A Guide to Divorce.

Can You Apply for a Divorce

To successfully apply for a divorce in England and Wales, you need to show that you have been married for more than a year and that the marriage has “irretrievably broken down”.

Grounds for Divorce

Therefore there are two types of Divorce Petition, the Petition that is based on periods of separation and Divorce Petitions based on allegations of behaviour.

Unreasonable Behaviour.

• Your spouse has behaved in such a way that you cannot reasonably be expected to live together.

Adultery.

• Your spouse has committed adultery and you find it intolerable to live together.

Two-Year Separation With Consent.

• You have been separated for 2 years and your spouse agrees to divorce.

Five-Year Separation.

• You have been separated for 5 years.

Desertion.

• Your spouse deserted you more than 2 years ago.

It is very rare that desertion is now used and on that basis for the purposes of acting in person in relation to matrimonial proceedings, it is recommended that such a petition is avoided.

Costs

Court Fees (Always Applicable)

• Filling Court Petition - £180
• Final Divorce Decree - £30

Divorce Service

• DIY Service - £21.50
• Online Guidance Service - £85
• Managed Service - £350
• British Expatriates Divorce - £500

How Long Does It Take?

Normal a divorce takes between 4 and 5 months but if your divorce is not processed properly it could add months to your Decree Absolute being granted.