Quick Divorce in England & Wales: How to Get Divorced Faster

If you’re searching for a quick divorce, you’re probably looking for two things: a clear timeline and a practical way to avoid delays. While there is no “overnight divorce” in England and Wales, you can keep your case moving by taking the right steps from day one.

OLS Solicitors supports clients across England and Wales with fixed-fee options (where suitable), clear advice, and proactive case management to help you reach your Final Order as efficiently as the court process allows.

Is a “Quick Divorce” Actually Possible?

Under the current no-fault divorce process, there are built-in waiting periods the court will not usually shorten. That means the speed of your divorce is limited by the legal stages. However, many delays are avoidable — and that’s where good preparation and correct paperwork makes a real difference.

What typically makes a divorce slower?

• Incorrect or incomplete application details
• The respondent not engaging (or delaying the Acknowledgement)
• Problems serving documents
• Disputes running alongside the divorce, such as finances or child arrangements
• Waiting until late in the process to deal with the financial settlement

Typical Divorce Timeline

Every case is different, but for an uncontested divorce (where both parties cooperate), the process often completes in around 6–8 months. Some cases take longer, particularly where service issues arise or the court is experiencing delays.

The main stages

1. Divorce application submitted (sole or joint)
2. 20-week “reflection period” (minimum)
3. Conditional Order (applied for after the 20 weeks)
4. Final Order (available after a further minimum of 6 weeks and 1 day)

Important: A divorce legally ends the marriage, but it does not automatically resolve finances. For most people, the divorce financial settlement process is where the real protection lies.

How to Get a Divorce Faster

You cannot remove the legal waiting periods, but you can reduce avoidable delays. These steps are the practical route to the quickest outcome.

1) Use the correct application route

Choosing the right type of application (sole or joint) and completing the details accurately reduces the risk of rejection, queries, or re-service.

2) Make sure the respondent cooperates (where possible)

Where the respondent engages quickly, documents are acknowledged promptly, and the case progresses more smoothly.

3) Avoid paperwork errors

Small mistakes can cause weeks of delay. Examples include incorrect names, addresses, marriage details, or missing evidence where required.

4) Deal with finances early

Even if your divorce is progressing, unresolved financial issues can create stress and risk later. In many cases, it’s sensible to work towards a consent order alongside the divorce.

Key point: A consent order is a legally binding agreement between two parties and, once approved by the court, it becomes an arrangement under which a couple’s assets and financial affairs are separated upon divorce.

5) Agree terms wherever you can

If you and your ex can reach an agreement between spouses on how to split their assets and liabilities, you can usually avoid the time and cost of contested court proceedings.

Finances: Don’t Finalise the Divorce Without Protection

Many people want a quick divorce and only think about money later. That can be risky. A divorce financial settlement is often the point where people secure certainty over the family home, savings, debts, and pensions.

If you’re trying to work out how to work out splitting up money, property and possessions, it helps to understand that calculating a divorce settlement involves several key steps:

• List all assets and debts (property, savings, loans, credit cards, investments)
• Value pensions and consider whether there may be a transfer of some income-generating assets
• Review income, outgoings, housing needs, and childcare arrangements
• Consider whether a clean break is appropriate (and if so, what type of order)
• Record what you’ve agreed and convert it into a court-approved consent order

People often search for a divorce settlement calculator or divorce settlement calculator style estimate, but the reality is that outcomes vary widely. Even a “50/50 split” is not automatic — the court focuses on fairness and needs.

If you already have broad agreement and want it made legally binding, a consent order may be the right next step.

FAQ: Quick Divorce

How quickly can I get divorced in England and Wales?

In a straightforward, uncontested case, many people reach the Final Order in around 6–8 months. Delays can happen if the respondent does not engage, service is difficult, or paperwork needs correcting.

Can I speed up the 20-week period?

Usually, no. The 20-week period is built into the process and is intended as a period of reflection. The practical focus is reducing avoidable delays either side of it.

Does agreeing finances make divorce faster?

It doesn’t remove the legal waiting periods, but it often reduces stress and prevents separate financial proceedings dragging on. It also helps you move forward with certainty.

Should I apply for the Final Order straight away?

Not always. If finances are not resolved, taking the Final Order can have legal and financial consequences in some situations. We can advise you on the safest timing for your circumstances.

What if we separated years ago (including after 5 years separation)?

Even after 5 years separation, you still need to follow the formal divorce process. There are also risks if finances were never finalised — including claims being brought later. We can explain your options and any time limit uk issues that may apply in your situation.

How OLS Solicitors Can Help

We provide clear, practical advice and handle the legal process with minimal stress for you. If your goal is the quickest possible outcome, we focus on:

• Correct applications and prompt submission
• Reducing avoidable court queries and delays
• Guidance on the best timing for the Conditional and Final Order
• Support with financial settlements, including consent orders and clean break outcomes

Note: This page provides general information, not legal advice. Timescales vary by court capacity and individual circumstances.