FAQs

It is not possible to be precise as the length of time depends on the speed with which you both deal with the Court papers and how quickly the Court process the paperwork. Where there is co-operation and everyone acts quickly you should allow for a period of 4 - 6 months from filing your Petition to obtaining Decree Absolute. The financial matters do not have to be resolved before Decree Absolute and you should take legal advice as to whether you should apply for Decree Absolute before financial matters are resolved.

You must wait 6 weeks and one day. After this you may apply for the decree absolute.

You cannot start a petition for divorce unless you have been married for more than one year.

To apply for a divorce you must send a Divorce Petition and your original Marriage Certificate to the County Court. There is a Court fee payable of £300.00 but you can apply for an exemption from paying this fee depending on your income and capital. If you have children who are under 16 or under 18 and at school or college or training you must also fill in and send to the Court a form called a Statement of Arrangements for Children form.

Yes, provided that, prior to the date your divorce petition is presented to the court, you have not lived together for more than six months.

No; you cannot divorce your spouse on the basis of your own adultery.  In this circumstance, you will either have to ask your spouse to divorce you or choose another reason for your divorce.