Get a divorce

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Before you apply

You must decide whether you want to make a joint application with your husband or wife or whether you want to apply on your own.

It normally takes at least 7 months to get a divorce. This is the same for joint and sole applications.

Making a joint application with your husband or wife

You can make a joint application if both of the following apply:

  • you both agree that you should get a divorce
  • you’re not at risk of domestic abuse

You will need to decide if you want to apply online or by post. Your husband or wife needs to use the same application method.

You’ll both have to separately confirm that you want to continue with the divorce application at each stage of the process.

If your husband or wife stops responding, you’ll be able to continue with the divorce application as a sole applicant.

If you want to apply for help with paying the divorce fee, both of you must be eligible to qualify.

Applying for a divorce on your own

Make a sole application if either of the following apply:

  • your husband or wife does not agree you should get a divorce
  • you do not think your husband or wife will cooperate or respond to notifications from the court

You will need to confirm you want to continue with the divorce application at each stage of the process.

Arrangements for children, money and property

You and your husband or wife can choose to work out:

You can also divide your money and property.

You can usually avoid going to court hearings if you agree about children, money and property.

Get help or advice

You can get advice about legal paperwork and making arrangements from:

Find a legal adviser if you need legal advice.

If you’re married to more than one person

Contact the Divorce Service Centre if you’re married to more than one person (polygamy).

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Get a divorce: step by step

  1. Step 1 Get support and advice

    You can get support or counselling to help you through the divorce process.

    1. Get support and advice from Relate
    2. Find a counsellor on Counselling Directory

  2. Step 2 Check if you can get divorced

    1. Check if you can get a divorce
    2. Get legal advice if you want help with the divorce process

  3. Step 3 Make arrangements for children, money and property

    1. Make arrangements for your children
    2. Divide your money and property
    3. Check if your divorce will affect whether you can live in your current home

  4. Step 4 Apply for a divorce

    1. Apply for a divorce online or by post £593
    2. Get help with court fees
    3. Get legal advice
    4. Get help if your husband or wife cannot make decisions for themselves

  5. Step 5 Apply for a ‘conditional order’ or ‘decree nisi’

    1. Apply for a ‘conditional order’ or 'decree nisi'

  6. Step 6 Finalise your divorce

    1. Apply for a ‘final order’ or 'decree absolute'

  7. Step 7 Report that your circumstances have changed

    You also have to tell other government organisations that you're getting divorced if: