How do you get a divorce? We explain in a step-by-step guide what the divorce procedure entails.
Special Procedure
Don’t be frightened by this term. All it means is that when you apply for a divorce in England and Wales, the process, in the vast majority of undefended cases (that is, a case where one of you wants to divorce and the other does not oppose), is called Special Procedure. All this means is that a judge will consider the divorce petition on paper and neither you nor your spouse will need to attend court to explain why your marriage has broken down.
Please bear in mind there is no such thing as a “quickie” divorce, no matter how many times you might read about this in the media. It’s also important to remember that the reason for the breakdown of your marriage rarely impacts on how the finances are divided. It is a common misconception for example that adultery makes a difference. The court will deal with the financial consequences of the end of the marriage separately from the process of obtaining the divorce itself. You do not need to wait to resolve financial arrangements before divorcing, but you should not divorce without first getting advice on how it may affect you.
Before you apply for a divorce, you will need either your original marriage certificate or a certified copy, as well as a certified translation if your marriage was abroad and the document is not in English.
If you have any questions about how to get a divorce, please get in touch – we are here to help you: telephone 0161 507 7145
Applying for a divorce
The divorce procedure is started by sending to the court a divorce application known as the Petition. The party making the application is known as the Petitioner, the receiving party is known as the Respondent, and either party to the marriage can apply to the court for a divorce.
Where possible, we will try to agree with your spouse on which party will initiate the process and the grounds for divorce. This will then allow the divorce procedure to continue on an undefended basis.
Grounds for divorce
There is only one ground for divorce, namely that the marriage has “irretrievably broken down”. To evidence this, the petitioner (applicant) for the divorce will need to rely upon one of
The Five Facts
In the Petition, the Petitioner has to prove that the marriage has irretrievably broken down by evidencing one of five specific statutory facts:
- Adultery
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Desertion (in practice, this is rare and difficult to prove)
- two years separation with an agreement by both that there should be a divorce
- five years separation (the consent of the Respondent is not needed)
The most common facts relied upon are adultery or unreasonable behaviour.
The Decree Nisi
Once the divorce petition is issued by the court, it is sent to the Respondent who then usually has 14 days (possibly longer if the Respondent doesn’t live in the UK) to complete and return the Acknowledgement of Service to the court.
The court will then send a copy of the Acknowledgement to the Petitioner who then completes and files an Application for Decree Nisi and a supporting Statement.
When the papers are received by the court they will be considered by a judge who, if satisfied with the ground for divorce, will issue a Certificate of Entitlement for Decree Nisi. This will list a hearing date several weeks later, at which the Decree Nisi will be pronounced. This hearing can also be used to consider any applications for or objections to any cost orders sought, if not already agreed upon.
Do bear in mind that the Decree Nisi is actually an interim stage in the divorce procedure – it isn’t the final divorce, it is a document that says that the court does not see any reason why you cannot divorce. Once you have your Decree Nisi, you can apply for the
Decree Absolute
Usually, the Petitioner waits until the finances have been agreed upon and approved by the Court before applying for the final decree of divorce, known as the Decree Absolute. If the divorce has taken place before the finances are resolved and one of the parties dies then, potentially, benefits to which the other would have been entitled by virtue of the marriage will be lost (an obvious example is a spouse’s pension).
International divorce procedure
Some people may be entitled to begin divorce proceedings in more than one country: if that is the case, we can assist in helping you to decide which is the better jurisdiction for you (and your family) as the divorce process varies widely from country to country, even within Europe, including as to the financial outcome, timing and arrangements for your children. Speed can be of the essence in making the decision. If you think this might apply to your situation, please do get in touch without delay.
