How long does a divorce take? A practical guide

Posted: 20 May 2026

Deciding to divorce your spouse can be a very big decision. It is a sensitive and emotional time for everyone involved. Whatever your reasons for divorce, the decision is the first step in what is a very long journey ahead.

Getting started with the divorce application

Thanks to the new Government portal, submitting an application is very straight forward and can be made solely or jointly. To complete the application, you will need:

1. Yours and your spouses’ full name and current address (if you can provide an email address, then the application will go to them on email instead of post)
2. Your original marriage certificate or a certified copy (and a certified translation if it’s not in English)
3. And if you have changed your name since marriage, proof of that from your marriage certificate or deed poll.
4. The fee payable which is £612.

Once that is submitted (if sole), the application is sent to your spouse for them to acknowledge. They have 14 days to do this.

The Reflection Period

Thereafter begins a considerable wait, called the Reflection Period. This is a 20 week mandatory stop on the progress of the divorce itself, to enable parties to attempt to reach agreement about finances and in some cases, child arrangements. Its purpose is also to ensure that parties have properly thought the divorce through and still want to proceed with it half a year later.

The Conditional Order

After the 20 week Reflection Period has passed, you can apply for a Conditional Order. This is merely the Court approving your application and saying that you are entitled to a divorce, it does not mean you are divorced.

The Final Order of divorce

6 weeks and 1 day after the Conditional Order is granted, you can apply to the Court for the Final Order of Divorce. Upon receipt of this, you are officially divorced.

Prior to the Final Order being applied for, it is best to ensure that your financial matter is resolved by way of a Court Order either by consent or following Court proceedings. If the latter, it is likely that the divorce will take even longer to complete because litigation in financial matters can take years to conclude (depending of course on many factors and each individual case).

Before proceeding with a divorce, it is always recommended to get legal advice. If you wish to discuss your case with one of our family experts, we would be happy to help.

Speak to Our Family Law Team Today 

Our family law team advises individuals on prenuptial agreements, finances, and wider relationship planning, providing clear, practical guidance tailored to your situation. If you are considering a prenup or want to understand how an agreement might work for you. Contact our prenuptial agreement solicitors for clear, practical legal advice. All our office contact details are available here or send an email.

Author: Laura Webb

Laura is an Associate in the family team based in the Chelmsford office and has been a member of the team for 7 years. Laura provides sound and realistic advice and aims to achieve the best possible results for the clients.