Family Law

Divorce & Separation

Ending a marriage is rarely simple, even when both of you agree it is the right thing to do. We handle the legal side calmly and clearly under the no-fault rules, so you can focus on the decisions that matter while we take care of the process.

A calmer way through, under the no-fault rules

Since the law changed, you no longer need to blame anyone to end a marriage. A no-fault divorce lets one or both of you apply, and removes much of the conflict that the old system created. There is still a set process to follow and a minimum timescale set by the court, and getting the steps right matters, especially where finances or children are involved.

We explain what the process looks like for your situation, deal with the paperwork and the court portal, and keep things moving. Choose the service closest to your situation below, or speak to us and we will point you to the right one.

Compare your options at a glance

A short summary of each service above. Our fees are agreed in writing before any work begins. Home Office, court and other third-party fees are extra and listed on our price list.

ServiceKey pointFee
Uncontested No-Fault DivorceWho it is forAnyone married for at least a year who wants to end the marriage.£1,000 – £1500 + VAT
Judicial SeparationWho it is forCouples who want to separate formally but stay married, often for religious or personal reasons, or who have been married less than a year.£1,000 – £1500 + VAT
Responding to a DivorceWho it is forYou have received divorce papers from your husband or wife and need to know how to respond.£400 + VAT
Annulment of MarriageWho it is forPeople whose marriage was never legally valid, or is legally defective on one of the specific grounds in law.£1000 – £3000 + VAT

Key facts

The main rules that apply to divorce & separation, with the law or official source for each.

  • Since 6 April 2022, divorce in England and Wales is no-fault. Neither spouse has to prove blame, and the divorce cannot usually be contested.

    Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020
  • You must be married for at least one year before you can apply.

    Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, s 3
  • There is a minimum 20 weeks between the application and the conditional order, then a further 6 weeks and 1 day before the final order.

    Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, as amended
  • The court fee for a divorce application is £628. Help with Fees may reduce or remove it if you are on a low income.

    GOV.UK, court fees

Correct as at October 2026. Rules and fees can change at short notice, so we confirm what applies to you before any application is made. This is general information, not legal advice on your case.

Common questions

Yes. No blame divorce is the everyday name for what the law calls a no-fault divorce. Since 6 April 2022, every divorce in England and Wales is no-fault, which means neither spouse has to accuse the other of anything. You simply confirm that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. Read more about uncontested no-fault divorce →

Yes. Legal separation is the everyday name for what the law and the courts call a judicial separation. Both describe a formal court order that recognises a married couple have separated, without ending the marriage. You remain legally married and cannot remarry until you obtain a divorce. Read more about judicial separation →

The respondent is the spouse who receives the divorce application when the other spouse applies on their own. As the respondent, you are sent the papers and asked to return an acknowledgement of service. It does not mean you are at fault. Under no-fault divorce, no blame attaches to either spouse. Read more about responding to a divorce →

A divorce ends a marriage that everyone accepts was valid. An annulment, or nullity, declares that the marriage was never legally valid, or cancels it on specific legal grounds, so the law can treat it as if it never properly existed. Annulment is only available on set grounds, while divorce needs no reason beyond irretrievable breakdown. Read more about annulment of marriage →

Not sure where to start?

Whether you are thinking about divorce, have just been served with an application, or only want to understand your options, a short conversation can make things much clearer. Tell us your situation and we will explain the next step, with no obligation.

  • Regulated adviceAuthorised and regulated by the SRA, No. 490744.
  • Fixed feesAgreed in writing before we begin, so you are never surprised.
  • Plain-language supportEmail and phone help throughout, with no jargon.