A typical divorce in the UK takes around 6 to 8 months in 2025 — but the exact timeline depends on the type of application, whether financial matters are involved, and how responsive both parties are.
Thanks to the introduction of no-fault divorce in 2022, the divorce process in England and Wales is now more straightforward than ever. But while the legal steps are clearer, many people are still unsure about how long the process takes from start to finish. If you’re considering divorce in 2025, this guide explains each stage and what might speed things up — or cause delays.
The minimum legal timeframe is 26 weeks
Under the current law, the minimum time to complete a divorce is 26 weeks (6 months) from the date the application is issued by the court. This includes:
- A 20-week “cooling-off” period between the application and Conditional Order
- A 6-week wait between the Conditional Order and Final Order
These timeframes are fixed by law and designed to give couples time to reflect, make arrangements, and avoid rushed decisions.
Even in the most straightforward cases, divorces cannot be finalised faster than this 26-week period. However, some cases take longer depending on how smoothly each stage progresses.
Timeline overview: step by step
Here’s how a standard divorce progresses in 2025:
- Application submitted – You or both of you submit a sole or joint divorce application online
- Application is issued by the court – Usually takes 1–2 weeks to be processed
- 20-week reflection period begins – This is mandatory, even if both parties agree to divorce
- Apply for Conditional Order – After the 20 weeks, you apply to the court for a Conditional Order
- Conditional Order granted – Usually within 1–2 weeks
- Wait 6 weeks and 1 day – Legal cooling-off period before finalising the divorce
- Apply for Final Order – Once granted, your divorce is legally complete
In total: 6 to 7 months is typical for a straightforward divorce in 2025.
What can cause delays?
While the process is designed to be predictable, a few common issues can slow things down:
- Incomplete or incorrect paperwork – The court may reject your application or request clarification
- Unresponsive spouse – In sole applications, delays can occur if your spouse ignores the paperwork or avoids service
- Disagreements over finances – If you haven’t finalised a financial settlement, it’s often best to delay the Final Order until that’s resolved
- Court backlogs – Processing times vary depending on the HMCTS workload, especially during holidays or system updates
Working with an experienced divorce provider helps avoid many of these delays — especially with document handling, service of papers, and reminders.
What if my spouse ignores the divorce?
If you’ve applied for divorce and your spouse fails to respond or tries to delay the process, you can still move forward — but you may need to apply for deemed service, dispensed service, or bailiff delivery. These are legal ways to prove to the court that your spouse has been given fair notice.
This process may add several weeks to the timeline, but the divorce won’t be stopped just because the other person is uncooperative.
At Easy Separation UK, we assist with all of these service steps within our fixed-fee packages.
Should I wait until my finances are sorted?
Yes — in most cases, it’s best to resolve your financial matters before applying for the Final Order. Once the Final Order is granted, your legal status as a spouse ends, and this may affect certain rights (such as pension claims or inheritance).
You can submit a Consent Order or Clean Break Order during the 20-week period, or after the Conditional Order is granted but before finalising the divorce.
Delaying the Final Order to complete your financial agreement is usually the best way to protect your long-term interests.
Is the process faster for joint applications?
Joint applications are often quicker and smoother than sole applications because:
- There’s no need to “serve” the papers
- Both parties remain informed at every stage
- There’s less likelihood of disputes or refusal to cooperate
In 2025, joint applications are becoming increasingly popular as couples aim for amicable, efficient separation — especially when using fixed-fee online divorce services.
How Easy Separation UK can help
We manage the full online divorce process from start to finish, including:
- Submitting your application to court
- Tracking key dates and waiting periods
- Preparing and submitting your Conditional and Final Order
- Managing communication if your spouse ignores or delays
- Handling financial orders to protect your future
Everything is completed online, with fixed fees and no hidden charges. You’ll always know what’s happening — and when to expect each stage to move forward.
Want your divorce completed smoothly in 2025?
Start today with expert guidance and a clear timeline.
