Divorce and Separation Solicitors

Ending a marriage or civil partnership is one of the most difficult decisions you can face. At T&S Legal, we provide clear, compassionate advice to help you navigate the process with as little stress as possible.

Whether you are considering divorce, have already decided to proceed, or have been served with an application, we are here to guide you through every step.

Person signing divorce documents at a desk — T&S Legal divorce solicitors London

The No-Fault Divorce Process

Since April 2022, England and Wales has operated a no-fault divorce system. You no longer need to blame your spouse — a simple statement that the marriage has broken down irretrievably is all that is required.

The process follows these key stages:

1. Application

The divorce begins with an application to the court. This can be made by one spouse alone (a sole application) or jointly by both. The court fee is currently £593.

2. Acknowledgement

If you make a sole application, your spouse must acknowledge receipt within 14 days. They do not need to agree — simply confirm they have received it.

3. Conditional Order

After a minimum waiting period of 20 weeks from the application, you can apply for a conditional order. This is the court’s confirmation that you are entitled to a divorce.

4. Final Order

Six weeks after the conditional order, you can apply for the final order, which legally ends the marriage.

Important: We strongly recommend resolving financial matters before applying for the final order, as certain rights — particularly regarding pensions and inheritance — can change once the divorce is finalised.

Separation Without Divorce

Not everyone is ready for divorce. We can help with:

Separation agreements — a legally documented arrangement covering finances and property while you remain married
Judicial separation — a court order that does not end the marriage but provides legal recognition of the separation

These options can provide clarity and protection while you decide on the best path forward.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Court proceedings are not always necessary — and are often not the best option. We encourage clients to consider alternatives where appropriate:

Mediation — a trained mediator helps you and your spouse reach agreement on finances, property, and children. It is typically faster, cheaper, and less adversarial than court
Collaborative law — both parties and their solicitors commit to reaching a settlement without going to court. If agreement cannot be reached, new solicitors must be instructed for court proceedings, which provides a strong incentive to settle
Solicitor-led negotiation — we negotiate directly with your spouse’s solicitor to reach a fair agreement

We will advise you on the most appropriate approach for your circumstances, taking into account the level of conflict, complexity of assets, and any safeguarding concerns.

International and Cross-Border Divorce

If you or your spouse are from different countries, have assets abroad, or are uncertain about which country’s courts should deal with your divorce, specialist advice is essential. Issues that can arise include:

Jurisdiction — which country’s courts should handle the divorce, and which country’s law should apply to the financial settlement
Forum shopping — in some cases, it may be advantageous to issue proceedings in one country over another
Recognition of foreign divorces — ensuring a divorce granted abroad is recognised in England and Wales
Enforcement of orders — making sure financial orders can be enforced across borders

We advise clients on international divorce matters and work with specialist lawyers in other jurisdictions where needed.

Civil Partnership Dissolution

The process for dissolving a civil partnership mirrors the divorce process. We have experience advising clients through dissolution proceedings and can guide you through the specific requirements.

What to Expect During the Process

Divorce is not just a legal process — it is an emotional one. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain at various stages. We will:

Set clear expectations about timelines and costs from the outset
Keep you informed at every stage so you are never left wondering what happens next
Explain your options in plain English, without legal jargon
Be available when you need us, whether that is a quick question or a longer discussion
Signpost you to additional support, such as counselling or financial advice, if needed

How We Can Help

We understand that every situation is different. Some clients need help with the full process; others need targeted advice on a specific issue. Our services include:

Advising on your options and the likely process
Preparing and filing the divorce application
Corresponding with your spouse or their solicitor
Negotiating financial settlements alongside the divorce
Coordinating with other specialists where needed
Representing you in court if required

Taking the First Step

Starting the process can feel daunting, but getting the right advice early can make a significant difference. We offer an initial consultation to understand your situation and explain your options — with no obligation to proceed.

How We Can Help

No-fault divorce applications (sole and joint)
Judicial separation
Dissolution of civil partnerships
Separation agreements
International and cross-border divorce
Urgent applications and injunctions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce take in England and Wales?: The minimum timeframe is approximately 26 weeks. An uncontested divorce typically takes 6 to 9 months from application to final order. If there are disputes over finances or children, the process may take longer. We will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.
How much does a divorce cost?: The court fee for a divorce application is currently £593. Our legal fees depend on the complexity of your case. We offer fixed fees for straightforward divorces and provide clear cost estimates at the outset so there are no surprises.
Do I have to go to court?: In most cases, no. The divorce application itself is handled on paper or online. You would only need to attend court if there are contested financial or children matters that cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation.
Can my spouse stop the divorce?: Under the no-fault divorce system introduced in April 2022, your spouse cannot prevent the divorce from proceeding. They can dispute the jurisdiction of the court or the validity of the marriage, but they cannot simply refuse to agree.
What about finances and children?: The divorce itself does not resolve financial matters or arrangements for children. These are separate issues that we strongly recommend addressing before the final order is granted. We can advise on all aspects or refer you to the appropriate specialist.
Can I get divorced online?: Yes, divorce applications can be submitted online through the government portal. However, while the application process is straightforward, we recommend taking legal advice, particularly regarding financial settlements and child arrangements, to protect your interests.
What is a no-fault divorce?: No-fault divorce was introduced in April 2022. It means you no longer need to prove fault (such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour) to obtain a divorce. You simply need to provide a statement that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. This has made the process less adversarial and reduced conflict between separating couples.
What is the difference between a conditional order and a final order?: A conditional order (formerly decree nisi) is the court's confirmation that you are entitled to a divorce. A final order (formerly decree absolute) is the document that legally ends the marriage. There must be at least six weeks between the two. We strongly advise resolving financial matters before the final order is granted.
Do I need a solicitor to get divorced?: You are not legally required to use a solicitor for the divorce application itself. However, we strongly recommend legal advice for financial settlements and child arrangements, as these can have significant long-term consequences. Getting advice early can prevent costly mistakes.
Can I divorce my spouse if they live abroad?: Yes, provided the court in England and Wales has jurisdiction. This depends on factors such as where you are domiciled and where you were habitually resident. International divorce cases can be complex, and we can advise on whether the English courts are the right forum for your case.