Frequently Asked Questions

A divorce in the UK typically takes 6 to 12 months. Since the no-fault divorce law came into effect in 2022, the process has become simpler. There is a mandatory 20-week waiting period before a Conditional Order can be granted.

No, you do not legally need a solicitor to get divorced in the UK. You can apply for a DIY divorce online through the HMCTS portal. However, if there are complex financial matters or children involved, legal advice is strongly recommended.

The court fee for a divorce application is £593. If you use a solicitor, costs can range from £1,500 to £10,000 or more depending on complexity. A DIY divorce is the cheapest option if your situation is straightforward.

A Child Arrangements Order is a court order that sets out who a child lives with and how much time they spend with each parent. It is issued by a family court when parents cannot agree on arrangements themselves.

Yes, a father can get 50/50 child arrangements in the UK. Courts do not automatically favour mothers. The child's best interests are the primary consideration. If both parents are fit and willing, shared care arrangements are increasingly common.

If you die without a will, the intestacy rules apply. Your estate will be distributed according to a fixed legal formula — not necessarily according to your wishes. Unmarried partners have no automatic right to inherit under intestacy rules.

To make a valid will in the UK you must: be 18 or over, make the will voluntarily, be of sound mind, sign the will in the presence of two witnesses, and have both witnesses sign the will in your presence. Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries.

Since April 2024, attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) is compulsory before making most family court applications in England and Wales. There are some exemptions such as cases involving domestic abuse.

No. The concept of common law marriage does not exist in UK law. Unmarried couples have significantly fewer legal rights than married couples, especially regarding property, inheritance, and financial support if the relationship ends.

A cohabitation agreement is a legal document that sets out how assets, property, and finances will be divided if an unmarried couple separates. It is not automatically legally binding but can be enforced as a contract if properly drafted.