No-Fault Divorce

Getting a divorce or civil partnership dissolution has never been easier. On the 6th of April 2022, ‘no-fault divorce’ was introduced, allowing people to apply for divorce without having to place blame for the relationship breakdown.

Our Family Law specialist, Teresa Braddon, is a member of Resolution and has always specialised in helping people find the most positive solution to their issues. In most cases, our combination of practical legal advice and negotiation skills allows people to get through the process with minimal stress (which also helps them save on costs).

We can provide all the advice you need about getting a divorce or civil partnership dissolution, including simple, straightforward advice about no-fault divorce. With local offices in Hoddesdon and Broxbourne, we work with clients from across Hertfordshire, as well as a growing number of clients elsewhere in England, Wales and abroad.

Our team are also happy to speak over the phone, via email or through videoconferencing for your safety and convenience.

For a friendly, informal discussion about how our family lawyer can help you with no-fault divorce, please get in touch:

How we can help you with no-fault divorce

If you are thinking about getting a divorce or dissolution, there are many things you need to think about.

Our specialist family law solicitor can talk you through your options and help you find a way forward. We can handle the divorce application on your behalf, ensuring that all the details are completed to the highest degree of accuracy.

We will treat your matter with care and respect, putting your needs and the needs of your children first at all times. Our goal will be to help you start moving towards your future with confidence.

For general information about how the process works and our approach to helping clients with divorce, visit our Divorce, Separation & Finances page.

Our divorce pricing

Fixed fee divorce

We can offer fixed fees for many parts of the divorce process. The divorce application stage can usually be entirely dealt with within our fixed fees, so you can always know where you stand on costs.

We also offer an initial consultation for £75 plus VAT, during which our family lawyer will talk about the process, including no-fault divorce, and give you an indication of the work needed going forwards.

Hourly rates for divorce settlement advice

For more complex work, we will typically work to an agreed hourly rate. We will always provide a realistic costs estimate and keep you fully informed about the work that needs doing so you stay in control of your overall spending.

No-fault divorce FAQs

What is no-fault divorce?
What is the no-fault divorce process?
Who can apply for no-fault divorce?
How long does no-fault divorce take?
How much does no-fault divorce cost?
Is the new divorce law in force now?
Does no-fault divorce mean I won’t have to go to court?
Does no-fault divorce affect civil partnership dissolution?

What is no-fault divorce?

In 2020, the government passed a law to end the ‘blame game’ of the current divorce law. On the 6th April 2022, ‘no-fault divorce’ came into effect, allowing couples to simply say ‘my marriage has irretrievably broken down’.

The government states, ‘These new laws will stop separating couples having to make needless allegations against one another, and instead help them focus on resolving their issues amicably.’

By reducing any risk of conflict over the reasons for divorce, couples may be able to talk about issues such as the division of finances or co-parenting arrangements in a more cooperative way.

It also means that parties are no longer able to object to a divorce application and drag their partner to court (except in very narrow cases such as fraud).

What is the no-fault divorce process?

The process of obtaining a divorce has not significantly changed apart from a couple of key factors.

The applicant (either solely or jointly) will complete the divorce application online. The application needs to provide a statement of the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage but there is no longer a requirement to use one of the previously established ‘facts’ to prove this.

If the divorce application was solely made, the court will send a copy of the application to the respondent, who will then be required to acknowledge the divorce application through an ‘acknowledgement of service’ form, this must be returned to the court within 14 days of receipt.  

Once the application has been issued by the court, the applicant or joint applicants will need to wait a minimum of 20 weeks before they can apply for the Conditional Order (previously decree nisi).

After the conditional order has been granted, there is a further 6 weeks wait before the Final Order (previously decree absolute) can be applied for. Once the final order has been granted by the court, the involved party are legally divorced.

During the 6 week wait before being able to apply for the Final Order, the divorcing couple can make arrangements for their finances and children, or this can be done once the divorce has been finalised.

Who can apply for no-fault divorce?

Either party in the marriage can apply for a divorce as long as those involved have been married for a minimum of 12 months. Unlike the previous divorce law, the no-fault divorce law allows ex-partners to jointly or solely apply for divorce.

How long does no-fault divorce take?

The minimum length of time that no-fault divorce takes is 26 weeks (6 months), however, this can be longer depending on your personal circumstances.

The time between the no-fault divorce application being issued and applying for the Conditional Order will take a minimum of 20 weeks. Once the Conditional Order has been granted, the divorcing couple will need to wait an additional minimum of 6 weeks before applying for the Final Order.

Other aspects of the divorce, such as the divorce financial settlement and arrangements for children, can take considerably longer, especially where there are disagreements.

How much does no-fault divorce cost?

The cost to make an application to court for no-fault divorce is £593. There will be additional costs on top, including the cost of instructing a solicitor.

Is the new divorce law in force now?

Yes, the new no-fault divorce law came into force on the 6th of April 2022.

Does no-fault divorce mean I won’t have to go to court?

