"divorceprocess" posts

Divorce vs annulment: what are the key differences?

When a marriage comes to an end, many people assume divorce is the only route. But in some cases, an annulment may be more appropriate.

What to do when your partner wants a divorce: 5 essential tips

It can be heartbreaking when your partner tells you they want to end a long-term relationship. Divorce and separation are loaded words, and in many cases hearing the dreaded “I want a divorce” from a partner is devastating and marks the beginning of a life-changing experience for both people involved.

Divorce and separation guidance for fathers

Going through a divorce or separation as a Dad can be a tough and complicated process.

Making your children heard during divorce and separation - The Divorce Podcast

In this episode, Kate is joined by Paul Richardson, an amicable Divorce Specialist, and Carlie Norris, an Accredited Family Mediator, to discuss how the voice of the child can be heard during the divorce and separation process.

Dividing farms and land

Dividing farms and land during a divorce can be complicated. It’s important to get advice from a legal professional who understands these complexities, while also considering emotional factors like sentimental attachment and the challenges of a relationship ending.

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 guide to buying a home during divorce

Buying a home while going through a divorce might seem overwhelming, but it can also mark a positive step toward a fresh start. With the right guidance, you can navigate the legal and financial aspects and feel empowered. Here’s a simple guide to help you on your journey.

Navigating divorce with multiple properties

When couples get divorced, it's common for them to own more than one property, either individually or together. When this happens, they often wonder what will happen to those properties.

How to untie the knot amicably - The Divorce Podcast

In this episode, Kate was joined by Joe & Kate Sharp, two amicable customers, to share their divorce story.

Buying out a partner in a divorce or separation

Divorce can be one of the most challenging times in a person's life, both emotionally and financially. Among the many decisions you'll need to make is what to do with the family home. If you're considering buying out your partner, this guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, to help you make informed decisions and confidently navigate the complexities.

Navigating name changes in relationships - The Divorce Podcast

In this episode, Kate was joined by the Founder and Managing Director of NameSwitch, Cécile Mazuet-Eller, to discuss navigating name changes in relationships, separation, and divorce.

The two D's - death and divorce with Octopus Legacy

You’ve decided you want to separate from your ex-partner, and you’re going through the divorce process. Alongside divorce, there’s another ‘d’ word to consider – what do you want to happen to your assets when you die?

Finding joy in relationships, separation and divorce with Ali Mortimer - The Divorce Podcast

In this episode, Kate is joined by Coach and Author Ali Mortimer to discuss navigating difficult moments in relationships and how finding joy can help in this journey.

Managing a divorce with neurodiversity

Going through a divorce can be an immense challenge, but going through it as a family where there is neurodiversity can add many additional layers of complexity.

How to create a budget after divorce or separation

Like many things in life, the key to successfully getting back on your feet in the event of a divorce or separation is preparation and planning. Because everyone views partnership in different ways, and everyone views money in different ways.

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.

amicable & non-court dispute resolution

The Family Court exists for children and family matters and is required to follow the ‘Family Procedure Rules’ (FPR). These rules were updated on the 24th of April with a focus on helping families resolve issues outside of the court.

Do you have to get a consent order for child arrangements?

In this blog, we will discuss the different options available and things some legal topics which might cause confusion (ie. the ‘no-order principle’).

Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget 2024 has been announced today

In this blog, we look at the Budget's impact on divorce, separation and dividing money and property as part of a separation.

Divorce rates & statistics in the UK (England & Wales) 2022

In this blog, we summarise the latest divorce/dissolution findings from the 2022 study conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

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.

The best moments from The Divorce Podcast

To celebrate this special occasion, we're taking a trip down memory lane and bringing you the absolute best bits from our most impactful and insightful episodes.

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...

Can you divorce without a consent order?

Yes, but there are many reasons why you should consider getting one. In this blog, we’ll explore what a consent order is, why they are a good idea and the best time to get one...

How to prepare for a divorce

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

Adjusting to a new lifestyle post-divorce

Is fear holding you back from leaving an unhealthy relationship? You’re not alone. Here are five tips to help you prepare if you’re planning on separating from your partner...

How to get a divorce - step-by-step

If you and your partner decide to separate and are married, you’ll need to go through the legal steps necessary for divorce.

Changes to the rules around CGT and the impact on separating couples

The government has announced changes to the rules around Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in the Spring Finance Bill 2023. In this blog, we'll look at how these changes impact divorcing and separating couples.

