Can you get married again without getting a divorce UK?
10 minute read
Date Published - April 16th 2025
Date Updated - April 18th 2025
10 minute read
Date Published - April 16th 2025
Date Updated - April 18th 2025
Marriage, separation, and divorce can feel emotionally and legally complicated, especially if you're unsure where you stand. One of the most common questions our Family Law team hears is whether you can remarry in the UK without officially ending your current marriage. The short answer? No - but there’s a lot more to understand.
Whether you’re separated, in the middle of a divorce, or planning a new chapter, knowing your legal rights is the best place to start.
If you’re navigating a separation or considering remarriage, our experienced family law solicitors are here to support you with clear, practical advice. Get in touch today - we’ll help you move forward with confidence.
It is against the law to get married again if your previous marriage has not been legally annulled. You cannot get married again without first getting a divorce to end the first marriage.
If you would like to remarry, your previous marriage has to be legally dissolved by way of a Final Order or Decree Absolute (as it was previously known pre-6th April 2022). This confirms that a divorce is officially finalised. To apply for a Final Order, you have to wait a minimum of six weeks and one day (or 43 days) from the date the Conditional Order or Decree Nisi (what it used to be called) is issued.
In saying this, some religions have different rules on whether someone can marry again in a religious ceremony. If you would like to remarry in a religious ceremony, you will have to check with an office holder in the relevant religion to find out if you can. However, doing so is at the discretion of the official conducting the ceremony.
It’s always worth speaking to a family law specialist before making any big decisions. At GloverPriest, we help you understand your legal position clearly and calmly, so you can move forward with confidence and lay strong foundations for whatever comes next.
Once your divorce is legally finalised, it’s important to make sure everything is in place before moving forward - especially if you’re thinking about remarrying. First, ensure you’ve received your Final Order (previously called the Decree Absolute). If you don’t, entering into a new marriage before this could make the union legally invalid, which can cause issues down the line.
It’s also a good idea to get expert legal advice before making any big decisions. A family or divorce solicitor can help you review your current legal and financial position, explain your rights around remarriage or annulment, and ensure any outstanding arrangements from your previous marriage, such as financial arrangements/settlements, are fully resolved.
If you’re considering another marriage, it’s worth remembering that you can’t remarry until your divorce is complete.
For many people, the period after a divorce is also a time of personal change. If you’re rebuilding emotionally or adjusting to life after separation, don’t underestimate the value of support - whether that’s from a trusted therapist, friends, or local services.
You must obtain a Decree Absolute (now known as a Final Order) to remarry legally in the UK. This document confirms the finalisation of your divorce and ends your previous marriage. Without it, any new marriage would be considered invalid and could lead to legal issues.
You can apply for a Decree Absolute after the court grants your Decree Nisi (known as a Conditional Order post-April 6th, 2022), which indicates that your marriage has irretrievably broken down. The Decree Absolute usually becomes available six weeks after the Decree Nisi, allowing you to move forward with your plans for remarriage.
If you're uncertain about any aspects of the process, consulting solicitors or lawyers who specialise in family law can provide valuable guidance and support. They can help ensure that all necessary legal formalities are followed, making the transition smoother for you.
You might also consider annulment as an alternative to divorce if you meet specific grounds for this process. Annulling a marriage indicates that it was never valid in the eyes of the law. This option may be worth exploring, but it's crucial to seek legal advice from professionals who can assist you in understanding the implications and criteria involved.
Before taking any steps toward remarriage, reflect on your emotional readiness and address any underlying issues from your previous marriage. Engaging with a support group or therapist can provide you with the necessary tools to approach this new chapter in your life with confidence and clarity.
No, you cannot engage in a new relationship or become engaged when still married, as the existing marriage remains legally binding. Legally, you need to address your current marital status before embarking on a new commitment. Engaging while married could lead to significant legal consequences.
If you are considering remarriage, obtaining a divorce is essential. Until you secure a Decree Absolute, any engagement lacks legal standing and could complicate future relationships.
If you're unsure about the divorce process or how to navigate your options, consulting with solicitors or lawyers who specialise in family law can provide clarity. They help you understand your rights and obligations and guide you through the annulment, if that’s a possibility for your situation. An annulment can declare your marriage null and void under specific circumstances, but legal advice maximises your chances of achieving this outcome.
Emotional readiness is equally important. Reflect on your motivations and emotional stability before pursuing engagement. Transitioning from one relationship to another requires time for healing and understanding your desires.
In the UK, you’re legally free to remarry as soon as you receive your Decree Absolute - the final document that confirms your divorce is complete. Typically, this can be applied for six weeks and one day after your Decree Nisi has been granted, but that’s only the legal side of things.
While there’s no official waiting period once your divorce is finalised, it’s worth taking a moment to consider your next steps, both practically and emotionally. For some, this might be the right time to speak to a solicitor about putting a Clean Break Order in place to settle any remaining financial ties with your ex. For others, it’s about making sure they’re confident and ready to move forward with peace of mind.
