18th March 2026
Thinking about divorce can feel daunting. Even when you know a relationship has reached its natural end, the legal steps ahead can seem confusing or emotionally draining.
Many people who reach out to our Family Law team feel the same way: they are unsure where to begin, how long the divorce process will take, whether they will need to attend court, and what it actually means for a divorce to become legally final.
If any of this resonates with you, you are certainly not alone. Divorce is not something most people go through often, and it is completely normal to have questions about what your next steps are.
Sarah Johnson, Solicitor in our Family Law team at Myers & Co, explains each key stage of the divorce process in England and Wales. Whether you are ready to start the process or simply want to understand your options, our specialist team are here to give you the confidence, clarity, and straightforward information you need to take the next step this spring.
The shift to no‑fault divorce in 2022 was designed to make the process less adversarial.
Instead of needing to prove wrongdoing, such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour, you now simply confirm that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
This can be done alone or as a joint application.
While both routes follow the same legal steps, the emotional experience can feel different depending on your circumstances. What matters is choosing the option that feels right for you and the circumstances of your relationship.
The process begins when you submit a divorce application to the Family Court. Most people use the online government system, although paper forms remain available if needed.
Before you begin, it helps to check three simple but important points:
These details may seem small, but mistakes with names, dates, or certificates can slow things down. Getting things right at the beginning of the divorce process is vital to ensure that the steps that follow are clear, manageable, and focused on securing the best outcome for you.
After the court issues your application, the next step is for the respondent to receive the paperwork and complete an Acknowledgement of Service.
In joint applications, both people remain equally involved. In a sole application, the acknowledgement is essential for moving the case forward.
If papers cannot be served easily, delays can happen, and this is one of the most common early sticking points. It’s nothing unusual, but it’s something we help our clients navigate regularly.
Once the application is issued, the law requires a 20‑week reflection period. This is built into every divorce, giving you both time to think, process, and prepare.
Although this stage can feel like a pause, it’s often a valuable window to:
Using this period well can make the later stages feel far more manageable.
After the reflection period ends, you can apply for the Conditional Order, previously known as the Decree Nisi.
This confirms that the court sees no legal reason the divorce cannot continue.
Many people underestimate this step, but it is an important milestone.
It’s often the moment when the end of the legal process begins to feel real, and it’s a natural point to focus on financial arrangements if you haven’t already.
Yes.
While the Final Order ends the marriage, it does not automatically close off financial claims.
This is why most people choose to agree a financial settlement and ask the court to approve it through a consent order. Finalising the divorce without resolving finances can leave you exposed later, particularly if there are property, pensions, savings, or children involved.
A solicitor can help you understand what a fair settlement looks like for your circumstances and ensure it is recorded properly.
Six weeks after the Conditional Order is granted, you can apply for the Final Order.
This is the document that legally ends the marriage. Until it is issued, you remain married in the eyes of the law, even if everything else feels complete.
Legally, the quickest possible timeframe is around six months, 20 weeks for the reflection period, plus a further six weeks before applying for the Final Order.
However, most divorces take between seven and twelve months. Common reasons include court delays, serving difficulties, and the time needed to negotiate financial or child arrangements.
Responding promptly to court communications, preparing accurate paperwork, and beginning financial discussions early can help prevent unnecessary delays.
For the divorce itself, most people do not attend court at all.
Nearly all steps are completed online. Court hearings are more likely if there is disagreement about finances or child arrangements, but those are separate processes from the divorce application.
Some people begin the divorce online themselves, but legal support becomes especially important when:
A good family solicitor won’t inflame conflict. Their role is to guide, protect, and help you make clear, confident decisions at a time that can feel emotionally heavy.
If you are thinking about divorce, you do not need to work everything out on your own. A short conversation with a family law specialist can help you understand your options, likely timescales, and the safest next steps.
If you would like confidential advice about starting a divorce, responding to one, or planning finances alongside it, the family team at Myers and Co is here to support you and help you move forward. Call us now or make a quick enquiry online for expert guidance you can trust.
