How to Start a Divorce or Dissolution in England and Wales: A Practical Guide

Introduction: No‑fault divorce made simple

Since the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 took effect on 6 April 2022, you can start a divorce or dissolution in England and Wales without assigning blame. The process now focuses on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or civil partnership. This guide explains eligibility, the steps to start, timescales, and practical tips for financial and child arrangements.

Eligibility: Who can apply

You can apply if you and your partner have been married or in a civil partnership for at least 12 months and your relationship is legally recognised in England and Wales. At least one of you must be habitually resident or domiciled in England or Wales when you apply. Same‑sex and opposite‑sex couples follow the same rules.

Step 1 — Decide whether to apply alone or jointly

You can apply for a divorce or dissolution alone (sole application) or with your partner (joint application). A joint application sends a single petition signed by both parties and can reduce conflict and paperwork. If you apply alone, the other party receives notice and can respond.

Step 2 — Prepare the application

Complete the correct online form on the government website. Provide details of the marriage or civil partnership, confirm irretrievable breakdown, and state the date of separation if relevant. Upload the marriage or civil partnership certificate and any required ID. Keep copies of all documents you submit.

Step 3 — Pay the court fee or request help

Pay the current court fee online when you submit the application, or apply for fee remission if you cannot afford it. Some legal or family mediation services offer sliding‑scale fees or free advice from charities and Citizens Advice.

Step 4 — What happens after submission

The court checks your application and serves it on the other party. If you applied jointly, both receive copies. The other party has an opportunity to acknowledge or contest the application within the set timeframe. Most cases proceed unopposed and move forward without hearings.

Financial orders and child arrangements — what to consider early

Starting the divorce does not automatically sort finances or child arrangements. If you have complex assets, pensions, or high net worth, obtain specialist family law advice early. You can agree financial orders by consent or ask the court to make a financial remedy order. For children, the court prioritises welfare and may issue specific child arrangements or safeguarding orders when necessary.

Timescale: realistic expectations

A typical uncontested divorce takes at least 20 weeks from the start to the final order (previously decree absolute). Financial remedy proceedings can add months depending on complexity. If you and your partner agree on finances and children, you can resolve matters faster through consent orders and mediation.

Practical tips to start smoothly

– Collect financial documents (bank statements, property deeds, pension valuations) early.

– Consider family mediation to reach agreements without court battles.

– Seek a solicitor experienced in England and Wales family law for complex cases, especially for high net worth individuals.

– Keep communication written where possible to create a clear record.

Conclusion: Start informed and prepared

Begin a divorce or dissolution by checking eligibility, choosing sole or joint application, preparing documents, and applying online. Address financial and child matters proactively to reduce delay and cost. If your situation involves substantial assets or international elements, consult a specialist family solicitor to protect your interests and secure a fair financial order.

Alexander JLO Solicitors are well aware that going through divorce can be very difficult. Whilst the implementation of no-fault divorce back in 2022 has made the legal process much simpler, there are times, especially in relation to financial matters, when input from an experienced solicitor is vital.

With that in mind we have developed a revolutionary new service which will ascertain whether or not it’s wise to have legal advice on finances when going through divorce. Simply called Form Easy it will assess your level and type of assets and determine if you qualify for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case with us and decide on the best ways forward for you. Simply click the Form Easy button, or visit the page here, answer a few short questions and we will let you have our input on whether we can help. 

At Alexander JLO we have many years of experience of dealing with all aspects of family law and will be happy to discuss your case in a free no obligation consultation. Why not call us on +44 (0)20 7537 7000, email us at info@london-law.co.uk or get in touch via the contact us button and see what we can do for you?

This blog was prepared by Peter Johnson on 1st December 2025 and is correct at the time of going to press. With over forty years of experience in almost all areas of law Peter is happy to assist with any legal issue that you have. He is widely regarded as one of London’s leading divorce lawyers. His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be found Here.

To follow up on any of the above please contact Guy Wilton of our family department. Guy has wide experience of acting for the firm’s clients, their family and their businesses. Guy’s experience as a lawyer started in the Northern and Welsh Circuits, including the Liverpool Courts, where he represented numerous clients after being called to the Bar, before opting to join Alexander JLO in 2017 and qualifying as a solicitor in 2024. He is a highly experienced family lawyer with a particular interest in financial remedy proceedings and child contact disputes.

Guy’s profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be viewed here.