Divorce can be very stressful and we believe choosing and using a lawyer shouldn't add to that stress.

We offer a range of clearly priced services, putting you in control – all provided by local, expert lawyers. Select the option below that best suits your circumstances or give us a call for some free advice.

A No Fault Divorce allows couples to leave their marriage without having to use one of the five facts to prove your marriage has ‘irretrievably broken down’, you can simply make a declaration together saying that it has.

Can a couple jointly apply for a no fault divorce?

Yes. A couple can apply for a no fault divorce singly or jointly. Previously one spouse had to issue divorce proceedings against the other.

The new law doesn’t change that a solicitor can only act for one of you in any child or financial arrangements.

There might be the need to consider what would happen if one of you changes your mind due to a breakdown during discussions on child or financial arrangements.

How long does a no fault divorce take?

If everything therefore runs smoothly and there are no other issues, the minimum length of time to get a divorce now will be six months.

No Fault Divorce process.

  • A couple apply for a divorce individually or together. This means they can choose to make a statement together explaining their marriage has irretrievably broken down. They don’t need to explain why.
  • A period of 20 weeks will apply as a ‘cooling off period’
  • After 20 weeks and the couple are still looking to proceed, a Conditional Order is granted by the court. At this point you can now file a financial consent order with the court following the Condition Order being granted and (if you are having one) the financial order sealed (agreed) you can apply for your final divorce order
  • A 6-week period
  • After the 6 weeks is over a Final Order is made by the court.
  • The minimum length of time to get a No Fault Divorce will be 6 months.

Can you contest a no fault divorce?

No, you cannot contest a no fault divorce. The reason for contesting a divorce is the mistaken belief that admitting fault will affect access to children and the fair division of financial assets.

Although a no fault divorce cannot be contested, the terms of the divorce can. For example, financial arrangements and arrangements for children. In this case terms may be agreed through mediation or, failing that, through the court.

What happens about the parenting arrangements and finances?

You will need to reach an agreement on how the arrangements for parenting and how the assets and finances are agreed whilst living separately, as these are separate parts of your divorce and are not covered under the no fault divorce law.

If you are having difficulty on coming to an agreement between yourselves, mediation is the next reasonable step as it is a pre-requisite for going to court for a decision in most cases.

How much does a no fault divorce cost?

A no fault divorce may be less costly than the current divorce process because it is less contentious. It is hoped that more amicable agreements can be reached more quickly so outcomes are less expensive.

Arrangements for children and matters relating to property and finances will still need to be agreed. The associated costs here will be the same as any type of divorce.

We offer a range of clearly priced divorce services, so you can choose what best suits your circumstances. Our services range from initial Free Initial Assessment and Ask the Legal Expert (45 minutes for £99), through to full representation.

If you decide to adopt a child, either in the UK or from overseas, having expert legal advice is key. DJF Chapman & Chubb can support you in this highly complex legal area.

Find Out More

When a relationship breaks down and children are involved, your main concern will be to protect their wellbeing. So it’s good to know that at DJF Chapman & Chubb we make your children our number one priority too.

Find Out More

If you decide to change your name, DJF Chapman & Chubb can help you to do this legally and properly.

Find Out More

Divorce can be very stressful and we believe choosing and using a lawyer shouldn’t add to that stress. We offer a range of clearly priced services, putting you in control – all provided by local, expert lawyers. Select the option below that best suits your circumstances or give us a call for some free advice.

Find Out More

If you’re in a relationship that isn’t working for you, either because you feel threatened or are with a violent or abusive partner, it can be difficult to know where to turn to for help – but it’s important not to suffer in silence. Asking for help is the first step to resolving the situation.

Find Out More

More and more couples are choosing to live together and share their lives without getting married. And whilst emotionally, you may feel no different to a married couple; under the law, couples that live together without getting married do not share the same legal rights as those who marry. This can make things difficult if the relationship breaks down in the future particularly in regards to finance and property. And if children are involved, it’s important to protect their future too.

Find Out More

Family life can be complicated and sometimes relationships with loved ones break down. At DJF Chapman & Chubb we offer an expert mediation service to help you get family life back on track. Mediation is a recognised process designed to help people resolve disputes with the help of a trained relationship expert. Unlike court cases where there is usually a ‘winner’ and a ‘loser’, mediation tries to find a solution that works for all parties involved.

Find Out More

Planning a wedding is an exciting time – and also a time when you start thinking about your long-term future. You’re probably looking forward to a long and happy marriage but it’s also natural to wonder what unexpected twists and turns life might bring.

Find Out More
djf-chapman-chubb-light
Business

Chapman & Chubb is a trading name of David J Foster & Co (Solicitors) Ltd, and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority number 611804

Find us

Shane House
157 Nottingham Road
Somercotes
Derbyshire
DE55 4JH

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday
9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm