Navigate Your Divorce. With Clarity and Support.
Specialist divorce solicitors guiding you through every stage, from application to Final Order. No-fault divorce, financial settlements, and child arrangements handled with care.
Speak to a Divorce specialist
No obligation. We'll review your enquiry and call you back. Your details are handled discreetly and in confidence.
How we can help you
Making the decision to divorce is never easy, but understanding the process can help you feel more in control. Since April 2022, England and Wales operates a no-fault divorce system, meaning you no longer need to assign blame to end your marriage.
At Taylor Rose, our specialist divorce solicitors guide you through every stage, from issuing the application through to the Final Order. We handle the legal process so you can focus on moving forward.
Whether your divorce is straightforward or involves complex financial arrangements or children, our team works to achieve the best possible outcome with minimal conflict.
The Divorce process
Applying for a Divorce
The person(s) applying will submit the application on the HMCTS Court Portal, citing irretrievable breakdown of marriage. You can apply on your own (sole application) or together with your ex-partner (joint application). Our family team are here to help make the process easier to understand and navigate.
Notice of Proceedings
Once your application has been received by the Court, a 'Notice of Proceedings' is issued. For a sole application, your ex-partner will receive this along with an Acknowledgment of Service Form to complete within 14 days. For a joint application, Applicant 2 is invited to review and approve the application within 14 days.
Your Reflection Period
There is then a 20-week mandatory reflection period for you to consider any financial issues. During this time, our team can help you reach a financial settlement through negotiations or non-court dispute resolution methods. In the absence of an agreement, financial issues would ultimately need to be determined by the court.
Conditional Order of Divorce
After the reflection period, the applicant(s) can apply for a Conditional Order. The Court will consider if both parties are entitled to a divorce. This is also the point at which any financial agreement, set out in a draft consent order, can be lodged with the court. If approved by the court, the consent order becomes legally binding.
Final Order of Divorce
After a further 6-week wait, you can apply for the Final Order to make the divorce final. However, it is not advised to do this until any financial issues are agreed. For joint applications, either party can apply for the Final Order.
Our Divorce services
Why choose Taylor Rose?
Key contact
Amarjit Singh Ryatt
Partner & Head of Family & Divorce
Read Amarjit's profile to learn more about his credentials and expertise in divorce.
Frequently asked questions
To begin a divorce in England and Wales, one spouse must issue a divorce application for dissolution of marriage. Since 2022, divorce in England and Wales is based on ‘no fault’ grounds, and there is a statutory minimum timeframe before a Final Order can be made. You can apply as a sole applicant or jointly with your spouse.
The process often takes around 6 months. Under the current framework, there is a 20-week reflection period, and if financial matters need to be resolved, the final order may take around 6 to 12 months, sometimes even longer particularly where a couple end up in contested proceedings in relation to their finances.
There are five key stages: (1) submitting the divorce application, (2) notice of proceedings sent to your ex-partner, (3) a 20-week mandatory reflection period, (4) applying for the Conditional Order of Divorce, and (5) applying for the Final Order of Divorce after a further 6-week wait. It is not advised to apply for the Final Order until financial issues are agreed.
Yes. In England and Wales, you can apply for a divorce regardless of whether your spouse agrees, although disputes over finances or children may extend the process.
Costs vary widely based on complexity. There are court fees and legal costs which differ if the divorce is uncontested (simpler) or contested (complex, involving finances/children). Our solicitors can provide estimates tailored to your case.
There is no automatic 50/50 rule. The court considers various factors including needs, contributions and future circumstances. Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements may also influence outcomes. Our team can help you reach a financial settlement through negotiation or non-court dispute resolution methods.
After the 20-week reflection period, you can apply for a Conditional Order. The Court will consider if it is satisfied that both people are entitled to a divorce. This is also the point at which any financial agreement, set out in a draft consent order, can be lodged with the court. If approved by the court, the consent order becomes legally binding.
While not legally required, a solicitor provides expert guidance through complex proceedings, helps protect your rights, ensures legal documents are properly prepared, and represents you in negotiations or court if necessary.
Ready to get started?
Fill in the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Why contact us?
Fixed fee initial assessment of your case
No obligation advice
Specialist solicitors
Transparent pricing