What are the five steps in an uncontested divorce?

When both spouses agree that a marriage has broken down irretrievably, they can apply for an uncontested divorce.

The Divorce Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 came into law in April 2022. It means couples can apply for a divorce without assigning fault.

Although the divorce is not contested, a number of issues need to be settled, such as financial and child arrangements and you may need the services of a London law firm.

You can search online for an appropriate London law firm for advice and support.

So, how does the process work?

Filing the divorce application

One of the parties can make an application for divorce to the court, although now it may be a joint application. It contains details of the marriage and confirmation there is no opposition.

Acknowledgment of service

If not a joint application, the other spouse will confirm receipt of the application and that it is uncontested.

Reflection period

There is a reflection period of 20 weeks to allow parties to settle child and financial issues.

Conditional order

This was previously known as a Decree Nisi and confirms that the court agrees that there is no reason not to let the divorce proceed. It takes place at the end of the reflection period, and a financial order may be made and child arrangements confirmed.

Final order

This was known as Decree Absolute, and after the conditional order has been made, the applicant can make an application for this. This legally ends the marriage, freeing the parties to remarry.