Divorce

You can get a divorce if you have been married at least a year and your relationship has permanently broken down.

You must have a marriage that is legally recognised in the UK, and have a permanent home in England or Wales.

There are 3 main steps to getting divorced:

File a divorce petition -
you have to apply to the court for permission to divorce, and show reasons why you want the marriage to end.

Apply for a decree nisi -
if your spouse agrees to the petition, you’ll get a document saying there’s no reason you can’t divorce.

Apply for a decree absolute -
this legally ends your marriage - you need to wait 6 weeks after you get the decree nisi before you can apply.

I am often instructed on matters involving disputes within the divorce process, although not common, a contested divorce hearing may be required or where there are serious issues raised the Queen's Proctor may be involved in making enquiries as to the marriage or divorce.