If you're applying to court as part of your divorce, you'll usually need a MIAM first. Book online through our trusted digital service.
Book a MIAM →How to Divorce in England and Wales
Divorce in England and Wales follows a clear legal process designed to allow couples to end a marriage without blaming one person for the breakdown. This guide explains how divorce works, what steps are involved, how long the process takes, and where family mediation can help you agree practical arrangements alongside the legal process.
Quick answer – how divorce works in the UK
- Divorce is now no-fault
- You apply online or by post through the family court
- There are minimum legal timeframes
- Divorce legally ends the marriage only
- Arrangements for children and finances are dealt with separately
- Mediation can help resolve these issues without court
Before you apply for divorce
Before starting a divorce application, it is important to understand whether you are eligible and what divorce does — and does not — cover.
To apply for divorce in England or Wales:
- You must have been married for at least 12 months
- Your marriage must be legally recognised in the UK
- You or your spouse must meet the jurisdiction requirements
- Divorce ends the marriage, but does not automatically resolve finances or child arrangements
Many people begin exploring family mediation at this stage to understand their options and avoid unnecessary conflict later.
Applying for divorce
Divorce applications are usually made online, although paper applications are still possible.
You can apply:
- On your own (a sole application), or
- Together (a joint application)
Key points to understand:
- No reasons or blame need to be given
- A court fee applies
- The application starts the formal legal process but does not resolve practical issues
For official guidance and to apply:
Apply for divorce on GOV.UKWhat happens after you apply
Once your application is submitted:
- The court reviews and issues the application
- The other party is formally notified
- A mandatory reflection period begins
There is a minimum period of 20 weeks between the application being issued and applying for the next stage of the divorce.
Many people use this time to:
- discuss child arrangements
- explore financial disclosure
- consider mediation to reach agreements calmly
The conditional order (formerly decree nisi)
The conditional order confirms that the court sees no legal reason why the divorce cannot proceed.
Important points:
- The marriage is not yet legally ended
- You must apply for the conditional order
- This stage confirms progress, not completion
This is often the point where people aim to have agreements in place about children and finances, especially if mediation is being used.
The final order (formerly decree absolute)
The final order legally ends the marriage.
You can usually apply:
- Six weeks and one day after the conditional order
Once granted:
- You are legally divorced
- You may remarry if you wish
It is important to understand that financial claims can still exist after divorce unless arrangements have been properly agreed or formalised.
Divorce, children and finances
Divorce only ends the legal status of the marriage.
Arrangements for children and finances are dealt with separately.
This may include:
- Where children live and how time is shared
- Financial support and child maintenance
- Property, savings, pensions, and debts
Family mediation is commonly used alongside divorce to help people:
- communicate more effectively
- reach practical agreements
- avoid lengthy and costly court proceedings
Is mediation always suitable?
Mediation is voluntary and not suitable in every situation.
It may not be appropriate where:
- there are safety concerns
- there is ongoing intimidation or coercion
- one person cannot participate freely
A MIAM helps assess whether mediation is appropriate and what other options may be available.
The role of the MIAM
Before applying to court in many family cases, people are asked to attend a MIAM. The MIAM explains mediation and helps assess whether it may support resolving issues without court.
What are the next steps?
Option 1
Learn what family mediation is
Option 2
Find out if you need a MIAM
Option 3
Take time to consider your options
When you're ready
If you decide you would like to attend a MIAM, you can book online through our trusted digital service.
Book a MIAM onlineDelivered by qualified family mediators in line with UK mediation standards.
Divorce can feel overwhelming.
Understanding your options is a sensible first step toward moving forward with clarity.
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