When people begin considering divorce, one of the most common questions they ask is, “How long does it take to get a divorce in the UK?” There’s a lot of confusion, especially with the term “12-week divorce” floating around. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a 12-week divorce in the UK, and understanding the actual timelines can help set realistic expectations as you navigate this challenging life event.
Divorce is never easy—emotionally or legally. And with the introduction of the no-fault divorce law on April 6th, 2022, the process has changed significantly. Before this law, couples could finalise a divorce in as little as three to four months if they both agreed and the circumstances were straightforward. However, the new legislation, while beneficial in many ways, has altered the timelines.
If you’re contemplating a divorce, you’re likely wondering how long it takes to get a divorce in the UK now? The answer isn’t straightforward because it depends on various factors. But the good news is that there are ways to speed up the process if you take the right steps. Let’s dive deeper into the timeline for getting a divorce in the UK and what you can do to speed it up.
Let’s start with the facts. According to the most recent data from the Ministry of Justice in 2024, the average time it takes from filing a divorce petition to receiving the final order (previously known as the decree absolute) is approximately 68 weeks. That’s over 15 months—a significant increase from 2021 when it was 53 weeks. This extended timeline can be disheartening, especially for those eager to move on with their lives.
However, this 68-week figure is an average, and it includes all kinds of cases, including those with significant complications or disagreements between parties. In reality, the timeline can vary widely depending on how you decide to manage your divorce. For example, high street solicitors who rely on paper filings tend to take longer, often dragging the process well beyond a year.
On the other hand, if both parties agree to the divorce and choose to go through an online service, the process can be much faster. From my experience as an online divorce professional, a divorce where both parties cooperate typically takes seven to eight months under the new law. This significant difference underscores the importance of choosing the right approach and service provider when filing for divorce.
If you’re asking, “How long does it take to get a divorce in the UK?” you’re likely also wondering what you can do to ensure your divorce doesn’t stretch into years. While some factors are beyond your control—like the speed at which the courts process paperwork—there are several steps you can take to help the process move along as quickly as possible.
One of the most critical factors in ensuring a speedy divorce is clear communication with your spouse. Let them know that you intend to file for divorce and discuss the importance of cooperating to make the process smoother, quicker and cheaper for both of you. This conversation can help set expectations and reduce the likelihood of delays caused by misunderstandings or disagreements.
Before filing for divorce, double-check that you have the correct, up-to-date contact information for your spouse. This includes their current address, as all court correspondence, including the acknowledgement of service, will be sent to them. Incorrect details can lead to delays, especially if documents need to be reissued or resent.
Having all your documents in order before you begin the process can save significant time. This includes your marriage certificate and any deed polls if you or your spouse have changed your name since getting married. Ensure that all the details on your divorce petition match those on your marriage certificate to avoid any issues that could slow things down.
Delays can occur if you don’t pay your court fee promptly. The current fee for filing a divorce in the UK is ÂŁ593, and paying this fee as soon as you file your petition can help avoid any unnecessary hold-ups. If you receive benefits or are on a low income you may be eligible for a reduction or exemption from this fee.
The divorce process in the UK involves multiple stages, and at each stage, you will need to complete forms and respond to court correspondence. The quicker you respond, the quicker the court can move on to the next stage of your divorce.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your divorce progresses as quickly as possible. But beyond these practical tips, it’s essential to understand the potential hurdles you may encounter and how to overcome them.
One of the biggest obstacles to a quick divorce is an uncooperative spouse. While the new no-fault divorce law has made it easier to end a marriage without needing to prove fault, your spouse can still cause delays if they are unwilling to cooperate. So, how long does it take to get a divorce in the UK if your spouse isn’t on board?
When you file for divorce, your spouse will receive a document called an acknowledgement of service. This document is crucial because it confirms to the court that your spouse is aware of the divorce proceedings. Once your spouse receives the acknowledgement of service, they have 14 days to respond.
