The Complete Guide to Divorce in the UK (2026)

The Complete Guide to Divorce in the UK (2026)

Divorce is one of the most significant legal processes most people will ever go through. It touches finances, living arrangements, children, and emotional wellbeing all at once.

No-Fault Divorce: What Changed in 2022

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 came into force in April 2022. Under the current law, either party can apply for divorce by making a statement that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. The other party cannot contest it.

The Three Stages of Divorce

1. Divorce application online through the HMCTS divorce portal. The court fee is £593.
2. 20-week reflection period before applying for a conditional order.
3. Final order six weeks after the conditional order. Financial arrangements should be agreed and sealed in a court order before this stage.

Sorting Out the Finances

The divorce itself and the financial settlement are separate processes. If you do not formally agree a financial settlement through the court, either party can bring a financial claim against the other at any point in the future, even years later.

Do You Need a Solicitor?

Under the Public Access scheme, you can instruct a family barrister directly without going through a solicitor first. Many people use a barrister purely for a specific hearing or to review a proposed financial settlement, while managing the rest of the process themselves.

This article provides general legal information only. It is not formal legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client or barrister-client relationship. If you need advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified legal professional.