Family Law experts reveal how long divorce proceedings really take

There are 1.4 million searches a month for ‘divorce’ in the UK. With several high-profile breakups making headlines, public interest in celebrity separations sees a surge of interest around divorce. Recent breakout searches include Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes' divorce, Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont's split, and a staggering 4,000% spike in searches around Pep Guardiola’s reported divorce proceedings.

The latest ONS figures show 80,057 divorces were granted within a year in the UK. But how long do these proceedings tend to take? Family law experts at Weightmans reveal how long you should expect to wait to finalise a divorce and factors that can delay the process.

Family law expert answers the biggest divorce proceedings questions 

Going through a divorce can be a difficult and sensitive time for all parties involved, so it’s reassuring to know from legal experts what to expect during proceedings to prepare you for this time. 

It can take over 6 months to finalise a divorce in England and Wales

All divorce proceedings are unique to their individual cases and therefore can differ in the amount of time each takes to resolve. However, a divorce cannot be concluded in less than 26 weeks, and according to gov.uk, the average divorce in England and Wales takes at least seven months to process. 

Different factors can influence the length of time it can take, including court delays, but mainly it can take longer because of the time needed to resolve disputes over finances. It can be extremely important not to finalise your divorce until a financial settlement is reached. This also needs to be recorded in a court order, and so, however keen you are not to remain married, it is always worthwhile checking this point with a solicitor before you apply for the final order of divorce. It’s important to be aware that whether you apply for a divorce on your own or as part of a joint application, the process will still be expected to take the same amount of time. 

The rise of the ‘quickie divorce’ — does it exist? 

With over 1,000 searches each month for the term ‘quickie divorce’ in the UK, popularised by mainstream media, the terminology is often synonymous with celebrity divorces. Although a ‘quickie divorce’ gives the impression of a fast turnaround, there is no way to hurry along proceedings within the boundaries of the law. 

The phrase arose years ago, when it was necessary to cite the fault of one of the parties if you wished to avoid waiting for at least 2 years post-separation before being allowed to apply for a divorce. This is no longer applicable, as since 2022, there has been a ‘no fault’ divorce system. All legal divorces are subject to the same minimum timeframe of 26 weeks.

There are also clear risks in proceeding without legal advice. Without proper representation, issues can arise that seriously jeopardise financial security, such as prematurely divorcing before a financial settlement is reached. This potentially can cause hardship if a party passes away prior to that settlement being converted into a legally binding order, because spousal pension benefits are lost. Other mistakes can include remarrying prior to a settlement being reached, which may prevent your seeking any settlement at all, or divorcing in the wrong divorce jurisdiction, resulting in your obtaining a settlement worth less than that you might have obtained if you were divorced somewhere else.

Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities is essential to achieving the best possible outcome post-divorce.

It is reported by the press that one of the longest divorce cases in the UK lasted 16 years and was eventually concluded by a judge after a lengthy legal battle. While most divorces don’t take anywhere near that long, it’s important to understand that it can take time for all proceedings to be agreed upon. 

Financial and parental disputes can cause delays — what factors can delay divorce proceedings? 

When preparing for a divorce, several factors can delay the process beyond the typical timeframe.

One common issue is incomplete paperwork. For example, the initial application for a divorce or dissolution, the D8 form, must be properly completed before proceedings can start.

The most frequent delays involve disputes over finances or children. Although the divorce itself can proceed without resolving these matters, courts and expert family law solicitors recommend that financial arrangements are addressed first. Common causes of delay include:

• Financial disclosure issues
• Disputes regarding property, pensions, or maintenance

Other potential delays may stem from court backlogs, a change of solicitors by either party, or particularly complex financial circumstances.

How to prepare for the process

The first step would be to get your documents in order to prepare for the divorce proceedings; this can include your marriage certificate, filling in the required D8 form, and starting to think about financial arrangements by gathering together information such as property agreements and bank statements.. 

It’s also important to make sure you’re prepared emotionally for the proceedings; if you’re able to, seek advice from a therapist, close friendship group, or family members to make sure you have the support to navigate the coming months if you feel it necessary. 

It’s also important to seek expert advice from a lawyer before you start divorce proceedings so they can prepare you for the process, explain timelines, forms, and the actual proceedings themselves. 

Lucy Phipps, a family lawyer from Weightmans, adds, “Recent figures show that over 80,000 divorces are granted each year. Divorce can be a difficult time for all members of the family involved, so it’s important to know what outcomes you want ahead of the proceedings. Speak to a solicitor for guidance if you choose to end your marriage or civil partnership. Expert divorce lawyers will handle your case with sensitivity, care, and respect, ensuring all parties achieve the best possible outcome.”