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Key takeaways
- 1Neither spouse has to prove fault: a statement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down is enough.
- 2The minimum timeline is about 26 weeks: 20 weeks to the conditional order, then 6 weeks and a day to the final order.
- 3Divorce does not end financial claims. Only a court order on finances gives you a clean break.
No-fault divorce came into force in April 2022, the biggest reform of divorce law in England and Wales in 50 years. It replaced a system that required couples to rely on adultery, unreasonable behaviour or long periods of separation.
What Has Changed?
- No blame required: neither party has to prove fault. A statement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down is enough.
- Joint applications: couples can now apply jointly, although sole applications are still available.
- No defending a divorce: a spouse can no longer contest the divorce simply because they disagree with it. Challenges are limited to issues such as jurisdiction or the validity of the marriage.
The Divorce Timeline
- Application: one or both spouses apply to the court, usually online.
- 20-week reflection period: a minimum period to reflect and to sort out arrangements for children and finances.
- Conditional Order: after 20 weeks you can apply for a Conditional Order (formerly the decree nisi), confirming the court sees no reason the divorce cannot go ahead.
- Final Order: 6 weeks and 1 day after the Conditional Order you can apply for the Final Order (formerly the decree absolute), which legally ends the marriage.
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Resolving Finances and Children
A divorce ends the legal marriage, but it does not automatically end financial claims or decide arrangements for children. You need a financial order from the court, often a consent order recording what you have agreed, to achieve a clean break. Without one, a former spouse may be able to bring a financial claim years later.
It is often wise to agree finances, or at least get advice on them, before applying for the Final Order.
Expert Family Law Advice
Temple Gate Solicitors gives clear, compassionate advice on divorce, financial settlements and arrangements for children, so you can move forward with certainty.
This guide is general information about the law of England and Wales as at 15 October 2026. It is not legal advice, and immigration rules in particular change often. For advice on your own situation, speak to a solicitor.