Following the passage of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 which came into force on 6 April 2022, the legal requirements for Divorce, Dissolution of Civil Partnerships and Judicial Separation were reformed.
It now takes a minimum of 26 weeks to get divorced in England and Wales, however this timeframe may be lengthened where finances need to be dealt with alongside the Divorce.
For example, it is usually desirable for parties to delay applying for the Final Divorce Order until financial matters have been resolved, and any financial Orders made. Where parties are able to amicably reach an agreement in relation to financial matters, this will limit their time in Court and therefore reduce or eliminate any delay in applying for the Final Divorce Order.
A Consent Order can be sent to Court as soon as the Conditional Order has been granted, and that is a minimum of 20 weeks from the Divorce Application being issued. In circumstances where agreement is reached by the time of the Conditional Order, the Consent Order can be approved in 2 to 3 weeks, before the Final Order for the Divorce is even available, and the whole process complete in a little over 26 weeks.
The new legislation has prompted those making Applications to Divorce to do so in an amicable manner without unnecessary conflict, by limiting parties’ abilities to construct ‘fault’ grounds and partake in a ‘blame game’.
If you are intending to conclude your Divorce as swiftly as possible, both parties must cooperate. Reaching an agreement amicably, through alternative avenues to Court proceedings such as Mediation or through solicitors who are focused on helping you find solutions, will shorten the process and limit financial expenditure when finalising the Divorce. As experienced Family Legal experts, we can help you divorce amicably. For more information and to enquiry please contact us here. We would be delighted to support you.