If your spouse fails to respond within this timeframe, it can slow down the entire process. The first step if this happens is to reach out to them directly. Sometimes, a simple reminder is all it takes for them to acknowledge the service.
If your spouse is uncooperative and refuses to acknowledge the divorce papers, you may need to request the court’s permission to use a bailiff to serve the papers on them. This involves a court officer physically delivering the divorce papers to your spouse and obtaining proof of delivery.
While using a bailiff ensures that the court has evidence that your spouse is aware of the divorce, it can add several months to the process. As a result, you should only consider this as a last resort if you’re aiming for a quick divorce.
If you’re determined to have a quick divorce, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right divorce service. The difference between using a high street solicitor and an online divorce provider can be the difference between waiting months or over a year to finalise your divorce.
Online divorce companies specialise in processing divorces quickly and efficiently. Their primary focus is on helping couples navigate the legal aspects of divorce without the need for lengthy, in-person meetings or drawn-out legal battles. This streamlined approach is often much faster than traditional methods.
Unlike high street solicitors, who typically charge by the hour and do not have the same incentive to expedite the process, online divorce providers are motivated to resolve your divorce as quickly as possible. They encourage amicable agreements between parties, which is aligns with the new law’s intention to reduce conflict and speed up the process.
Another critical factor in speeding up your divorce is whether your provider uses electronic or paper filings. The courts are currently overwhelmed with paper-based applications, leading to significant delays. Paper filings can easily take over a year to process.
In contrast, companies approved to use HM Court and Tribunals Service’s computer systems can file divorces electronically, directly into the court’s system. This method is much faster, typically resulting in a divorce timeline of seven to eight months.
When speaking with potential divorce providers, be sure to ask how they file divorces. If they rely on paper filings, you can expect your divorce to take longer than necessary.
If time is your top priority, consider opting for a fully managed divorce service. In a fully managed service, the provider handles everything on your behalf—from filing the petition to responding to court correspondence. This approach not only saves time but also reduces the stress and hassle of managing the divorce process yourself.
However, some companies offer cheaper “quickie divorce” services that may seem appealing but don’t include court filings. These services often prepare your divorce papers and leave it to you to post them to the court, adding unnecessary steps and potential delays.
As you consider your options, it’s essential to weigh the cost of a quick divorce against the potential savings in time and stress. While managing your divorce yourself is the least expensive option, it’s also the most time-consuming, often taking 12-15 months to complete.
A fully managed online divorce service offers the quickest route, typically taking seven to eight months. The cost of a fully managed divorce with Easy Online Divorce is £299, or £599 if you opt for our couple’s service, which involves working with both parties. This cost is significantly lower than the fees charged by traditional solicitors, which can easily run into the thousands.
When selecting a divorce service, be mindful of hidden costs. Some providers advertise low fees but may charge extra for services like filing paperwork or responding to court correspondence. Additionally, all divorces in the UK incur a mandatory court fee of ÂŁ593, which is not included in most service fees. Always ask about the total cost upfront to avoid any surprises later.
At Easy Online Divorce, we understand that going through a divorce is one of the most challenging times in your life. Our mission is to make the process as smooth, quick, and affordable as possible. Here’s why our service stands out:
Our fully managed divorce service is competitively priced at £299, with an option to work with both parties for £599. This service is backed by our success guarantee, and the entire process typically takes seven to eight months—a significant time saving compared to traditional methods.
While the average time to get a divorce in the UK is currently 68 weeks, this doesn’t have to be your experience. By choosing the right service and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the time it takes to finalise your divorce.
If you’re ready to move forward and want to ensure your divorce is handled efficiently, Easy Online Divorce is here to help. Start your divorce today by clicking here, or call us on 0204 530 8101 or click here for a free consultation.
Following these guidelines can help you navigate your divorce as quickly and smoothly as possible, allowing you to move on with your life without unnecessary stress or delays.
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