Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question regarding one of our services? Check below to see if your question has already been answered. See our handy guide to Divorce procedure in England and Wales here.

You cannot start a petition for divorce unless you have been married for more than one year.

The process usually takes between 16  and 18  weeks to complete.  This time frame can vary slightly and we always update and advise our clients regularly.

Our services are designed to suit all budgets and requirements.  You circumstances will be assessed during your FREE consultation with a Lawyer and we can advise you of the best service to suit your needs.

If you are in receipt of certain state benefits or you are on a low income, you may not have to pay the mandatory court fees.  In your FREE consultation, we will assess your financial circumstances and provide you with  an assessment of the court fees you can expect to pay.

No. A Solicitor is not generally necessary to instigate or conduct your divorce.  You will have the option and may find it helpful  to discuss the basis of your petition with one of our lawyers before starting the process. We offer a FREE initial consultation.  If you require a financial Consent Order,  the documents will always be drafted by a Solicitor 

The Divorce Company South West will manage your case from start to finish and handle all court correspondence on your behalf.  No court appearances are necessary.

From 6th April 2022, divorce law in England and Wales changed to a no-fault system.  This means there is no longer a requirement to provide a reason for the breakdown of the marriage such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour. Neither is it necessary for parties to have been separated for 2 years or more before being eligible to apply for a no-fault divorce.
You can now obtain a no fault Divorce or a Dissolution of a Civil Partnership  in England or Wales if  you have been married or in a civil partnership for a period of at least 12 months and your relationship has permanently broken down.
Please ring or email us for a FREE consultation with a Lawyer.

Yes. We will need to send the original marriage certificate to the court with the Petition at the first stage of the process.

If you haven’t got the original marriage certificate, you will need to obtain a certified copy. The court will not under any circumstances accept photocopies. If you were married in UK, we can obtain a certified Marriage Certificate on your behalf.

If you marry abroad then so long as you have complied with the legal requirements of that country, then your marriage is automatically recognised in the UK without you having to take any further steps. For example, a Nikah ceremony conducted in an Islamic Country is automatically recognised in the UK as a valid marriage.

A Religious divorce that took place in the United Kingdom (such as a Muslim Talaq, or Jewish Get) will not be recognised in England.