No-fault divorce solicitors
Our no-fault divorce solicitors bring extensive experience in managing both the divorce process and the agreements that come with it, supporting couples to separate smoothly, fairly, and with reduced conflict.
Practical advice to help you complete the process smoothly and make informed decisions about your future.
Our no-fault divorce solicitors provide expert advice on the modern divorce process, helping couples end their marriage without blame or allegations of wrongdoing.
We guide you through each stage, from making an application to resolving important financial and family matters.
- Our flexible approach allows you to choose the level of support you need, with clear pricing and no unnecessary work.
- Trusted family law experts who advise families with practical solutions that prioritise children’s wellbeing.
- With the support of our in-house mediator, we help clients find constructive solutions wherever possible, reducing conflict, minimising costs and staying out of court where possible.
- Backed by a leading full-service law firm, with access to other specialist legal advice whenever you need it.
Get started online for free, initial advice
Do you need separation advice? We can give you instant advice and helpful information that is tailored to your individual circumstances.
What makes our no-fault divorce solicitors different?
Flexible and bespoke support
We tailor our support based on your individual needs and can draw on expertise in other legal areas to ensure every angle is covered, from high net worth assets and property to business interests.
We ensure every angle is covered
We have extensive external networks that mean we can signpost you to and work with other services that may be beneficial, such as counselling, financial advice and coaching, to help with property and business to ensure you have the full support you require.
Joint services for separating couples
Separating on amicable terms and want a single expert to provide guidance? We were one of the first law firms in the country to offer a range of innovative one couple, one professional services. We will help you to understand if these are right for you, potentially saving you time and money.
You are in control of the costs
We know how worrying the cost of a divorce or separation can be and will work with you to find the most cost-effective way of supporting you. We are flexible with how much support you require, offering a variety of options to suit your budget. We keep you fully informed of all costs and future costs on a regular basis and always keep proportionality under review.
No-fault divorce FAQs
What are the benefits of no-fault divorce?
The introduction of no-fault divorce has brought several important benefits for separating couples, such as:
- Reduces conflict – There is now no need to blame one another in the formal legal process, which helps keeps the process more amicable and conversations more focused.
- Simplifies the process – It is a straightforward application-based process, with no need to present evidence of fault.
- Supports co-parenting – A less challenging process makes it easier to maintain a working relationship, especially important when children are involved.
- Modern, respectful approach – It reflects today’s understanding that relationships can end without wrongdoing, and that divorce doesn’t have to be a battle.
How does a no-fault divorce work?
A no-fault divorce allows one or both partners to apply for divorce by simply stating that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, without needing to prove blame or wrongdoing. Here is what you can expect:
- The application – You can apply for the divorce individually or jointly. The application is submitted to the court along with a court fee.
- 20-week reflection period – Once the application is issued, there is a 20-week waiting period to allow time for reflection and planning.
- Conditional Order – After the reflection period, you can apply for a Conditional Order (previously called Decree Nisi), confirming that the court sees no reason the divorce can’t proceed.
- 6-week waiting period – You must then wait at least six weeks before applying for the Final Order, although it is common to wait longer as there can be complexities with financial matters that need to be considered.
- Final Order – This legally ends the marriage.
Although the no-fault divorce process is more straightforward, decisions around finances and children are handled separately, and these are often the areas where disagreements are most likely to arise. It is important to be aware that the divorce process is a standalone process and a separate process is needed to avoid leaving financial claims open against one another.
We recommend getting in touch with our no-fault divorce solicitors, who can support both you and your ex-partner in reaching clear, fair agreements, ideally without going to court.
How long does a no-fault divorce take?
A no-fault divorce typically takes a minimum of six to seven months from start to finish. This includes:
- A 20-week reflection period from the date the application is issued, giving couples time to consider their decision and make practical arrangements.
- A 6-week waiting period between the Conditional Order (formerly known as Decree Nisi) and the Final Order (formerly Decree Absolute), which legally ends the marriage.
Timelines may be longer if there are delays in reaching agreements on finances or child arrangements and depending on the speed at which the parties (and the court) move things forward.
Does a no-fault divorce impact financial settlements or child arrangements?
No. A no-fault divorce does not affect the outcome of financial or child-related matters. These are dealt with separately and assessed based on fairness, needs, and the best interests of any children involved. The no-fault process simply changes how the marriage ends, not what is decided about your finances or parenting responsibilities.
Do I need a solicitor for a no-fault divorce?
You are not legally required to have a solicitor for a no-fault divorce, however professional legal support can make a big difference.
A no-fault divorce solicitor ensures that your application is completed correctly, helps you understand your rights, and crucially advises on financial settlements and child arrangements, which are not automatically resolved by the divorce itself.
How much does a no-fault divorce cost?
There is a court fee for applying for a no-fault divorce, which is paid when you submit your application.
If you instruct solicitors, you will also need to pay solicitors’ fees as they support you through the process. Our experts offer a range of ways of working with you to progress the divorce itself to suit both your circumstances and your budget.
It is important to remember that the costs of resolving issues concerning your children and finances will be separate. Solicitor fees vary depending on the complexity of your situation. Contact us and our solicitors will provide a clear understanding of costs during your free exploratory call.
Contact us
If you would like advice about a personal or family matter, please complete the form and one of our specialists will be in touch as soon as possible.
Please note we do not offer legal aid.
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Why use our divorce solicitors?
We provide a constructive approach to divorce
We encourage mediation, arbitration and other constructive processes and aim to settle out of court where possible. Paul Linsell, our head of the family law team, is a fully accredited mediator with a national reputation for that work. Paul’s role as a mediator is to unlock disputes, skillfully guide the discussions, provide relevant information and to signpost you to other resources that will be helpful as the process unfolds. The mediator is neutral, but will assist you to understand what is important to you and ensure you can make fully informed decisions about the future for you and your family.
Trusted, specialist advice you can rely on
Our dedicated divorce solicitors combine technical expertise with a personal approach, taking the time to understand what matters most to you. We provide clear, practical advice throughout the divorce process, helping you make informed decisions while protecting your future and achieving a fair resolution.
We are a leading full-service law firm
Boyes Turner is recognised as a leading law firm by Chambers UK and The Legal 500. As a full-service firm, we can draw on the expertise of our other specialist teams such as private wealth, property and dispute to provide seamless support whenever you need it. We also work closely with other professional services that may be beneficial to you, such as counselling, financial advice and coaching, to ensure you have the full support you require.
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