How Long Does a Divorce Take and How Can a Solicitor Speed It Up?
Going through a separation is rarely easy, so most people want to finalise things as quickly as possible. Taunton Solicitors can help. But how long does a divorce take in the UK?
Fortunately, since the law changed in 2022, the process has become relatively straightforward. However, there are still mandatory waiting periods. Even a simple split will take at least six months. If you and your ex-partner disagree on money or children, it can take much longer. That’s why having an expert on your side is vital. Our family law team understands the local courts and the steps required, so you can count on us to keep your case moving smoothly.
Understanding the Divorce Timeline
The current legal system in England and Wales aims to reduce conflict by utilising specific steps and set waiting times. These no-fault divorce timescales are designed to give both parties time to think. Here’s how the divorce process usually unfolds:
- Online Application and Issue – The first step is sending your application to the court. You can do this alone or together with your ex-partner. Once the court processes and issues your application, the official timeline begins.
- Twenty-Week Reflection and Cooling-Off Period – The law requires a 20-week wait after the application is issued. This is a “cooling-off” period. You cannot skip or shorten this wait. But it’s a good time to start discussing how you’ll divide your money and care for any children.
- Apply for Conditional Order – Once the 20 weeks have passed, you can apply for a conditional order. This document states that the court sees no reason why you cannot get a divorce.
- Six-Week Wait – After the court grants your conditional order, you must wait at least another six weeks and one day. Again, this is a strict legal rule.
- Apply for Final Order – When the six weeks have passed, you can apply for the final order. Once the court grants this, your marriage is officially over.
Factors That Can Slow the Divorce Timeline
While the shortest possible divorce timeline is about six months, many cases take longer. Several common issues can cause delays, including:
- Missing Information – If you fill out forms incorrectly or forget to include details, the court will send them back.
- Court Backlogs – Sometimes, the courts are very busy. You might experience a divorce delay due to court backlogs, which could mean waiting weeks for simple paperwork to be processed.
- Money Disputes – Arguing over houses, pensions, or savings is the biggest cause of delays.
- Child Custody Disputes – If you cannot agree on where your children will live, you may need extra court hearings.
- Delays in Responding – If your ex-partner takes a long time to sign papers or ignores letters, the process stalls.
- DIY Mistakes – Doing it yourself might seem cheaper, but minor mistakes can set you back by months.
How Taunton Solicitors Can Accelerate Your Process
Many of our clients wonder, “How can a solicitor speed up a divorce?” While no one can skip the legal waiting periods, a good lawyer stops other things from slowing you down. If you need a divorce solicitors in Taunton, rely on us to keep your case on track with:
- Accuracy in Applications – We ensure every form is filled out correctly, preventing the court from rejecting your paperwork.
- Proactive Communication – We’ll chase up slow responses from your ex-partner or their lawyer. Our solicitors won’t ever let your file gather dust.
- Early Negotiation on Finances and Children – We can help you start discussing money and kids during the 20-week wait. Getting this sorted early prevents huge delays later.
- Efficient Consent Orders – Once you agree on money, we’ll draft a binding consent order right away. This protects your finances for the future.
- Knowledge of Somerset Courts and Procedures – Because we handle the divorce process in Somerset regularly, we know what the local judges expect. This local knowledge saves valuable time.
Differences Between Smooth and Delayed Divorces
A smooth divorce happens when both people cooperate and use good legal help. This mutual collaboration ensures forms are correct and facilitates agreements during the waiting periods. A delayed divorce usually involves hidden arguments, hidden financial details, or mistakes on DIY forms.
Contact Us for Legal Expertise in Taunton Today
Understanding your divorce timeline in Taunton is the first step toward your new life. Let Taunton Solicitors handle the complex paperwork and stressful negotiations for you to resolve your divorce as quickly and fairly as possible. We offer initial advice, under a fixed fee consultation of £150.00 plus VAT (up to an hour consultation). Contact us today to schedule a consultation.