If you’re considering an annulment rather than a divorce, different rules apply. An annulment treats the marriage as though it never legally existed, and it requires specific grounds such as coercion, fraud, or incapacity. A solicitor can advise whether this route is appropriate in your situation and guide you through what’s involved.
At GloverPriest, we know that no two relationships are the same. If you’re planning to remarry or want to clarify your position after a divorce, our family law specialists are here to provide clear, practical advice - helping you move forward with confidence.
While you don’t legally need a Clean Break Order to remarry, it’s often a smart step - especially if you want full financial independence from your ex-spouse. A Clean Break Order is a type of Financial Order that formally ends any financial ties following divorce, meaning neither of you can make claims on each other’s income, property or pensions in the future.
If you’ve already reached a financial settlement, a Clean Break Order can give you extra peace of mind, making sure those agreements are final and enforceable. It’s particularly important if you own assets or expect to acquire them in future, such as through inheritance, property or a new business venture.
At GloverPriest, our specialist financial arrangement solicitors can help you apply for a Clean Break Order alongside or after your divorce. Getting this in place before you remarry ensures your new relationship begins on a clear and secure footing.
If you’re unsure about your financial position post-divorce, or if you’re concerned your previous relationship could still impact your future plans, it’s worth getting legal advice. We’re here to help you protect what matters most and move forward with confidence.
When it comes to finalising your divorce, sorting the paperwork isn’t just about ending the marriage - it’s about securing your financial future. Without legally binding financial arrangements, there’s no guarantee that your ex-partner can’t come back with a claim later down the line. That means that, even years after separation, your savings, pension, property, or future inheritance could still be vulnerable.
A financial order is a legal document that formalises how your finances will be divided after divorce. It can cover everything from property and savings to pensions and ongoing maintenance. Without one, any informal agreements you’ve made aren’t protected, and that uncertainty can lead to problems in the future. It’s always wise to get legal advice from an experienced family solicitor who can guide you through your options and make sure everything is watertight.
If you and your ex-partner want a clear separation with no future financial ties, a clean break order could be the best option. This type of financial order ensures neither party can make further claims against the other, giving you the freedom to move on with confidence. Whether you're starting a new relationship, planning for retirement, or just looking for peace of mind, a clean break gives you the clarity you need.
Not all divorces are straightforward. If you’re struggling to agree on finances, there are options to help you reach a resolution without heading straight to court. Mediation and other financial dispute resolution services offer a practical way to work through disagreements with professional support.
If you're thinking about remarriage, having the right legal advice behind you can make all the difference. A divorce solicitor ensures your divorce is fully finalised - including securing your Decree Absolute - so you're legally free to move forward.
At GloverPriest, our experienced financial arrangement solicitors can help you understand your financial position, too. That might mean applying for a clean break order to formally end financial ties with your ex, or working through a fair settlement to protect your future. It’s about giving you peace of mind as you take your next step.
If you’re unsure whether divorce or annulment is the right path, we can talk you through the options and explain the grounds for each. Our role is to give you clarity, not jargon, so you always feel confident in your decisions.
When things feel overwhelming, having a solicitor who listens, supports, and advocates for you can make the journey far less daunting. Whether you’re facing complex financial discussions or just need reassurance, we’re here to help you navigate the process with sensitivity and care.
At GloverPriest, we know that moving on after a divorce isn’t always straightforward, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Our family law specialists are here to offer practical, friendly guidance tailored to your situation.
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To remarry legally in the UK, you must obtain a Decree Absolute from your divorce. This document confirms that your previous marriage has been finalised and allows you to enter a new marriage.
Yes, in the UK, you must have a Decree Absolute to remarry legally. This document officially ends your previous marriage and confirms you’re no longer legally tied to your former spouse. Without it, any new marriage would be invalid and could carry legal consequences. If you’re unsure whether divorce or annulment is the right route for your situation, it’s always best to speak with a family law expert to understand your options and avoid complications.
No, you cannot legally marry someone else while still being married. Doing so is considered valid grounds for bigamy, making any new marriage invalid.
You can apply for an annulment to declare your marriage null and void, but specific grounds must be proven. Consult a solicitor for guidance on your circumstances.
A clean break order legally ends all financial ties with an ex-spouse, preventing future claims on each other's assets. It is advisable for those looking to remarry to ensure financial clarity.
A financial order is crucial post-divorce as it outlines asset division and financial responsibilities. Without it, you risk unexpected claims from your ex-spouse regarding shared property and finances.
Reflecting on your emotional readiness is essential. Consider seeking support from a therapist or support group to help navigate the feelings surrounding your new relationship.
There is no legal waiting period after receiving your Decree Absolute, but it’s advisable to take time for emotional reflection before entering a new marriage.
Divorce solicitors provide crucial legal support during divorce proceedings, guiding you through filing for a Decree Absolute and addressing financial matters, ensuring your rights are protected
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