (e.g., jurisdiction or validity of the marriage).
Conditional Order: The court confirms you are entitled to a divorce
Final Order: The legal document that officially ends the marriage
You must wait at least 6 weeks and 1 day after the Conditional Order before applying for the Final Order.
Divorce does not automatically resolve financial matters. You may need:
- A financial settlement agreement through mediation
- A Consent Order approved by the court based on an agreement between the parties
- A Financial Settlement Order if no agreement is reached between the parties
Divorce financial settlement lawyers at Premium Solicitors can help secure a fair financial outcome.
Child arrangements (such as living and contact arrangements) are decided in the child's best interests. Parents are encouraged to reach amicable agreements, but court intervention may be required if disputes arise.
Yes, you can apply for a divorce in England and Wales if:
- Your marriage is legally recognised in the UK, and
- You or your spouse meets the jurisdiction requirements (e.g., residency or domicile)
A joint divorce application allows both spouses to apply together, which can:
- Reduce conflict
- Streamline the process
- Encourage cooperation on financial and child-related matters
Yes, but only after the Final Order has been granted. You are not legally free to remarry until the divorce is finalised.
In most cases, divorce is handled online or on paper, and you will not need to attend court unless there are disputes regarding finances or children.
At Premium Solicitors, our experienced divorce and family law solicitors offer:
- Fixed-fee divorce services
- Expert legal advice tailored to your circumstances
- Assistance with financial settlements and child arrangements
- A smooth, efficient, and stress-free divorce process
Divorce in England & Wales is a legal process to end a marriage between husband and wife after the relationship between them has broken down irretrievably. An application for divorce in England & Wales is made online using the D8 form.
You can get divorced in England & Wales only after you have been married for at least one year.
If your marriage was not consummated, you may be able to apply for annulment of your marriage even if you are married for less than a year.
You can get divorced in England & Wales if all of the following are true:
- you’ve been married for over a year
- your relationship has permanently broken down
- your marriage is legally recognised in England & Wales (including same-sex marriage)
- Either you or your husband/wife is habitually resident or domiciled in England & Wales
A clean break divorce is where no ongoing financial commitments remain between you and your spouse. The phrase ‘a clean break’ is particularly used as the opposite of an order where there is ongoing spousal maintenance payable, usually monthly, from one spouse to the other.
A clean break is only possible in relation to the financial claims between spouses. It is not possible to have a clean break in relation to financial obligations towards your children.
In case you and your ex-partner have no assets to divide, you should also apply for a financial settlement order. It’s important to do so, even if you don’t have any assets to divide at the time of the divorce. There’s no guarantee you won’t come into some money in the future and if you haven’t obtained a financial settlement, your ex is still within their legal rights to make a financial claim.
Once a 'clean break' agreement of this kind has been ratified by court order, neither of you will be able to go back to court in the future to ask for maintenance or further transfer of assets. This gives both partners a much greater degree of certainty and allows them to completely disentangle their individual financial affairs.
To apply for a divorce, you’ll need:
- your husband or wife’s full name and address
- your original marriage certificate or a certified copy (and a certified translation if it’s not in English)
- proof of your name change if you’ve changed it since you got married - for example, your marriage certificate or a deed poll
You must try to find your husband or wife’s current address if you do not know it. The court will need it to send them a copy of the divorce petition.
If you can prove that your spouse received the divorce petition, you can apply for the deemed or substituted service. You can prove service by using a court bailiff or process server.
Who pays the divorce legal costs depends on the grounds for divorce. If your petition is based on unreasonable behaviour or adultery, then you may be able to apply to the court for your legal costs to be paid by your spouse.
You should reach an agreement on the issue of costs at the outset of the divorce so that needless conflict is avoided down the line. If you are hoping that your costs will be covered by the other side, then be sure to discuss the matter with your divorce solicitor during your first interview.
Whether or not you need a divorce solicitor to handle your divorce case is dependent on the complexity of the divorce matter and your ability to handle legal matters on your own. You normally engage a divorce solicitor for your divorce case in the following circumstances:
- if you know that your spouse is likely to contest the divorce and will be unwilling to divorce;
- if there are children involved, and your spouse may not be willing to reach a mutual agreement regarding child arrangements;
- If you and your spouse own significant assets or are in business together;
- if there are overseas connections;
- if one of you has been declared bankrupt;
- if you wish to claim spousal maintenance and be financially dependent on your spouse;
- if the whereabouts of your spouse are unknown;
- if your spouse is unlikely to respond to your divorce petition.
Divorce mediation is a process by which separating couples can agree on and resolve the typical financial and child-related issues that arise during the divorce process. The mediator is a trained, impartial individual who will act much like an umpire, guiding you and your spouse through face-to-face discussions about important matters such as divorce, financial settlement, and child arrangements.
Once an agreement has been reached, the mediator will draft a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ to formally set out the proposals. Your divorce solicitor will then use the ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ to draw up your official agreement and further advise you.
Mediation is not suitable for all situations, but it is the right approach for many people. If court proceedings are needed, you will usually be expected to have attended a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). If your divorce solicitor believes that a MIAM is not appropriate or necessary, perhaps because divorce proceedings need to commence urgently or because domestic violence is involved, then they will let you know.
Unless the parents have reached an agreement regarding child arrangements, one of the parties to the divorce proceedings will have to file a ‘Statement of Arrangements for Children’. This form provides the court with basic details about the children, including their dates of birth, where they attend school, and who is responsible for their care when the parents are working, if relevant. The form serves only to provide information and will not form the basis of any court decision.
In most cases, the parents will make these decisions themselves, where possible, sometimes using mediation to keep discussions on track and in the best interests of the children.
It is worth noting that the court does hold the power to order that a Divorce Order is not granted until it is satisfied with the arrangements for the children, although it is rarely the case that there will be any objection by the court, provided the arrangements are reasonable, and there are no concerns surrounding child protection.
You can get a divorce in England & Wales if all of the following are true:
- you’ve been married for over a year
- your relationship has permanently broken down
- your marriage is legally recognised in England & Wales (including same-sex marriage)
- Either you or your husband/wife is habitually resident in England & Wales
You can still get a divorce in England & Wales if your husband or wife is missing. Our divorce lawyers will help you with the procedures to follow when you do not know the whereabouts of your husband or wife. The divorce process will take longer than usual when the Respondent's whereabouts are unknown.
Filing An Application For Divorce
An application for divorce is filed online in the court on the basis that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
Service
From the date of issue of the divorce application, the court will serve the respondent or both parties (if this is a joint application) via email. If the applicant wants to deal with the service, it is anticipated that the service should be undertaken within 28 days from the date of issue of the application for divorce, although the rules do not specify the time for service. The requirement submitted by family lawyers for the applicant to give notice to the respondent was not included in the legislation.
Acknowledgement Of Service (AoS)
The Respondent or both parties (if this is a joint application) will have 14 days to file the acknowledgement of service from the date of service of the application.
If the divorce proceedings are contested, the party contesting them must file an answer within 35 days of service.
Application For Conditional Order
After 20 weeks from the date of issue of the application, provided the acknowledgement of service was served within 18 weeks from that date, the applicant can apply for a conditional order (previously known as a Decree Nisi). If the acknowledgement of service was served later than 18 weeks from the date of issue of the application, the time to apply for a Conditional Order is no earlier than 14 days after the acknowledgement of service should have been filed.
Application For Divorce Order
After 6 weeks of the date of the conditional order (previously known as Decree Nisi), both parties or one party can apply for the divorce order (previously known as Decree Absolute). If the application is made by one party, that party must give 14 days' notice of their intention to apply.