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Divorce procedure guide

What are the main divorce steps?

The diagram below has been designed to give you a clear view of typical divorce steps. The particulars of the divorce process will vary from case to case, but this chart should give you a good idea of the divorce procedure in England and Wales, from the legal procedures of divorce to the court fees you’ll have to pay on your way to getting a divorce.

Follow the arrows to make your way through the divorce steps. Any words highlighted in blue refer to legal aspects of the divorce process. Simply click them to find out what these terms mean.

If you have trouble viewing this, or you want to print it, please click here for a PDF print friendly version of the divorce procedure guide.

Mills and Reeve: Divorce procedure guidePetition/divorce-resources/legal-terms-explained#PetitionRespondentRespondentAcknowledgement of serviceRespondentAcknowledgement of serviceAcknowledgement of servicePetitionerAcknowledgement of serviceAcknowledgement of servicePetitionerPetitionerStatement in support of petitionStatement in support of petitionDecree nisiPetitionDecree nisiDecree nisiDecree absoluteDecree absolutePetitionerDecree absoluteRespondentDecree absoluteDecree absoluteDecree absoluteDecree absoluteMills & Reeve: Divorce procedure diagram

 

It is important to note that you may have to attend a mediation information meeting before using the courts. This is not compulsory mediation. See our section on mediation on divorce for more information about this.

MaximizeWhat else is involved in the divorce process?

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Divorce resources

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