Facing divorce or dissolution? We are here for you.

The decisions made during the breakdown of a relationship can have a lasting impact on both your family and financial future. Our experienced solicitors are dedicated to providing you with expert advice and guidance through every step of the process. Whether you're dealing with financial matters, care arrangements for your children, or other complex issues, we are here to support you and help you navigate this challenging time with confidence.

What are the grounds for a divorce or dissolution?

In England and Wales, there is only one ground for divorce or dissolution: that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. Following the Divorce, Dissolution, and Separation Act 2020, which came into effect on 6 April 2022, you no longer need to prove fault as part of the divorce or dissolution process.

Who can apply?

You can apply for a divorce or dissolution if:

You have been married or in a civil partnership for at least one year
You or your partner live in England or Wales, or consider it your permanent home

Sole or joint application?

The divorce application can be made by one person (sole application) or by both parties together (joint application).

Sole Application: In this case, one person makes the application and is referred to as the applicant, while the other person, who responds to the application, is the respondent.
Joint Application: Here, both parties make the application together, and both are considered applicants.

The process for a sole application

Filing an Application for Divorce/Dissolution
The process begins with submitting an application for divorce/dissolution through the digital portal.
Responding to the Application
If you receive an application, you will need to respond accordingly.
Allow the 20-Week Reflection Period
From the date of the application being started, there is a mandatory 20-week period of reflection before moving forward with the divorce/dissolution.
Applying for a Conditional Order
Once the reflection period has passed, you can apply for a conditional order, which is a provisional decision to grant the divorce.
Applying for a Final Order
The final step is applying for a final order, which legally ends the marriage/civil partnership.

The process for joint application

Filing an Application for Divorce/Dissolution
The application will be jointly prepared by both parties prior to it being submitted to the Court via the digital portal.
Responding to the Application
Both applicant’s will need to acknowledge receipt of the application once commenced.
Allow the 20-Week Reflection Period
From the date of the application being started, there is a mandatory 20-week period of reflection before moving forward with the divorce/dissolution.
Applying for a Conditional Order
Once the reflection period has passed, both parties will need to submit the application for the conditional order, which is a provisional decision to grant the divorce
Applying for a Final Order
The final step is applying for a final order, which legally ends the marriage/civil partnership. Both parties will need to submit the application for the final order.

If, at either the Conditional Order or Final Order stage, one party fails to submit the necessary application, the other party can apply to the Court to have the application proceed as a sole application.

You remain legally married to your spouse/civil partner until the final order is granted.

What about financial settlement

Financial matters are handled separately from the divorce itself. You have several options for resolving financial issues, please see our separate page dedicated to this topic > Financial claims on divorce.

Why Choose Porter Dodson

Recognised Excellence – Ranked in both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for our expertise in family and matrimonial law.

Tailored Advice - Every situation is different. We’ll help you explore your options and make informed decisions that work for you and your family.

Clear Costs - We’ll provide a bespoke cost estimate from the start and keep you updated throughout.

Trusted Expertise - Our lawyers are members of Resolution, committed to resolving family matters with care and respect.

We're local and we're with you

With offices across Devon, Dorset, and Somerset - including Bridport, Exeter, Poundbury, Sherborne, Taunton, Wellington, and Yeovil - we are here to help, wherever you are. Prefer to work by phone, email, or post? That’s fine too.

This is the second time we've used Porter Dodson, and again the service, on this occasion from Karen Watts, was first rate.

Edward

I was rather nervous when I first met with Zoe but came away from my meeting completely reassured that I was doing the right thing and I had the right person behind me to guide me through the painful business of divorce. Zoe answered all my emails promptly and always dealt with my queries professionally. I am very confident that my money was well spent.

Allison

Excellent speedy, friendly, professional service. Enormously helpful during a stressful time.

Adrian

Very helpful all the way.

Neil