When it comes to divorce in the UK, it is a fairly stressful process, in part due to the number of legal stages required for a divorce to be finalised under UK law.

When it comes to divorce, you will undoubtedly need the help of a legal representative who specialises in that area, not only to take a great deal of stress from your shoulders during the process, but to also oversee that each stage is completed in full.

When you come to Andrew and Andrew for help with a divorce, our specially trained family solicitors Portsmouth can help. We have helped many clients get through this emotionally difficult process, offering both impartial advice if the timeline of steps become skewed and offering you help if things get tough emotionally. What more could you ask for from a divorce solicitor?

So, what are the common stages of divorce in the UK? Our family solicitors Portsmouth offer a brief guide below.

The petition

The petition is when one of the married partners files for divorce; after this, they are known as the petitioner.

Regardless of whether you are the petitioner or the respondent, you need to hire our family solicitors Portsmouth, especially if you are considering challenging the divorce.

In the UK in the spring of 2022, there will be the opportunity to apply for a no-fault divorce, so challenging a petition may become more tricky.

Confirmation and opportunity to oppose

Should you be the respondent, upon receiving the petition, you can either confirm the document and return it to the petitioner or you can oppose it.

If you wish to oppose it, you have 21 days to complete the ‘answer to a divorce petition form’ stating your reasons for opposing it. Our team can help you with this stage, and if the divorce requires mediation or even a court appearance, we can represent you there too.

Decree nisi application and granting

If you don’t oppose the divorce petition, the petitioner sends the application for a ‘decree nisi’ form to the court.

If the judge sees no reason for the decree not going ahead, then it will be granted. You can oppose the divorce at this stage, and it will lead to a hearing, but be aware that this may not stop the judge from granting the decree nisi.

Decree absolute application and granting

Six weeks after the decree nisi has been granted, the petitioner can apply for the ‘decree absolute’; this is a document that legally ends the marriage.

If you still have issues surrounding property, finances or child access, these will not be finalised here as a divorce simply ends the marriage legally. But, should you need help with any of these other areas, our team at Andrew and Andrew can help here too.

Once a decree absolute is finalised, you and your former spouse are free to remarry as you see fit.

For more information about divorce or to seek representation, contact our divorce solicitors at Andrew and Andrew today.