Divorce Process

What is the Divorce Process?

The formal divorce process has four steps. However, a divorce decree does not deal with financial matters. A separate court order is needed regarding finance. For advice on divorce financial matters contact us online or call 0800 840 4929.

Stages of a Divorce

For most people the divorce process is very straightforward. Usually no attendance is required at court by you, your spouse or by your divorce solicitor. The entire divorce process takes approximately four to six months from start to finish, although in many divorces the process can take nearer to 12 months this being the time that it often takes to resolve the financial aspects of your divorce.

Nearly all of the steps in the divorce are dealt with by the person who starts the divorce process (the Petitioner). The other person (the Respondent) takes very few steps.

The four stages of the divorce process is as follows:

Stage 1 | Divorce Petition

Your divorce petition, based upon one of the grounds detailed above, is sent to court to start the court process. The original marriage certificate also needs to be sent to court. Where there are children, a document called the Statement of Arrangements for Children must also be completed by you and sent to court.

Stage 2 | Acknowledgement of Service

Your spouse, the respondent, will be sent your divorce petition and other documents by the court. Your spouse then needs to complete a short form called the Acknowledgement of Service in which they confirm that they have received your divorce petition.

Stage 3 | Decree Nisi

Once your spouse has completed the Acknowledgement of Service and returned it to court, you can apply for decree nisi of divorce. To do this you will need to swear a short statement confirming the contents of your divorce petition under oath. This statement accompanies the application to the court for decree nisi. Decree nisi is pronounced in open court, although it is not necessary for you or your solicitor to attend this hearing.

Stage 4 | Decree Absolute

The decree absolute is the final decree of divorce which ends your marriage.  It can be applied for by you, the Petitioner, a minimum of six weeks and one day after the pronouncement of decree nisi. If you have not agreed the financial aspects of your divorce at this stage, the application for decree absolute may be delayed until that financial settlement has been reached.

Pannone the divorce solicitors

To arrange a discussion with a divorce solicitor click here or call us on 0800 840 4929. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.