💔 Can I get a divorce?

With conditions

Quick answer

Yes — if you've been married at least a year, and since 2022 it's no-fault. The basis is the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (in force 6 April 2022). The only ground is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, and you don't have to prove fault — adultery or behaviour — nor can your spouse contest the divorce itself. You can apply alone or jointly. There's a built-in timeline: a minimum 20-week reflection period from the application to the Conditional Order, then at least a further 6 weeks and a day before the Final Order that legally ends the marriage. Finances are separate — sort a consent order before the Final Order. In short: yes, no blame needed, but it takes about 26 weeks.

📋 The rules

Must have been married at least 1 year
No-fault: no need to prove blame
Your spouse can't contest the divorce
Apply alone or jointly
20 weeks then a further 6 weeks + a day

🔓 Exceptions

The 20-week period can't be waived, even in abuse cases
Finances are separate — get a consent order before the Final Order
Northern Ireland is still fault-based; Scotland has its own rules

⚠️ Penalties & fines

There's no penalty — it's a process, with a court fee of £612 in England and Wales (a "Help with Fees" remission applies on a low income or certain benefits). The whole thing takes a minimum of about 26 weeks: 20 weeks to the Conditional Order, then at least 6 weeks and a day to the Final Order. Don't apply for the Final Order until your finances are settled in a consent order, as divorce alone doesn't end financial claims. Beware a myth: "you must prove your spouse did something wrong" is false in England and Wales since April 2022 — the divorce is based on an uncontestable statement of irretrievable breakdown. (Scotland uses separation periods; Northern Ireland is still fault-based and you generally can't petition in the first 2 years.) To start: apply online via GOV.UK, alone or jointly, and take advice on the financial settlement.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Do I have to prove my spouse was at fault?

No, not in England and Wales since 6 April 2022. Divorce is now no-fault: the only ground is that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, confirmed by a statement that the court accepts as conclusive. You don't have to cite adultery or unreasonable behaviour, and your spouse can't contest the divorce itself.

How long does a divorce take?

There's a built-in minimum timeline of about 26 weeks. You must wait at least 20 weeks from the start of proceedings before applying for the Conditional Order, then a further 6 weeks and a day before the Final Order, which legally ends the marriage. The 20-week reflection period cannot be shortened.

Can I get divorced if married less than a year?

No. You must have been married for at least one year before you can apply for a divorce in England and Wales. If you've been married for less time and want to separate, you could consider a legal separation or wait until the year is up, taking advice on your financial position in the meantime.

Does divorce sort out money and property?

No, those are dealt with separately. The divorce ends the marriage, but it doesn't automatically resolve finances. You should obtain a financial consent order, approved by the court, to make any agreement legally binding, ideally before applying for the Final Order. Without one, financial claims can be brought even years later.

How much does a divorce cost?

The court fee for a divorce application in England and Wales is £612. You may qualify for a reduction or full remission under the Help with Fees scheme if you're on a low income or certain benefits. Solicitors' fees are extra and optional, as you can apply yourself online through GOV.UK.

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