Divorce

We offer a choice of two divorce services to suit your situation and budget:

• Our fixed fee service provides peace of mind in terms of the costs of the divorce
• we also offer a bespoke divorce service for those clients who prefer a more individual approach tailored to meet your needs or for those clients where finances are not agreed or there are children issues (which fall under separate law)

What is a no-fault divorce?

On 6 April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 came into effect across England and Wales. This change aims to modernise the laws regarding divorce and reduce conflict by removing the need to assign blame to a partner during a divorce or separation.

The term ‘no-fault divorce’ refers to the fact that there is no longer any need to give a reason for the end of the marriage. Previously, anyone applying for a divorce had to give one of five accepted reasons for the relationship ending, which were: Adultery, Unreasonable behaviour, Desertion, Separation for two or more years (if both spouses agreed to the divorce), Separation for five or more years (the consent of both spouses was not needed). These requirements have now been removed, so there is no longer any need to assign blame or wait years to get a divorce. The whole divorce process has been updated to reflect a more modern view on marriage.

What changes in divorce law have been implemented alongside the introduction of no-fault divorce?

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 has introduced several key changes that alter the divorce process.

To begin with, the application process has been adapted to be more collaborative, allowing both sole and joint applications. The divorce application will no longer need to point blame at an individual or provide proof. Instead, it must simply contain a statement of irretrievable breakdown to confirm that the relationship has run its course.

Once the divorce court has officially ‘issued’ the divorce, there will be a new minimum 20-week wait before you can apply for the interim Conditional Order. This has been introduced to allow couples time to properly consider their decision to divorce and make any necessary arrangements regarding finances and childcare.

Additionally, once the Conditional Order has been issued, the applicants will have to wait a further six weeks to apply for the Final Order (this was already part of the existing divorce laws). In total, this means that under the new laws, a divorce will take a minimum of six months.

Other key changes include the removal of the ability to contest or defend a divorce in almost all circumstances and updating key terms into plain English.

Speak to our divorce law solicitors

Fixed Fee Divorce or Civil Partnership

If you and your partner are looking for a quick and easy way to get a divorce or dissolve your civil partnership, then our fixed-fee divorce package may be right for you.

Fixed fee divorce packages are a good choice for straightforward divorces, where neither party is contesting the divorce, and you are just looking for help with the divorce proceedings rather than looking to deal with financial matters or arrangements for children, which would remain separate from the divorce.

Should you have more complex needs, we can assist you with our bespoke divorce service which we will discuss at an initial meeting. 

Our team can help deal with your divorce on a fixed fee basis if you are:

• The Applicant (the person applying for divorce)
• The Respondent (your spouse is applying for divorce).

Our fixed fee divorce prices start from £500 plus VAT. The Court fees are £593.00 to start the Petition, £58.00 for the filing of a consent order and £303.00 if you need to apply for ancillary relief proceedings. The court fees may be subject to review in April 2025.

Please note: We do not offer legal aid at KJL Solicitors.

What is included in our fixed fee divorce package:

The costs include all the processes necessary to complete the divorce as either the Applicant or the Respondent.

Our fixed fee package includes:

• Initial meeting
• Preparing & submitting the divorce petition
• Handling any correspondence with the court and/or your spouse
• Applying for the decree nisi
• Applying for the decree absolute.

What is not included in our fixed fee divorce package:

The fixed cost system can only apply on the basis that the divorce is not defended and both parties are willing to cooperate in the divorce process. In the vast majority of divorces, this service will be applicable.

If your divorce is more complex or becomes a defended divorce suit, then we offer a more bespoke service. This is still very competitive and great value. It is just more tailored to your needs and is dealt with on a time spent basis.

Our fixed-fee divorce service does not address children or financial issues. However, we are happy to discuss these matters with you under our bespoke service.

Before deciding on fee options, we will discuss with you whether the fixed fee option is both appropriate and likely to save you money.