When You Just Need... a quick answer

The cost will depend on your circumstances. In every case a £593 divorce application fee is payable to the Court. If both partners agree and there are no children or joint assets, we recommend our managed divorce package for £825 (+VAT) – payment plans are available. Any international element increases the cost to £950 (+VAT + £593 court fees). We know there are cheaper services online. But unlike many of those companies, our fee means:

• your own legal team. Divorce isn’t easy. You’ll have your own solicitor to ask questions and receive updates. 
• less stress – don’t worry about finding the right forms. Once we obtain the details of your case, we’ll complete, check and submit all of the divorce paperwork for you.
• complete everything from home – you have the option to complete all the paperwork online or by phone; we file all court applications and attend any court appearances for you. 
• save money! Getting it right the first time saves you time and money in the long run.

Please note: this service does not include complex or contested divorces, any dealings relating to children or financial issues.

Getting a divorce can take longer than people think. How long it takes will depend on the court’s backlog and the details of your case.  In most cases, it will take approximately 6 months. 

Download our Divorce Timeline

We’ll need your marriage certificate. If your marriage certificate is not written in English, we will need a translation (ask our team if you need help).

As part of your Personal Divorce Plan, we’ll prepare a list of documents that will be useful in your case. An example of items we have requested in other cases include: ID documents, tax returns, payslips, property deeds or copies of agreements such as prenups or parenting plans.

For more information, download our guide here: SKB Document Checklist

A: Once you’ve made the decision to file for divorce, we’re here to guide you through the process.

1. Advice: We recommend you start by speaking with our team to find out your options. You can explain your situation in confidence to our legal team, and we‘ll give you a better idea of your options, costs and next steps. There’s no obligation to use SKB Law after the call. 
2. Go with SKB Law: If you choose SKB Law, we’ll arrange an appointment with our team to go over the details of your case. You’ll need to complete our Introductory paperwork and make a payment to start work on your matter. With our online platforms, it’s your choice to receive documents by email or post. 
3. Taking Action: We get working on your case. Our team will review your case and prepare all of the paperwork for you to review. We’ll speak with any other parties involved (e.g. your spouse or their solicitor) and then submit all of the paperwork on your behalf. 
4. Stay Updated: Throughout your case, we’ll keep you updated about what’s happening and if we need any additional information from you.

It’s Done: Once you’ve obtained your Decree Absolute or Religious Divorce, we’ll make sure you have final copies of any paperwork. We also keep copies in our archives. 

A: There are two people involved in a divorce:

• The petitioner –  the person who starts (files) the divorce paperwork;
• The respondent – the person who receives the divorce application;
  

When the respondent receives the divorce application, the divorce application includes a question which asks whether they ‘contest’ the divorce. In other words, do they agree with the reasons provided for the divorce (the 5 reasons: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, or separation). 

If the respondent agrees with the reasons provided, it is an uncontested divorce. If the respondent does not agree with the reason stated on the divorce application, it becomes a contested divorce.

There are a number of reasons why someone may contest a divorce – they may disagree about the claim of adultery, or delay the case. Alternatively, they want to submit a cross-petition (when they file their own divorce application). It’s important to know that contesting a divorce is unlikely to stop it from going through. 

A: In order to obtain a divorce in England & Wales, you must provide the Court with your original marriage certificate when you file your divorce application. If your marriage certificate is not in your possession, you will need to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. 

• You can contact your local council to obtain a copy – in many cases you request a copy via their website;

Or you can register on the General Register Office (GRO) website to get a copy of a marriage or civil partnership certificate in England and Wales.

A: Generally, your spouse will either need to sign the divorce documents or be “served”.

A: Agreeing on child arrangements as early on as possible will make the divorce process quicker, cheaper and importantly, in the best interests of your children. We’ve helped many parents find a practical solution on a range of issues relating to children such as where the children will live, how much time they’ll spend with each parent or how you’ll financially support your children. If you are unable to agree on these issues, there are several options available. Call our team to find out your options, next steps and costs.

Yes. Leaving your family home isn’t always the right decision when you decide to divorce.  It’s important to resolve these issues as part of your divorce, as you may not be able to make future claims after your divorce is finalised. Our team can advise on asset valuation and submitting a claim. 

Yes. It’s important to resolve these issues as part of your divorce, as you may not be able to make future claims after your divorce is finalised. Our team can advise on asset valuation and submitting a claim.