How do you get a quick and simple divorce? Read amicable's tips on how to speed up your divorce process.
In this post, we're going to explain how quickly it's possible to get a divorce. You'll find out exactly what you and your ex can do to ensure you're not slowing the process down for the fastest feasible divorce.
Ending a marriage, even if you haven't been together for years, can be a difficult and stressful process to go through. Divorce proceedings are considered to be one of the most stressful events anyone can go through in life. This is why so many people are looking for a way to have a quick divorce.
A quick divorce will mean different things to different people and may or may not be possible, depending on the timeline you've got in mind.
The fastest possible divorce requires that both people agree that the problems you face as a couple can't be rectified, and being able to submit for a divorce online makes the process faster than applying by post.
Misconceptions and myths about getting divorced ‘easily and quickly’
There are a lot of misunderstandings surrounding quick divorces and indeed, the divorce process in general. There is no special route or fee you can pay to speed a divorce up and how long a divorce takes really depends on how complicated your divorce is. **As of the introduction of No-fault divorce in England and Wales, the minimum a divorce will take is seven months. Divorces submitted before the change in law take an average time of three to six months. You can request a divorce timeline for a more accurate and personalised estimate of how long your divorce will take.
While you may not be able to fast-track your divorce, there are measures you can take to speed the divorce process up:
- First and foremost, you need to decide whether you will submit for divorce together or make a sole application.
- If you're making a sole application and your husband or wife is no longer living with you, make sure you know their current address. You need this so the divorce court can serve the divorce paperwork to them.
- Gather and submit relevant documents from both people within the set deadlines.
- Ensure you have a copy of the marriage certificate and that it's translated into English if you were [married abroad](https://amicable.io/marriage-certificate-translations-for-uk-divorce-proceedings).
- Complete the forms correctly without mistakes (or get help by using a service like [amicable](https://amicable.io/divorce-diagnostic)).
- Get support agreeing on childcare and financial arrangements if necessary, as this process usually slows your divorce down significantly.
IMPORTANT: If you come across a divorce service that claims it can help you get divorced in under 12 weeks, know that this isn't possible in England or Wales.
If all of the above criteria are met and the documents are handed in on time, the reality is that you can get your divorce through and complete a minimum of seven months if you are divorcing after the 6th of April with the introduction of No-fault divorce.
Read our Pre-Divorce Checklist for all the things you'll need to consider for an amicable and quick divorce.
Divorcing amicably is the fastest way to separate
Being organised and diligent when completing the divorce forms will help ensure an amicable and quick divorce. But more importantly, you need to both be emotionally ready to divorce.
Read our advice for support on understanding if you and/or your ex are ready to start the divorce process.
Our blog, 'how long does a divorce take?' provides information on the divorce process, the typical time it takes to divorce in the UK and some tips for speeding your divorce up.
Uncontested divorce - how to get a simple and quick divorce
Lower cost
One of the biggest benefits of having an uncontested divorce is the lower costs associated with this form of divorce.
You can start divorce proceedings in just minutes if you do it yourself or use one of amicable's services. amicable's services are typically 10 times cheaper than going to court, a third of the cost of a lawyer and 50% cost of the mediation.
Using a divorce lawyer to divorce is only required if there are any contentions to the divorce or danger signs. When you are in full agreement with one another, you can submit the appropriate documentation and paperwork to the court and save lots of money, time and hassle.
Read our blog how much does divorce cost? to get a better understanding of the costs involved for a quick divorce.
If you're looking to separate rather than divorce, our separation agreement guide provides more information and costs.
Reach a resolution quicker
When there are complications to the divorce or disagreements relating to childcare or finances, it can take a long time. An uncontested divorce is quicker and causes less stress and anxiety to all those involved.
amicable's divorce-diagnostic can help you figure out how you're going to split your finances, co-parent your children and legalise your separation. Get in touch for support.
More amicable
amicable has helped thousands of couples to separate amicably. Our approach focuses on creating positive futures for separating couples, helping you move on rather than dwelling on the past.
If children are involved, an uncontested divorce is always the best approach to ensure that you and your ex-partner can continue co-parenting your children together, albeit living separately.
Use our divorce diagnostic tool to help you understand the amicable service that is best for you. You can also book a free call with us today to discuss your options.
