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Publication date: 03.10.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “How to get a divorce in the UK without going to court? .”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

26.09.2025 11:29:28 In the UK, it's possible to get a divorce without going to court by following a few steps and using alternative dispute resolution methods. Here’s how you can proceed: 1. **Mutual Agreement**: Both parties should agree on the divorce and related issues such as child custody, property division, and financial arrangements. 2. **Grounds for Divorce**: Ensure you meet the legal grounds for divorce in England and Wales, which is typically an irretrievable breakdown of marriage. This can be demonstrated through separation or other reasons accepted by law. 3. **Mediation**: Engage in mediation to resolve any disputes amicably. A mediator is a neutral third party who helps both spouses reach an agreement on various aspects of their separation. 4. **Collaborative Law**: Consider collaborative law where both parties hire solicitors trained in this method to negotiate face-to-face and reach an agreement without going to court. 5. **Online Divorce Services**: Use online divorce services that guide you through filing the necessary paperwork without needing legal representation or court appearances. 6. **Consent Order**: Once agreements are reached regarding finances and children, apply for a consent order from the court to make these agreements legally binding. This usually doesn’t require a court appearance if everything is agreed upon. 7. **Filing for Divorce Online**: As of recent years, you can file for divorce online through the government’s website if your situation is straightforward and uncontested. 8. **Legal Advice**: While not mandatory, obtaining independent legal advice ensures that your rights are protected throughout the process. 9. **Finalizing Divorce**: After submitting all necessary documents and agreements, wait for confirmation from the court granting your decree nisi followed by a decree absolute, finalizing the divorce. By following these steps, many couples can avoid lengthy courtroom battles while ensuring their divorce proceedings are handled smoothly and efficiently outside of court settings.

BASE (basic) 100

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

26.09.2025 12:18:17 In the UK, you can usually get a divorce without attending court if the case is straightforward and both partners agree. Since April 2022, the no-fault divorce system allows couples to apply online through the government’s HMCTS portal without proving fault or attending hearings. You start by submitting the application and paying the court fee. After a 20-week reflection period, you can apply for a Conditional Order. Then, at least six weeks later, you can request the Final Order, which legally ends the marriage. The whole process typically takes 6–8 months. You only need to go to court if there are disputes over children, finances, or property. If those issues exist, they are dealt with separately and may extend the timeline. For most uncontested divorces, the online process is enough, making it simple to end the marriage without physically appearing in court.

BASE (basic) 2.11

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

26.09.2025 12:33:25 In the UK, you can usually get a divorce without going to court if the case is uncontested. Since April 2022, the no-fault divorce system allows couples to end their marriage online through the HMCTS portal without proving fault. You apply online, pay the fee, and submit your marriage certificate. There is a 20-week reflection period before you can apply for a Conditional Order, and then at least 6 more weeks before applying for the Final Order, which legally ends the marriage. The whole process typically takes around 6–8 months. You only need to attend court if there are disputes over children, finances, or property, as those issues are handled separately. For straightforward cases where both sides agree, the online divorce process is simple and avoids court appearances. This makes it the most common option for couples who want to separate legally without lengthy hearings.

PREMIUM 3.01

Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

26.09.2025 16:30:03 Divorce in England and Wales is governed mainly by the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 and the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (which introduced the “no-fault divorce” system from April 2022). You are not required to attend court hearings unless there are disputes over finances or children. Either spouse, or both jointly, can apply for divorce by simply stating that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. No need to prove adultery, unreasonable behaviour, or separation. https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-divorce You can apply alone or jointly with your spouse. Pay the court fee: currently £593 (unless you qualify for help with fees).Service of application: if you apply alone, your spouse will be notified and must respond.20-week “cooling-off” period: from when the application is issued until you can apply for the Conditional Order (previously called Decree Nisi).Conditional Order: confirms that the court sees no reason why you cannot divorce. Final Order

PREMIUM 1.32

Baranets Solomiia

Lawyer

United Kingdom / London

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