Your Situation
Applying for divorce
We offer a free divorce application service for all couples seeking our advisory services. Couples who are ready to start the divorce process can instruct one Divorce Surgery solicitor to prepare and file your joint application, so the court process matches the approach you're already taking on finances and children.
Joint divorce application at a glance
- Jurisdiction
- England and Wales.
- Application type
- Joint application for couples applying together.
- Service cost
- No fee for couples already taking The Divorce Surgery’s advice on finances or co-parenting.
- Court fee
- £628. This fee is set by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and is subject to change.
- Minimum statutory timescales
- 20 weeks from online application to Conditional Order, then at least 43 days from Conditional Order to Final Divorce Order.
- What it resolves
- The legal marriage only; finances, property, pensions, debts and children’s arrangements are separate.
What the divorce application does
Starts the court process that legally ends the marriage. For a married couple, the court process ends in a Final Divorce Order. For civil partners, the equivalent legal process is dissolution.
What the divorce application doesn't do
Divide property, pensions, or debts, or decide arrangements for your children. The divorce application, financial settlement and arrangements for children are treated separately by the courts.
A Final Divorce Order does not make an informal financial agreement binding. Even couples who have reached an informal agreement will need it converted into a Financial Order, which only becomes binding when approved by the court.
If your main concern is money, property, pensions or debts, please visit Resolving Your Finances.
For support with arrangements for children, explore Co-Parenting.
Who can make a joint divorce application?
You can apply for a divorce in England or Wales if you have been married for over one year, the relationship has permanently broken down, and the marriage is legally recognised. The court must also have jurisdiction to deal with the divorce.
You can apply together if you both agree; alternatively one of you can make a sole application without the other's prior agreement.
Divorce application cost
Free, for couples taking our advice on finances or co-parenting. You only pay the court fee, currently £628. The £628 fee is set by HMCTS and is subject to change.
What happens next
- 1
We prepare the documents
Your solicitor drafts everything you need, then reviews it with you both on a video call. You make any final changes together before you file.
- 2
Through to Final Order
You submit the finished application together, online, and keep it moving in step with any financial work happening at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the divorce application the same as sorting our finances?
Is your divorce application service free?
How long does a divorce application take?
Do we have to attend court?
This page provides general information about divorce in England and Wales. It is not legal advice for a particular case, and suitability for a joint application or shared-lawyer service depends on individual assessment.
Take one clear next step
You don't need to solve your whole divorce today. Choose the conversation or resource that best matches what you need now.