Publication date: 04.02.2026
Inga Verdes is a UK-based lawyer with extensive experience in corporate, immigration, and international law. She specializes in company formation, residence permit support, business plans, and legal services for international entrepreneurs doing business in the United Kingdom.
The divorce process in the United Kingdom has its own specifics and depends on the couple’s place of residence, the presence of children, shared property, as well as the immigration status of the parties. Divorce in the United Kingdom can take place through a simplified procedure without proving fault ( no-fault divorce UK ) if both parties agree to end the marriage. Couples have the right to initiate filing for divorce in the United Kingdom regardless of citizenship, provided that the marriage was officially registered and there are grounds for the case to be considered by a UK court.
Question
How does the divorce procedure work in the United Kingdom?
Answer
To begin divorce in the United Kingdom, one or both parties submit an application to the court. After the application is filed, a waiting period is established, during which the parties can agree on issues related to children, child maintenance in the United Kingdom, and division of property upon divorce in the UK. The court issues interim decisions step by step, and after the set periods expire, makes a final decision to dissolution of marriage in the UK. If both parties agree, the process can be faster and less costly.
Divorce process in cases involving children or shared property:
If the couple has minor children, the court primarily considers their interests: it determines the arrangements for residence, parental involvement in upbringing, and financial support. Division of property upon divorce in the UK is carried out taking into account each party’s contribution, the needs of the children, and the financial situation of the couple. In complex disputes, mediation or court hearings may be required.
It is important to prepare documents in advance that confirm the marriage, place of residence, income, presence of shared property, and circumstances related to child maintenance in the United Kingdom. If one of the spouses has an immigration status, divorce with a foreign spouse in the United Kingdom may affect the right to remain in the UK, so such matters require separate legal evaluation. If either party disagrees with the court’s decision, they have the right to appeal.
Question
What should you do in case of delays or violations of rights during a divorce?
Answer
If one party abuses procedural rights, evades court decisions, or violates agreements regarding children or financial obligations, it is advisable to contact a family law solicitor. A specialist can help properly prepare applications, gather evidence, initiate enforcement of court decisions, or challenge unlawful actions.
The main services provided by a family law solicitor in the UK include:
- Consultations on divorce in the United Kingdom procedures and spouses’ rights.
- Preparation and submission of documents to the court for filing for divorce in the United Kingdom.
- Representation in disputes regarding children, child maintenance in the United Kingdom, and division of property upon divorce in the UK.
- Support during mediation and negotiations between parties.
- Challenging court decisions in case of rights violations concerning dissolution of marriage in the UK.
Typical situations where a lawyer’s assistance is needed:
Disputes over children’s residence and contact arrangements.
Conflicts during division of property upon divorce in the UK or business.
Refusal of one party to fulfill financial obligations, including child maintenance in the United Kingdom.
Risk of losing immigration status after divorce in the United Kingdom.
Divorce in the United Kingdom is a legally regulated procedure that can proceed relatively smoothly if the parties agree. At the same time, disputes regarding children, property, or immigration status can significantly complicate the process. Consulting a family law solicitor helps protect your interests, avoid procedural errors, and reduce the time required for the case, lessening emotional and financial stress during dissolution of marriage in the UK.
