The divorce timeline explained

Overview of the timeline

The divorce process has three main stages with mandatory waiting periods:

1. Application → Court issues your divorce application
2. Conditional order → 20 weeks after issue, you can apply
3. Final order → 6 weeks and 1 day after conditional order

The absolute minimum is 26 weeks, but court processing times and your own circumstances typically extend this.

Stage-by-stage breakdown

Stage 1: Submitting the application

What happens: You submit Form D8 (online or by post) with your marriage certificate and court fee.

Time: 1-2 weeks for the court to check and issue your application.

Your action: Submit a complete, accurate application with all required documents.

Stage 2: Service and acknowledgement (sole applications)

What happens: The court sends your spouse the divorce application. They have 14 days to acknowledge receipt.

Time: 2-4 weeks including postal time and response.

Your action: If your spouse doesn’t respond, contact them (if safe) or ask the court about alternative service options.

For joint applications, this stage doesn’t apply – you’ve already both agreed to apply.

Stage 3: The 20-week reflection period

What happens: A mandatory waiting period begins from when the court issued your application.

Time: 20 weeks (approximately 4.5 months).

Your action: Use this time productively:

• Begin financial disclosure and negotiations
• Discuss arrangements for children
• Attend mediation if needed
• Seek legal advice on your settlement

Stage 4: Conditional order

What happens: After 20 weeks, you apply for a conditional order. The court reviews your application and, if satisfied, grants the order.

Time: 1-3 weeks for court processing.

Your action: Apply online (if you applied online originally) or submit Form D84 by post.

Stage 5: Waiting for the final order

What happens: Another mandatory waiting period of 6 weeks and 1 day.

Time: 43 days minimum.

Your action: Continue working on financial settlement. Consider whether to delay the final order until finances are agreed.

Stage 6: Final order

What happens: You apply for the final order. Once granted, you’re legally divorced.

Time: Usually 24-48 hours once you apply.

Your action: Apply online or submit the application. Keep the final order certificate safe – you’ll need it to remarry or for other official purposes.

Realistic timeline

Here’s what a typical divorce looks like in practice:

Most divorces complete in 7-9 months.

What can cause delays?

Court processing times

Courts have varying workloads. Some applications are processed within days; others take weeks. You have little control over this.

Problems with your application

If your application is incomplete or incorrect, the court will return it for correction, adding weeks.

Spouse not responding

If your spouse doesn’t acknowledge service, you’ll need to pursue alternative service options, potentially adding 4-8 weeks.

Disputes

If your spouse disputes jurisdiction or the validity of the marriage (rare under no-fault divorce), court hearings may be needed.

Financial matters

While the divorce itself can proceed, many people choose to delay the final order until their financial settlement is agreed. This can extend the timeline by months.

Can the process be speeded up?

The 20-week and 6-week waiting periods are set by law and cannot normally be shortened.

Exceptional circumstances: In very rare cases (such as terminal illness), the court can shorten these periods. You’d need to apply with strong supporting evidence.

What you can control:

• Submit a complete, accurate application first time
• Respond promptly to any court requests
• Keep your spouse informed and encourage them to respond quickly
• Begin financial negotiations during the 20-week period, not after

Should you delay the final order?

Many solicitors advise waiting until your financial settlement is finalised before applying for the final order. Here’s why:

Pension rights: If you die after the final order but before a financial settlement, your spouse may lose pension rights they would otherwise have had.

Remarriage: Your former spouse’s remarriage could affect what you’re entitled to.

Clean break: It’s often cleaner to have everything – divorce and finances – concluded together.

However, there’s no legal requirement to delay. Some people want to be divorced as quickly as possible and handle finances separately.

Timeline for financial matters

The divorce timeline and financial settlement timeline run separately:

Divorce: 26 weeks minimum

Financial remedy proceedings (if you go to court): 12-18 months typically, sometimes longer

Many couples negotiate financial agreements during the divorce process and submit a consent order around the time of the final order. This is usually much quicker than contested court proceedings.

What happens after the final order?

Once you receive your final order:

• You’re legally single and free to remarry
• Your existing will remains valid, but gifts to your ex-spouse are treated as if they had died
• You should update your will, pensions, and beneficiary nominations
• You may want to change your name (if applicable)

Keep your final order certificate safe. You’ll need it as proof of divorce.