Legal Guide: Divorce – step by step

FILE DIVORCE PAPERS AT COURT

Divorce petition

Statement of reconciliation (if solicitors are instructed)

Marriage certificate (not a photocopy)

Issue fee of £550

SERVICE OF DIVORCE PAPERS

Either direct by the court through the post on respondent

OR

By the Petitioner’s solicitors direct on the Respondent of the Respondent’s Solicitor

OR

By Process Server if Respondent fails to file the acknowledgement of service form referred to below

FILING OF RESPONDENT’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SERVICE AT COURT

To take place within 14 days of the date of service of the petition

IF NOT

Steps to be taken to personally serve Respondent with divorce papers

APPLY FOR DECREE NISI

Petitioner’s statement in support of divorce

Exhibit of acknowledgement of service (if applicable)

Application for Decree Nisi

DECREE NISI PRONOUNCED AT COURT

Certificate of entitlement to Decree received from court with date fixed for pronouncement of Decree Nisi

Decree Nisi received from the court by post following pronoucement

Costs Order made against Respondent (if applicable)

APPLY FOR DECREE ABSOLUTE

Petitioner can apply six weeks and one day after decree nisi pronouncement

Respondent can apply three months, six weeks and one day after decree nisi

(Seek legal advice as to whether to apply if finances are not agreed and a financial Order is not in place and approved by the court)