How long will my divorce take?

Answer

On average, a divorce can take around 6 months, although it is very much dependent on the complexity of your case, whether you complete the application documents accurately and how quickly you go through each stage of the divorce process. In addition, it is also dependent on how efficiently the court is able to function. 

If you request a divorce jointly with your spouse you will both receive confirmation that the divorce has been filed. After this, you are required to wait for at least 20 weeks before applying for the divorce. 

If you are petitioning for divorce independently, your spouse will be given 14 days to respond. They will either agree or contest the divorce. There will only be delays in the process if the objections to the divorce have legal standing. They cannot challenge the divorce merely to put off getting one or to slow the process.

After this 20-week period, you and your spouse can proceed with the divorce by requesting a conditional order. 

After the court has approved the conditional order, you must wait a minimum of 43 days before making an application for a final order which completes the divorce process.