How to talk to your partner about an amicable separation when you’re the initiator

In this blog, we look at tips for keeping things amicable when you’re the initiator of the separation and want to discuss how to start your divorce and move things forward. We’ll detail tips for helping your partner understand the amicable options available to them without feeling pushed into a corner.

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 a mortgage in your 60s can help you move on post-divorce

We're [LiveMore](https://livemorecapital.com/), a specialist mortgage lender for people aged 50 to 90+ and we talk to Audrey about her experience of divorce and how gettting a mortgage in her 60s helped her to move on and rebuild

Applied for your conditional order? Here’s the next steps

If you or your spouse have applied to end your ‘legal marriage’ through a no-fault divorce, you’ll be emailed to say you can apply for your conditional order 20 weeks after the application was made and the divorce issued (i.e., the ‘reflection’ period).

What is a final order in England & Wales?

The ‘final order’ confirms that you are legally divorced (for married couples) or that your civil partnership has been dissolved (for civil partners) under English and Welsh law. This is the last stage of the legal process of divorce which takes a minimum of seven months. The final order...

What is a Divorce Specialist?

A Divorce Specialist refers to a professional who can assist you with the legal process of divorce. They can sometimes also help you navigate the emotional process too. At amicable, our experts are Divorce Specialists. They have a variety of backgrounds, primarily in law, although some also have backgrounds in psychology and counselling, as we can help with both the legal and the emotional process of divorce and separation, as well as parenting post-separation.

Rupert and Jerry – an amicable divorce?

It is being reported that Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall are to divorce. Neither are strangers to the process. We believe that divorce doesn’t have to be conducted from heavily lawyered silos, even for the super-rich, who just like the rest of us will not want to see their wealth being syphoned off by hungry lawyers.

Checklist for the 20-week cooling off period in divorce

No-fault divorce was introduced in England and Wales on the 6th of April 2022. This represents the end of the ‘blame game’, meaning you no longer need to blame each other in the legal paperwork. There are several changes to the system which includes the introduction of the 20-week 'reflection period'.

What does a Divorce Coach do and how can they help with your divorce?

The truth is, most people don’t get divorced very often, and it’s pretty rare that you will continue living the same lifestyle when you separate. So to fore-see all the things you’ll have to sort out and navigate is tough. It is a vulnerable and worrying time. This is where a Divorce Coach comes in. This is a very important time in your life. Succeeding in an amicable separation is crucial to the emotional recovery for both parties and, of course, any children. How you set the tone now could affect your family for a long time to come.

Changing your name post-divorce

Changing name after divorce of separation can be a symbolic way to disassociate from the past and mark the start of a new life chapter.

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 [...]

How to have an amicable no-fault divorce in England & Wales

If you and your partner have decided to separate, working out how to go about this and where to start can often seem really daunting. There are also some common pitfalls to avoid which we have highlighted below if you want an amicable no-fault divorce.

What is a conditional order in divorce? (England & Wales)

The conditional order confirms that you are entitled to divorce under English law and represents the middle stage of the legal process of divorce. As of the introduction of no-fault divorce in England & Wales on the 6th of April 2022, couples can get divorced without needing to blame each other in the legal process. Divorces aren’t automatic and there are several stages to legally ending your marriage.

No longer need your divorce lawyer?

There are many reasons why you may want to end your legal representation when you are going through a divorce and you may be confused or overwhelmed as to how to go about it. If you are currently being represented by a lawyer, as long as your all paid up for the legal fees you’ve accrued up until the point you decide that you no longer want to be represented, then you have the right to end their representation of you.

Divorce Day 2022 - January 4th or April 6th?

Divorce Day traditionally falls on the first working day of January and is a popular point of discussion in the media.

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).

What is a pension sharing order? – the complete guide

A pension sharing order will require one former spouse’s pension provider to give some, or all, of the funds in that pension plan to their ex (the ‘recipient’). A pension sharing order can be made in respect of a pension either before or after it is in payment. Find out more...

What is the family mediation voucher scheme and who can apply?

Find out what the new mediation voucher scheme is if you're eligible for the £500 mediation voucher and what other alternatives are out there to help with agreeing finances and childcare post-divorce and separation.

amicable divorce on BBC's The One Show - Jonna and Rob's separation story

Last night, BBC’s The One Show featured the amicable divorce journey of Rob and Jonna – two very important customers of amicable’s. The short film (which has been in the works for over two years!) shows that it is possible to stay on good terms with your ex long after separation – even if you have the added pressure of co-parenting two young children.

