22nd August 2025
As the summer holidays end and routines begin to settle, many couples take time to reflect on their relationships.
If you’re starting to think about divorce, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that support is available to help you make informed, confident decisions.
Sarah Johnson, Solicitor in our Family Law team at Myers & Co, shares key considerations to help you prepare legally, financially, and emotionally. From understanding how no-fault divorce works to avoiding common pitfalls, Sarah offers practical guidance to support you through this significant life transition.
No-fault divorce was introduced to reduce conflict and make separation more straightforward. You no longer need to assign blame, and you can apply either individually or jointly.
There’s a mandatory 20-week reflection period before a conditional order is granted. This gives you time to consider arrangements for children, finances, and housing, without pressure or confrontation.
Before you begin the process, it’s wise to:
Many people assume that divorce automatically settles financial matters, it doesn’t. Without a court-approved financial order, your ex-partner could make future claims.
Other common oversights include:
Divorce isn’t just a legal process; it’s an emotional one. Counselling or mediation can help you explore your feelings and communicate more effectively.
If you’re unsure whether divorce is the right step, speaking to a family solicitor can offer clarity without pressure.
Costs vary depending on complexity. Around 45% of divorces cost under £1,000, but more complex cases can exceed £10,000.
Getting legal advice early can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure a fair settlement.
A divorce in England and Wales takes a minimum of 26 weeks.
After submitting the online application, there’s a mandatory 20-week reflection period before you can apply for the conditional order. This step often causes confusion, as some believe the conditional order is automatically granted after 20 weeks, but you must actively apply for it.
Once the conditional order is issued, there’s a further six-week wait before you can apply for the final order.
This timeline allows space for financial and childcare arrangements. Our family law team will support you throughout each stage to ensure everything is handled smoothly.
At Myers & Co, we understand that divorce is a deeply personal experience. Our family law solicitors offer clear, jargon-free advice tailored to your situation.
We’ll help you:
To find out more please contact Sarah Johnson, Solicitor in our Family Law team, on 01782 491025 or email sarah.johnson@myerssolicitors.co.uk. Myers & Co has offices in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
