When You Just Need... a quick answer

Welcome to our Divorce Hub. Find answers to your questions and free guides. Everything you need in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you need to know the cost of a divorce or how to start your application, search our most commonly asked questions section below. We hope you find what you need. Contact our team to find out your options, costs and estimated times.

Free Guides

If you’d like to learn more about family law, explore our ‘What You Need To Know About’ guides.  Each download is an introduction to a different area of family law – from court orders and parenting plans to how to start your divorce or create your own will.

My Nikah Series

Did you know we’re one of the leading family law firms for British Asians? Our My Nikah Series is a free collection of articles, guides and videos designed to help you better understand your options and rights. Find free guides about Mahr, the Nikah Nama, gold jewellery and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Divorce Planning Questions

How much does a divorce cost?

The cost will depend on your circumstances. In every case a £550 divorce application fee is payable to the Court. If both partners agree and there are no children or joint assets, we recommend our quick divorce for £750 (+VAT) – payment plans are available. We know there are cheaper services online. But unlike many of those companies, our fee includes:

  • 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.
  • No court appearances – 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.

How much does a divorce cost?

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 £750 (+VAT) – payment plans are available. 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.

How long does it take to obtain a divorce?

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

Q: What documents will I need to provide you?

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

Q: I'm ready to file for a divorce. Now what?

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. 

Q: What's the difference between a contested and an uncontested divorce?

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. 

Q: Can I file for divorce without my marriage or nikah certificate?

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.

Q: What if I don’t know where my spouse lives?

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

Q: We have children, what do we need to do?

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.

Q: Can you help me if I want to stay in the family home?

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. 

Q: Can you help me if I need to divide our finances and inheritance?

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.

Islamic Divorce Questions

Q: What is a Nikah?

A: The Nikah is a religious ceremony for a Muslim couple to be legally wed under Islamic law.

Q: What is a Nikah?

A: The Nikah is a religious ceremony for a Muslim couple to be legally wed under Islamic law.

Q: My Nikah took place abroad. Can I file for a divorce in England & Wales?

A: It will depend. In order to file for divorce in England & Wales your marriage must be legally recognised. 

Q: Why does it matter if we're not legally married under English law?

A: It  can leave you in a vulnerable position if your relationship breaks down or if your spouse dies.  The court will treat you as cohabitants. Some of the possible issues:

  • you will have no right to an English divorce;
  • you will have no automatic claim over your spouse’s assets e.g. any property, pensions or money. You will need to show that you have made financial contributions towards the assets that you are claiming;
  • As a cohabitant, if your spouse dies without leaving you a part of their Estate in their Will, you will be entitled to nothing under the intestacy rules; you may have to make a separate claim as a dependent. 
Q: We held our nikah in a wedding hall in England. Is it legally recognised?

A: If a Nikah takes place in England or Wales without a civil ceremony then the marriage will be recognised under Islam, but it will not be legally recognised in England and Wales. It is your responsibility to check if your marriage is legally recognised in England & Wales. You can speak to our team for free – call or WhatsApp our team to book your free 15 minute advice call.

Q: What is a civil ceremony?

A: A civil ceremony is a marriage without any religious context, performed by a registrar. The ceremony is legally binding. You can have a civil ceremony at a registry office or any venue approved by the local council, for example a stately home or hotel. Find out more here