"courtfees" posts

Can AI write my consent order?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a bigger part of everyday life. But is it advanced enough to write a consent order?

A step-by-step guide to same-sex divorce

Same-sex marriage has been legally recognised in the UK since July 2013. Before this, same-sex couples could enter into a civil partnership rather than a marriage.

Grandparents, parental separation and divorce

In this blog, we'll explore some legal basics surrounding grand-parenthood and divorce, and provide tips to help you navigate this.

Government court fees increase 2025

Court fees are set to rise 3% as of April 8th in 2025. Here's what you can expect...

Family mediation: what you need to know

What is family mediation? Family mediation is an alternative form of dispute resolution (ADR) following a relationship breakdown. Read this guide to find out more.

Divorce, separation and co-parenting resources

Our tools and resources offer guidance and support for navigating this challenging time with compassion and understanding. From co-parenting tips to legal queries and emotional support, we've got you covered.

Why is divorce so expensive?

The cost of divorce can be a stressful and overwhelming part of the separation process. Depending on your chosen route, you could face endless legal fees with no certainty of the total cost or the time it will take...

How to prepare for a divorce

If you and your partner have decided to separate, the prospect of divorce can feel overwhelming [...]

Guide to navigating gov.uk when dividing your money and property

Since the introduction of ‘no-fault divorce’ more people than ever are starting their divorce on the government website. It’s simple to kick off a divorce yourself but when it comes to sorting out your money and property things can quickly become baffling, especially as the instructions and the language on gov.uk are unclear, complicated and confusing.

How much does a divorce cost in England and Wales? – Step-by-step guide on how to keep the cost down

Divorce has a reputation for being expensive, but fees don’t have to rise through the roof. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep the costs down […]

Divorce financial settlement guide

The financial side of divorce and legalising what has been agreed is often called a divorce financial settlement.

How to file for a divorce in the UK

If you’re wondering how to apply for a divorce, read the simple steps in our guide below. Starting the divorce or dissolution process [...]

Government increases court fees for divorcing and separating couples in England and Wales

The government has announced that they will be increasing the court fee costs for divorcing and separating couples at the end of the month. This means, separating couples in England and Wales will pay more for applying for the legal paperwork associated with their divorce (unless you are eligible for a discount or exemption).

How to arrange (and protect) your finances using a Divorce Specialist

The financial side of divorcing and legalising what has been agreed is sometimes called a divorce financial settlement. Here's everything you need to know about the financial settlement or arrangement (or the consent order as it's commonly known)...

The divorce glossary

Legal jargon can be confusing and when it comes to divorce/separation – there are so many acronyms and form names to get your head around. That’s why we’ve decided to put together a legal jargon-free glossary for divorce and separation terms. If we’ve missed any – please comment at the bottom of the page and we’ll get it added.

Why is my divorce taking so long and how to speed it up?

The legal process of divorcing or ending a civil partnership takes longer than most people realise. The average time it usually takes to divorce / end a civil partnership through the courts in England and Wales is around three to four months. However, depending on your situation this can take longer.

What to do when you get divorce papers through the post

If you’ve received divorce papers through the post and you’re not sure what to do next, read this information and advice.

Divorce checklist: Nine things to check before starting divorce proceedings (if you don’t have children)

This divorce checklist below will help you to prepare if you're right at the beginning of the divorce/separation process and if you don't have children together. Be sure to consider each step before kicking off the legal process of divorcing or ending your civil partnership.

What is a decree absolute? Step-by-step guide

A decree absolute (now called the final order) or Form D36, is the last stage of a divorce, or dissolution (if you have a civil partnership) process. When you receive your final order certificate, it means that you are legally divorced. There are four steps you’ll need to complete in order to get a final order. We have outlined them in this blog...

How to get a divorce without a lawyer or solicitor

Many people assume you need a lawyer to divorce - you don't. Here are the pros and cons of doing divorce without lawyers and other ways to divorce.

Simple guide to divorce options 2025

You’ve decided you’re going to divorce, turning your world upside down and leading to weeks or even months of arguments and tears. You’re just starting to accept this is going to happen and you need […]

Divorce basics – what you need to know about getting divorced

How do I separate and what’s involved in a divorce? Our divorce basics blog tells you everything you need to know.

What is no-fault divorce and how does it affect separating couples in England & Wales?

This guide will explain the meaning of ‘no-fault divorce,’ in England and Wales and how to start your divorce process.

How long does a divorce take?

I’m frequently asked how long it takes to get a divorce. Usually, the answer is ‘many months’. I imagine if you’re the instigator of the divorce, this isn’t what you want to hear.

How to use unreasonable behaviour as the grounds for divorce in the UK

If you need to get divorced using ‘unreasonable behaviour’ as the ground for divorce, then this is all you need to know about divorcing under English and Welsh law. Not sure what fact you are […]

Divorce after five years separation: the old ground for divorce

No-fault divorce was introduced in England and Wales on April 6th, 2022 which removes the need to choose a ground or reason to support the 'irretrievable' breakdown of a marriage.

Has the Government's increase in court fees contributed to decreasing divorce rates?

According to news outlets, the divorce rates are at the lowest level in 40 years. This decline may be partly due to the ‘cohabiting revolution’. But I wonder whether […]

Divorce statistics 2016

Latest stats from the Office of National Statistics reveal divorce rates in 2016 have increased for the first time in five years. There were 106,959 opposite-sex divorces in 2016, an increase of 5.8% compared with […]

What’s the difference between legal separation and divorce?

Many people ask us about the difference between a divorce and a legal separation. Confusingly, a legal separation is different to a separation agreement, and both are different to a divorce.

The pros and cons of the online divorce

This week the government launched a nationwide way for couples to apply for a divorce online. The catalyst for this change? 40% of divorce applications are rejected due to errors. If you’re considering an online […]

What is a consent order?

A consent order is a legally binding document that sets out the financial arrangements you and your ex have agreed on.

Divorce law reform is finally on the horizon

Divorce laws in England and Wales have been due a review for some time now. It’s been a staggering 50 years since the last review, and in the words of David Gauke, “the ‘blame game’ […]