Why should you use an online divorce coach

Divorce ranks as one of the most stressful things you can go through in life, with emotions running high and often lots of issues to work through and decisions to make, it is important to have the right support and advice. Many people have turned to divorce coaches and divorce coaching to help them handle what is a highly emotional and uncertain journey for many families.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and your financial settlement

If you're negotiating your financial settlement as part of your divorce or separation as well as dealing with Coronavirus (COVID-19), then the anxiety levels can start to feel overwhelming. But don't worry, we are here to help, and have put together some FAQ's and advice to support you.

How amicable's technology offers access to justice for separating couples

In January 2020, the High Court ruled that amicable's LawTech model created to help separating and divorcing couples to separate amicably has a vital role to play in promoting and promulgating access to justice.

How quickly can you get a divorce?

In this post, we're going to explain how quickly you can get a divorce and whether it is possible for you to speed up the divorce process. You'll find out exactly what you and your ex can do [...]

amicable wins High Court Judgment allowing couples to divorce without lawyers

A landmark judgment in the High Court validates legal services company amicable’s right to help divorcing couples negotiate financial settlements and create joint legal documents

How can a breakup be amicable even when there’s financial strain?

While breakups are hard, the effects on finances can make the whole ordeal even harder. In the UK alone, around 500,000 people face tough financial times after a split. Housing, divorce costs, and living expenses are just some of the things to consider when the relationship dissolves. Knowing that there might be financial difficulties after the split can make it hard to remain civil, especially if you’re getting the rougher end of the deal. Discover ways to remain on good terms even when finances aren’t looking great.

Divorce Day 2020 - fact or fiction?

Divorce Day has become an annual talking point in the media and amongst people working in the family law world. In 2020, Divorce Day is meant to fall on Monday 6th January.

Divorce rates & statistics in the UK (England & Wales) 2021

The Office for National statistics released new data in 2021 on divorcing couples in 2019. We’ve summarised the main points below and offered some comments too based on what we experienced as a divorce services company.

How to get a consent order online

Ending your marriage or civil partnership is one legal process and ending your financial ties is a completely different legal process. The legal process of severing your financial ties is called a consent order or financial order. This blog will explain how to get a consent order online.

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.

Marriage certificate translation for UK divorce proceedings

This article provides an extensive guide to those looking to have their non-English marriage certificates translated for UK divorce proceedings

West Midlands Divorce Unit Closure

What the closure of West Midlands Divorce Unit means for you if you've started your divorce / dissolution or consent order with them.

Divorce, separation & dissolution terms explained

There can be a lot of new and confusing terminology to get to grips with when you separate divorce or dissolve your civil partnership. In this blog we have set out some of the commonly confused terms in everyday language and when they may be applicable to your situation.

What’s the difference between mediation and negotiation services like amicable?

What's the difference between mediation and amicable's negotiation and Divorce Specialist led support? Find out here.

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 is a decree nisi? A step-by-step guide on how to apply

If you are legally ending your marriage by divorcing or ending your civil partnership through a dissolution in England and Wales, there are four main documents that need to be completed. The ‘decree nisi’ is one of the four main documents involved in the legal process of separating.

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 spousal maintenance?

Spousal maintenance is a payment made by either a husband or wife to their former partner when they divorce or dissolve their civil partnership. It is a specific sum of money paid (usually monthly) for a specified period. Spousal maintenance is different to child maintenance and is only paid if one person cannot support themselves after the divorce or dissolution of the 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...

The Divorce Podcast

The Divorce Podcast explores all aspects of ending relationships, separation and parenting apart. In each episode, Kate is joined by experts and special guests who share their own stories, experiences, and tips with the goal of helping people end relationships in a kinder, better way.

Ticking the 'financial box' on my divorce application - what does it mean and should I tick yes or no?

This very common question creates a lot of confusion and panic, this blog aims to explain what it means and to help you understand if you should tick it or not. Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, for clarity, we are referring to the 'Do you want to apply for a financial order' question in the divorce/dissolution application (legally known as a D8).

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.

