I Want to Apply for Divorce
Divorce in England and Wales is now based on a no-fault system. You no longer need to blame your spouse or wait years before applying. Here is how the process works from start to finish.
Estimated timeline
To apply for divorce you must have been married for at least 1 year. Either you or your spouse must be domiciled in England and Wales, or have been habitually resident there for at least 12 months. You must have your original marriage certificate or a certified copy. If you do not have the certificate, you can apply for a replacement from the General Register Office.
Since April 2022, you can apply for divorce jointly with your spouse, or as a sole applicant. A joint application can reduce conflict and legal costs. A sole application means your spouse will be served papers and must respond (acknowledge service). Both routes follow the same legal process and timeline — the choice is practical rather than legal.
Apply online and pay the court fee
Application takes around 20-30 minutes onlineApply for divorce through the HMCTS online divorce service at GOV.UK. The court fee is £593. If you are on a low income, you may qualify for Help with Fees (form EX160). You will upload your marriage certificate and submit the application. The court will then issue the application and serve it on your spouse (or you serve it in a sole application).
Wait 20 weeks then apply for Conditional Order
At least 20 weeks from the application being issuedAfter the divorce application is issued, there is a mandatory 20-week reflection period before you can apply for the Conditional Order (previously called a Decree Nisi). This period is designed to allow time for reflection and financial arrangements. Once the 20 weeks has passed, apply for the Conditional Order online. The court checks the application and makes the order at a set date.
At least 6 weeks and 1 day after the Conditional Order, you can apply for the Final Order (previously called Decree Absolute). This formally ends your marriage. You should not apply for the Final Order until your financial arrangements are finalised in a sealed financial order — once the Final Order is made, some pension and inheritance rights are lost. Apply online through the same portal.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a solicitor to get divorced?
What happens to finances during divorce?
What if my spouse refuses to cooperate?
Official bodies and resources
Citizens Advice
CharityProvides free, confidential, and independent advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, debt, and employment.
Related guides
No-Fault Divorce
The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 fundamentally changed divorce law in England and Wales when it came into force in April 2022. For the first time, couples can end a marriage without having to allege fault — such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour — against each other. The process is now simpler, less adversarial, and can be completed jointly or by one spouse alone.
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Child Maintenance Service
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Child Arrangements Orders
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Cohabitation Rights
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