No-Fault Divorce Solicitors in London
When a marriage ends, the decision to separate can be difficult, even when both people agree it is the right choice. The introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales means couples no longer need to prove that one spouse is at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. Instead, the law now allows either one person or both together to confirm that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
When a marriage ends, the decision to separate can be difficult, even when both people agree it is the right choice. The introduction of no-fault divorce in England and Wales means couples no longer need to prove that one spouse is at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. Instead, the law now allows either one person or both together to confirm that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
This change has simplified the legal process and reduced the potential for conflict. It means the focus can be on reaching fair arrangements for children, property, and finances, without the added strain of accusations. As no-fault divorce solicitors in East London, we guide clients through every stage, offering clear legal advice, fixed-fee services, and practical support so the process runs smoothly from start to finish.
Understanding No-Fault Divorce and Its Purpose
The no-fault divorce process is based on a single legal requirement: a statement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. There is no need to prove adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, or lengthy separation. This approach, introduced under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, has replaced the previous system, which often involved blame and detailed evidence.
By removing the need to allege wrongdoing, the process can help preserve a respectful relationship between separating spouses. This can be especially important where there are children, as it creates a foundation for more constructive discussions about future arrangements. It also protects privacy, as there is no need to disclose personal allegations to the court.
Who Can Apply for a No-Fault Divorce?
You can apply for a non-fault divorce if
- You have been married for at least one year
- Your marriage is legally recognised in the UK
- Either you or your spouse considers the marriage to have irretrievably broken down
-
The Family Court in England and Wales has jurisdiction,
based on where you live or are domiciled
If you are unsure whether you meet these requirements, we can confirm your eligibility in a confidential consultation. This ensures the application is correct from the start, avoiding unnecessary delays or the need for re-submission.
Choosing the Right Time to Apply
You can apply for a no-fault divorce at any point after the first year of marriage. The timing, however, can affect financial matters, property arrangements, and plans for children. Applying early can help you clarify your legal position, start discussions about a financial settlement, and put formal arrangements in place for children’s care.
We will guide you on the most practical time to start the process, particularly if you are also dealing with a house sale, mortgage change, pension division, or international travel with children.
How the Process Works
The no-fault divorce process is designed to be clear and predictable. We begin with an initial meeting to understand your circumstances and advise whether to make a sole application or a joint application with your spouse. Once you decide how to proceed, we prepare the divorce application to ensure every detail is correct and matches your marriage certificate.
The application is submitted to the court online through the HMCTS divorce portal. If you are applying alone, the court serves the application on your spouse. If applying jointly, you both receive updates and move forward together.
There is a mandatory 20-week reflection period after the application is issued. This is intended to give both parties time to plan for life after divorce and to resolve practical issues such as finances and child arrangements. When the reflection period ends, we apply for a Conditional Order, which confirms that the court sees no reason why the divorce should not proceed. Six weeks and one day later, we apply for the Final Order, which legally ends the marriage.
Throughout, we handle the legal steps, keep you updated, and ensure the process stays on track.
Why Many Clients Choose No-Fault Divorce
Clients often choose this route because it reduces the potential for dispute and allows for a more respectful separation. Without the need to prove fault, there is less scope for conflict at the very start of the process. This can help maintain cooperation when negotiating financial settlements or arrangements for children, and can also make the process less stressful overall.
Financial Matters and Divorce
A divorce ends the marriage but does not automatically resolve financial matters. Without a legally binding financial consent order, either person can make a claim in the future, even years after the divorce is finalised.
We advise on all financial aspects, including property, savings, investments, pensions, and maintenance. Where possible, we help you reach an agreement that can be converted into a binding court order at the same time as your divorce. This ensures you both have clarity and security for the future.
Documents and Information You Will Need
While you do not need to prove misconduct, you will need certain documents and details to proceed. These include your marriage certificate or a certified copy, any proof of a name change, and contact details for both parties. If your marriage certificate is missing, we can arrange for a replacement from the General Register Office or, if the marriage took place overseas, the relevant registry.
How Long the Process Takes
The shortest possible timeframe for a non-fault divorce is around six months. This includes the 20-week reflection period and the six weeks between the Conditional and Final Orders. In some cases, delays occur if your spouse is difficult to contact, if the application contains errors, or if the court has a backlog. We work to prevent delays by ensuring your application is accurate and complete before it is filed.
