Divorce is never easy, but understanding your options can make the journey less daunting. In the UK(England and Wales), the introduction of “no fault divorce” has changed how couples end their marriages, making the process simpler and less confrontational. If you’re considering divorce and don’t know where to start, this guide will walk you through the essentials.

No fault divorce UK cost in 2026

£612 to apply for divorce on UK.GOV

Can you represent yourself in a divorce?

Yes. Thousands of people self represent every month successfully. Family courts are used to working litigants in person. Attending hearings and submitting documents is free. Some litigants in person use Caira, which is our AI powered product. She can help you manage emotions & anxiety, draft statements in seconds, review submissions by the other party and check forms that you upload. We offer a free trial, there after just £15/month - saving you up to £500,000 in legal fees.

How does a no-fault divorce work?

A no-fault divorce means you don’t have to blame your spouse or prove wrongdoing to end your marriage. Under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, either person (or both together) can apply for a divorce simply by stating that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. The court takes this statement as conclusive evidence—no need to dig up old arguments or painful details.

To begin, you must have been married for at least one year, and your marriage must be legally recognised in the UK. You can apply online or by post, either on your own or jointly with your spouse. After the application, there’s a minimum waiting period of 20 weeks before you can confirm you want to proceed, followed by a further 6 weeks before the divorce is final. This gives both parties time to reflect and make arrangements for children, finances, and property.

What are the problems with no-fault divorce?

While no-fault divorce removes blame, some people feel it’s too impersonal. There’s no opportunity to have your side of the story heard in court, which can leave feelings of injustice or frustration—especially if one person feels wronged. Sometimes, the process can stall if one party doesn’t respond or communicate, causing delays and uncertainty.

Another issue is that the divorce itself doesn’t resolve financial or child arrangements. These need to be agreed separately, and if you can’t reach an agreement, you may still need to go to court. Chat to Caira about what you would like to achieve. It takes less than 30sec to sign-up.

What are the disadvantages of no-fault divorce?

No-fault divorce is designed to be straightforward, but it’s not without drawbacks. For some, it may feel too easy—almost as if the seriousness of ending a marriage is downplayed. There’s also the risk that important issues, like financial settlements or child arrangements, are overlooked in the rush to finalise the divorce.

If you’re hoping for a sense of closure or recognition of your experience, you might find the process lacking. The focus is on ending the marriage, not on exploring the reasons behind it.

How long does a no-fault divorce take?

The process usually takes at least 7 months from start to finish. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Application submitted.

• 20-week “reflection period” before confirming you want to continue.

• Conditional order granted.

• 6-week waiting period before the final order.

• Final order issued, and the marriage is legally ended.

While the divorce itself ends the marriage, arrangements for children and finances—such as child arrangements and financial orders—are dealt with separately.

It’s generally wise to resolve financial orders before finalising the divorce, as this helps protect your rights and ensures a clean break. Delays can occur if paperwork is missing, if one party doesn’t respond, or if there are disputes about children or finances. Sorting these matters may require further negotiation or court hearings, which can extend the overall timeline.

Who benefits most from no-fault divorce?

No-fault divorce is especially helpful for couples who agree the marriage is over and want to avoid blame or conflict. It’s also beneficial for families with children, as it can reduce tension and help parents focus on co-parenting rather than fighting in court.

Those who value privacy and dignity often appreciate the process, as there’s no need to air personal grievances in public. It’s also a relief for anyone who wants a clean break without getting stuck in arguments about who was at fault.

Why is moving out the biggest mistake in a divorce?

Leaving the family home during divorce can have serious consequences. If you move out, you might lose influence over child arrangements or property negotiations. It can be seen as abandoning the home, which could affect your rights or make it harder to return.

Staying put, if safe to do so, helps protect your interests and keeps you involved in decisions about children and finances. If you’re considering moving out, think carefully before doing so. You could also consider occupation order or discuss other arrangements through mediation.

My ex-husband delaying financial settlement UK

Delays in reaching a financial settlement are unfortunately common, especially if one party is reluctant to disclose assets or respond to requests. In England and Wales, both sides are required to provide full and frank disclosure of their finances. If your ex-husband is stalling, you can apply to the court for a financial order, which sets a timetable and compels cooperation. The court may penalise deliberate delays, and you can request costs if his behaviour is unreasonable. Keeping a record of missed deadlines and uncooperative behaviour will help your case.

Divorce delay tactics

Some people use delay tactics to stall divorce proceedings, such as ignoring paperwork, refusing to engage, or making repeated requests for unnecessary information. These tactics can be frustrating and emotionally draining. If you encounter this, you can ask the court to set deadlines or make directions to keep the process moving. The court expects parties to act reasonably and may take a dim view of deliberate obstruction, especially if it causes financial or emotional harm.

Narcissist divorce tactics

Divorcing a narcissist can be particularly challenging, as they may use manipulation, blame-shifting, or stonewalling to control the process. Common tactics include refusing to negotiate, distorting facts, or trying to provoke emotional reactions. Staying calm, keeping communication in writing, and focusing on the facts will help you maintain control. The court is experienced in recognising these behaviours and can intervene if necessary, especially where children or finances are involved. Setting clear boundaries and seeking support from trusted friends or professionals can make a significant difference.

If you have any questions, chat to Caira 24/7, she's the best ai product for divorce and family law in england and Wales. At £15/month, the service is affordable and cheap.