Tips for an amicable divorce – In the beginning…

Whatever you do – don’t google Divorce. I’m serious – and don’t ask your divorced friends, colleagues or mum’s neighbour about their experience… oh and absolutely DON’T watch the BBC’s Dr Foster. Divorce has understandably […]

Five more tips for an amicable divorce

So the cat’s out of the bag… the separation is public. Friends, family & maybe children know what’s happening. Anger, hurt, betrayal & fear are all swilling around… so what do you do? Hire a […]

Lawyers vs Machines

In 1996, a speaker told The Law Society that in five years’ time the predominant method of communication between lawyer and client would be email. The law society responded by banning the speaker from addressing […]

10 tips for a peaceful first Christmas after separation

Christmas can be a difficult time if you’ve recently separated. Memories of happier times together during the festive season might feel overwhelming, and it may be hard to picture having a joyful Christmas this year.

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 […]

Can you help us change the way the world views divorce?

amicable is looking for a limited number of beta customers, join us and manage your separation in a new and unique way by becoming the first users of our ground breaking app.   It’s our view that […]

Divorce goals - what are they and why should you have them?

Why create goals? Focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past leads to a more positive mindset for everyone during separation. There are lots of decisions that need to be made when you […]

What is a parenting plan?

If you’re divorcing with kids, prioritizing their needs during your divorce will help them thrive in the future. A good way to minimise the impact on children is to create a parenting plan.

Infographic : The Divorce Process

Divorce infographic When you are divorcing the sheer amount of information available means knowing where to start can feel impossible. To help with this I wrote a blog last month entitled ‘The straightforward guide to divorce’ . […]

Could a ‘mathematical equation’ be the solution - Gary Lineker

Newspapers such as the Telegraph report today that Gary Lineker calls for ‘mathematical equation’ to simplify costly divorce proceedings  –Read article We couldn’t agree more – and it’s something of a passion of ours. The […]

How much is communication whilst you separate costing you?

Whilst amicable is sometimes an aspiration rather than a reality when you start the divorce process, one thing is certain. To sort out separation you have to communicate with each other. How you communicate, and […]

Eight jaw-dropping divorce statistics

Separation can feel isolating but our divorce statistics show you’re not alone. Nearly half a million people each year in the UK face the break-up of a marriage or co-habiting relationship and half of those […]

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. There are two things that need to happen for you to separate; you must make […]

Grounds For Divorce : What are they and do I have them?

In England and Wales, you must be married at least a year and have divorce grounds to legally end your marriage. In this blog, I will explain what that means. You have divorce grounds if your marriage […]

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.

Divorce admin… Is divorce difficult because of the admin?

Russell Brand recently joked that the hardest part of getting divorced was the divorce admin. The hardest part of divorce is always the emotional fall-out, but Brand does have a point. Getting divorced in England […]

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 […]

Post-divorce checklist: simplify your arrangements post-divorce

amicable’s Post-divorce checklist makes sorting out arrangements after divorce a little easier by breaking down all the necessary things to change after divorce […]

How to use adultery as grounds for divorce in England & Wales

In English and Welsh law adultery can be used as a ‘fact’ for the Grounds for Divorce if you want to prove that your marriage has broken down. There are five facts or reasons to ‘rely’ […]

How to use examples of unreasonable behaviour to divorce your partner

We do not have ‘no-fault divorce’ in England and Wales which means, one person has to divorce the other, turning the process into a blame game. This can cause unnecessary acrimony at times of high […]

How to tell your partner that you want a divorce or to separate

‘I want a divorce – but don’t know how to tell my ex’. This is often a major reason why people stay in unhappy relationships and lose their confidence and mojo. My blog has tips […]

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 […]

18-point divorce checklist for a smooth separation

Need help starting your divorce? amicable's divorce and separation checklist makes it easy. Simplify your separation and get peace of mind with our guide.

10 Divorce myths and the actual facts

In 2017, the team at amicable has spoken to thousands of people about their divorce. We’ve heard some weird and wonderful myths about divorce and separation and thought it was about time you had the […]

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.

Reasons for divorce UK

Not sure what the reasons for divorce are? In England and Wales, there are five reasons you can use to get a divorce. Here is a quick run down of all of the reasons along […]

Grayson Perry’s new Channel 4 documentary and how to get involved

amicable is working with Channel4 on a ground-breaking new documentary series with Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry. Grayson would like to speak to couples in the process of establishing new lives after a separation, with […]

Using unreasonable behavior as the reason for divorce? Write a statement that will allow you to remain amicable

Are you using ‘unreasonable behaviour’ as the reason to divorce? This blog will give you some information and tips that’ll help you to remain amicable with your ex. However, before we jump in, it’s worth […]