Speak to a Divorce Coach
Book a free 15-minute call with an amicable expert. Understand the process, how long it may take, how much it can cost and what your options are.
You can join the call alone or together.
What you need to start the process
- You or your ex lives permanently in England or Wales, or you are domiciled in either country if you spend most of your time abroad
- You have been married/in a civil partnership for at least 12 months
- You have an original copy of your marriage certificate in English
A brief guide to the divorce process
Divorcing online is one of the easiest ways to legally end your marriage or civil partnership. If you need help, amicable’s divorce services manage all the steps below and provides you with divorce experts to coach you through your divorce.
There are four basic steps to an uncontested or quick divorce (and a more comprehensive guide here):
Step One: Complete and submit a divorce application
You need to complete this form either online or by post and you can make a joint or sole application for divorce.
Step Two: Wait for the reflection period and for your Complete, sign and send the acknowledgement of service
If you made a sole application, then your ex will need to complete, sign and send this document back to the courts in order for the divorce to proceed. This can be done online if you started the divorce using the online system.
Step Three: Complete a Conditional Order application
The next step in the process is to complete an application for a Conditional Order. This is the part in the process when a Judge reviews your application and either agrees or disagrees that the marriage is over. Once the judge has agreed that you can divorce or end your civil partnership, you can submit your financial settlement (also called consent order) to the court so that your financial agreements are made legally binding. This step isn't mandatory but it is recommended, get in touch with us for help.
Step Four: Complete a Final Order application
The final step to complete for a quick divorce is to wait the mandatory six weeks and one day from your Conditional Order pronouncement date, after this time frame you need to apply for a Final Order to make the divorce official. Make sure you don’t send the Final Order application to the court before the six weeks and one day has passed as the courts are likely to send your application back. This will just slow things down so follow the process and get expert help if needed.
FAQs
Can you get divorced without using a solicitor?
In short, yes. However, depending on your circumstances may alter which option you should choose. There are situations where a solicitor or lawyer may be the most appropriate option.
Can you get a divorce right away?
In the England and Wales, due to the length of the court process, it is not possible to get divorced immediately.
What’s the quickest you can get a divorce?
An uncontested divorce is the quickest way to legally separate. The cheapest way to get a divorce depends on the method you choose and how much help you need. Complete our divorce diagnostic, to help you understand the amicable service that is best for you.
What is the quickest and cheapest way to get a divorce?
If you don’t have any money, but want a divorce, you can use the government website and apply for the help with fees scheme.
What happens when you submit for divorce?
When you've decided you want a divorce, knowing what's going to happen when you submit for one can feel daunting. Take a look at our How to submit a divorce – a step-by-step UK guide which explains the options you have when submitting for divorce or dissolution and the divorce process.
Can I do my divorce myself?
If your situation is straightforward, and you feel comfortable with managing the divorce process yourself. It is possible to file the divorce or dissolution paperwork yourself using the government website. Find out more information by reading our guide on how to submit for divorce.
Read More
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No-fault divorce is coming to England and Wales in April 2022. Find out everything you need to know here.
Start your amicable divorce journey
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Comments (8)
hi i would like to no about a quick devorce
Hi Sarah, thanks for your comment. Depending on your personal situation, divorces take between 3-5 months if you're not sorting out your finances.
Want to divorce my wife been separated about seven years how much would it cost
I would like a divorce as quick as possible been remarried 7 years apart from anything else it hasn't been consumated
i left my wife 16 years ago - is there any databases where i can check whether sh divorced me ?
Hi Simon, thanks for your comment. If you want to divorce your wife you can start your divorce yourself via the Government website which may cost you £593 in court fees, unless you are eligible to money off these. If you would like our help with this application, or with negotiating your children and/ or financial arrangements and making your financial arrangements legally binding, we offer a range of services which start at £300.
Hi Rosalind, thanks for your comment. In England and Wales, as of the introduction of 'no-fault' divorce in April 2022, divorces take a minimum of 7 months to be completed and longer if you need to apply for a financial order. Get in touch if you would like help with this.
Hi Brett, you can check whether you're divorced by contacting Courts and Tribunals Service Centre by Webchat (the Government website), email - [email protected], or by telephone - 0300 303 0642. You will need to provide some personal details to the agent you are connected with and they should be able to help you from there.