Our Fixed Fee for No-Fault Divorce
Service
No-Fault Divorce Advice and Application (Sole or Joint)
What’s included
Legal advice, preparation and filing of divorce application, solicitor support through to Final Order
Fixed fee
£850
(No VAT)
Included
- Consultation with a qualified family law solicito
- Advice on your eligibility and the non-fault divorce process
- Preparation and submission of the divorce application
- Management of all court correspondence
- Guidance through the 20-week reflection period
- Application for Conditional Order
- Application for Final Order
Not included
- Court fee (currently £612)
- Financial settlement or consent order (quoted separately)
- Contested or defended proceedings
- Additional hearings beyond standard divorce process
- Enforcement of orders or further applications after divorce is finalised
We will always confirm in writing what your fee covers and provide a further quote if additional work is required.
If your matter becomes contested or requires additional hearings, we will discuss and agree any further costs before proceeding. Our aim is to keep your case as straightforward and cost-effective as possible.
A Confidential and Supportive Service
We recognise that divorce can be emotionally challenging. We ensure all communication is discreet and secure, offer meetings in person, by phone, or by video, and keep you fully informed at each stage. Your privacy and wellbeing are central to the way we work.
Language Support
Our solicitors speak Bengali, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic, and we can arrange interpreters for other languages on request. This ensures you can fully understand the process and feel confident in the decisions you are making.
Local Expertise Across East London
From our East London office, we assist clients in Tower Hamlets, Newham, Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham, Waltham Forest, and Hackney, as well as across England and Wales. Our familiarity with local courts and procedures allows us to provide efficient and informed legal representation.
Related Services
We often assist divorce clients with other matters such as financial consent orders, child arrangements, and separation agreements. These can be handled alongside your divorce to ensure all issues are resolved together.
Take the First Step
If you are considering a no-fault divorce, contact us to arrange a confidential consultation. We will guide you through the process, protect your interests, and help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
Frequently asked question
A no-fault divorce is a legal process where neither spouse has to prove wrongdoing or blame to end the marriage. Instead, the application is based on a statement that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. This system was introduced in England and Wales in April 2022 under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020.
The process has a mandatory 20-week “reflection period” between the application and the conditional order (formerly decree nisi). After the conditional order is granted, there is a further six-week waiting period before you can apply for the final order (formerly decree absolute). In total, the minimum timeframe is around six months, but delays can occur depending on court processing times and whether there are financial or childcare matters to resolve.
In most cases, no. The ability to contest a divorce has been removed except in limited circumstances such as jurisdiction disputes, validity of the marriage, or procedural errors.
Yes. The divorce itself only ends the legal relationship between spouses — it does not automatically decide how assets, pensions, or debts are divided. A separate financial settlement, ideally by court order, is essential to protect both parties.
Decisions about where children live, schooling, holidays, and financial support should be agreed in their best interests. If agreement cannot be reached, the court can make a child arrangements order. Even in no-fault divorces, parenting disputes can be complex and require legal guidance.
Yes. Many clients from Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, and other faith backgrounds require both a civil divorce and a religious divorce. These are separate processes, and the timing and approach may need to be coordinated to meet both legal and religious requirements. We regularly assist with combined civil and Islamic divorces, including Khula, Talaq, and Faskh.
The government court fee for a divorce application is currently £593 (as of 2025). Our fees depend on whether the divorce is straightforward or involves additional work such as financial negotiations or childcare arrangements. We offer fixed fees for simple cases and will provide a clear cost breakdown at the outset.
Not usually. Most no-fault divorces are processed entirely online or by post without a court hearing. However, you may need to attend court if there are disputes over finances or children.
Yes. A joint application can be made if both parties agree to the divorce. This often reduces conflict and can make the process more cooperative.
Seek legal advice early. Gather financial documents, consider arrangements for children, and think about how you will manage living arrangements during and after the process. If safety is an issue, speak to a solicitor about protection orders before starting proceedings.
Speak to Us Today
You can arrange a confidential consultation by phone, email, or in person at our East London office.
We will discuss your situation, outline your options, and confirm fees before starting work.