It is unlikely you would need to go to court in relation to the divorce application. However, no-fault divorce does not guarantee that you will avoid court. Sometimes, couples need to go to court to sort out financial arrangements or arrangements for children, if applicable.

That being said, the vast majority of couples do not need to go to court. Our specialist family lawyer is a member of Resolution and specialises in helping couples find amicable out-of-court solutions wherever possible. As well as having a high level of negotiation skills, we can refer you to mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods if it would suit you.

Does no-fault divorce affect civil partnership dissolution?

Yes. No-fault civil partnership dissolution is also covered by the new law.

No-fault civil partnership dissolution allows you to apply for dissolution without having to put reasons on the application, except that the relationship has irretrievably broken down.

Speak with our no-fault divorce solicitor in Hoddesdon & Broxbourne

For a friendly, informal discussion about how our no-fault divorce lawyers can help you get a divorce or civil partnership dissolution, please get in touch today.

What our clients say

  • "No improvement to service needed. Alison was the epitome of professional calm in going over options and maintaining patience, and indeed advised against a path that certainly would have achieved higher fees for her, but the correct call in retrospect. So I feel her advice was professional and unbiased. She was attentive in keeping me appraised of news, and maintained a polite and stress free approach which kept me calm and optimistic a final result in my favour would occur. Would recommend her, and the firm, to others." Anon
  • “Dealt with Alison primarily for Power of Attorney, very helpful and polite.” Anon
  • “I cannot think of any way that we could have had better service!!!” Anon
  • "Our solicitor has been extremely conscientious at all times, always available to advise and above all has always been very supportive and empathetic to my case. He really did make a stressful situation a lot easier for myself and my family" Mrs T
  • "We used this wonderful firm for a recent home sale and purchase, their service was outstanding. Everything was carried out with the utmost care and attention and all the staff including a senior Partner were so friendly and helpful. Absolutely top notch." Anon
  • "Over the past 8 years Teresa Braddon and her team have created my Will and have done numerous conveyancing transactions for myself and my family.  I have found Teresa and her Team most helpful and efficient. Everything was carried out with care and attention. All the staff including Teresa, a senior Partner, were friendly and helpful. I would recommend Braddon and Snow and their services." Tony Stavrou
  • "I would highly recommend Braddon & Snow to anybody, very professional and efficient service. They treat you like a person rather than just a number. I am mentally disabled and sometimes I do not get respect or understanding shown to me. Braddon & Snow couldn’t of been more kind and they always took the time to explain all the legal terminology to me so I understood. I would especially like to thank Emily Morten and Jane Blackett as they really went above and beyond what they had to. Value for money and excellent staff. Use this company."  Mr M Brooke
  • "Thank you all so very much for all your help and kindest attention over the years.   In every conceivable way you go out of your way, above and beyond any expectations. You are incredible, and all your team are unbelievably pleasant. I hope these few lines go a little way to thank you so very much."  Mr M Ledger
  • "May I say that Laya has been fantastic.  She has been an absolute delight to speak with, always giving clear and positive instructions and pacifying when necessary.  Please be assured we will definitely recommend your company and hopefully be in a position to use your services again and again." L Page
  • "We found dealing with Braddon & Snow very pleasant and relaxed.  We had a few problems dealing with the seller's leaseholder solicitors which needed a lot of patience and Teresa and Laya were very helpful at all times and very easy to communicate with." R & J Keith
  • It’s been an absolute delight and superb to work your Conveyance Team of Jane Blackett and Emily, providing first class services. Dedicated and smart resolutions to most difficult queries. Our sincerest and dearest appreciation for their magnificent services and friendly communication throughout
  • I appreciate the efficiency of your team (Louise, Sara, Elle, Melanie, Alex, Lauren etc) during this crisis. You were always easy to get and had a great phone forwarding system with access to the details on transactions. Everybody was very helpful, responsive and friendly. You can be proud of the company you work for. 
  • I cannot speak highly enough of the service given to me in the sale and purchase of my properties last week by Jane Blackett and Ken Sheppard at the Broxbourne office. They dealt with my matters promptly and with care and commitment. Nothing was too much trouble and they were always there to speak to me when needed. Everything was done with professionalism and courtesy. They ensured that everything was covered and I felt very confident in their dealings with all matters concerned. I recommend them without hesitation to give their clients a smooth and excellent service.
  • The best thing throughout this process was the professionalism shown by the Conveyancing Team at Braddon and Snow Solicitors, our case was handled by Melanie and her very able assistant Roksana.  Although we were frustrated and sometimes very ratty, they kept very calm and dealt with all of our enquiries and problems as they came along, most of all they kept us advised and up to date.  We in all honesty could not have asked for or been supported any better by these two Ladies. Towards the end, we were calling Roksana on a regular daily basis, and were delighted to hear her positive and cheerful friendly voice.  I would highly recommend these Ladies to anyone, unlike the Firm that they were dealing with, who would not even respond to their calls.