Getting a divorce can be a challenging and overwhelming experience.
As well as being emotionally fraught, the legal process can feel complex and daunting without the right support.
To help, we’ve put together a helpful checklist.
This step-by-step guide will take a structured approach, reducing stress and ensuring all legal and financial aspects are covered.
A checklist for divorce proceedings
Have our useful checklist to hand to help you stay organised when navigating divorce proceedings in England and Wales.
- Fill out a divorce application
You can either apply on your own, or make a joint application with your spouse. The application costs £593 and should be submitted online via the .gov website or by post.
- Your spouse receives an Acknowledgement of Service
If you applied on your own, the court sends a copy of the application and an Acknowledgement of Service to your spouse.
- Your spouse confirms receipt
They must respond within 14 days to either accept or dispute the application. There are only very limited circumstances under which they can dispute it.
- 20-week reflection period begins
This period is designed to give both parties time to reflect on the decision.
- Make arrangements for assets, finances, and childcare
The 20-week reflection period is a great time to get your affairs in order. Identify assets, debts, and financial responsibilities together and discuss and agree on how these will be divided.
- Apply for a Conditional Order
After the 20-week reflection period, you can apply for a Conditional Order.
- The court reviews your application
The court will now check that all legal requirements have been met. This step can take several weeks.
- The court grants a Conditional Order
Once approved, you will receive a Conditional Order certificate.
- Six-week and one-day cooling-off period begins
This period is designed to give both parties a final opportunity to reflect on the divorce and provides additional time to finalise financial arrangements.
- Apply for a court-approved Financial Order
This can be done by negotiation, mediation, or help from a family law solicitor. If you cannot come to an agreement, a court application may be required.
- Apply for a Final Order
This step can only be completed once the six-week and one-day cooling-off period is over. The application usually takes 24-48 hours to be processed.
- Court grants the Final Order
The court will then issue you with the official documents confirming your divorce, and your marriage is now legally dissolved.
Need support with your divorce?
If you need expert advice or support with getting a divorce, get in touch today with the team of divorce solicitors at Mark Reynolds.
We’re family law solicitors in Merseyside, Cheshire, and Greater Manchester, and have helped countless couples navigate divorce proceedings smoothly.
We can also help you negotiate a fair financial settlement with your spouse.
To learn more about our divorce and family law services, contact us by dialling 0800 002 9577 or by filling out the contact form on the right to arrange a free, no-obligation initial consultation.