Wondering how a divorce works from a legal point of view? Below is a flow chart of the major steps and milestones along the way
Petitioner drafts Divorce Petition based on the most appropriate of the available grounds:
• Unreasonable behaviour
• Adultery
• Desertion
• 2 Years Separation (with consent)
• 5 Years Separation (without consent)
↓
Divorce Petition sent to the Court with the original marriage certificate and Court fee (£550)
↓
Court issue the Divorce Petition and send a copy to both parties
(the Respondent is also sent an Acknowledgement of Service form to complete)
↓
The Respondent is to file an Acknowledgement of Service with the Court within 7 days
↓
The Court send a copy of Respondent’s completed Acknowledgement of Service to the Petitioner
↓
Petitioner applies for Decree Nisi
↓
Court lists a Hearing for the Decree Nisi
(generally the parties do not attend the hearing unless there any disputes)
↓
Confirmation of the Decree Nisi date is sent to both parties
↓
Petitioner can apply for Decree Absolute six weeks and 1 day after the Decree Nisi
↓
The Court grants the Decree Absolute and the parties are now divorced
