Divorces delayed by disputes as quickie divorce search grows
But, there may be more to this interest than casual celebrity interest, with many who are looking to split concerned about financial disclosures and money disputes slowing down the process.
The latest ONS figures show 80,057 divorces were granted within a year in the UK. But how long do these proceedings tend to take? How long should you expect to wait to finalise a divorce and what can speed up the process? Is there such a thing as a "quickie divorce"?
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A divorce cannot be concluded in less than 26 weeks, and according to gov.uk, the average divorce in England and Wales takes at least seven months to process.
Lucy Phipps, a family lawyer from Weightmans, says: "Different factors can influence the length of time it can take, including court delays, but mainly it can take longer because of the time needed to resolve disputes over finances.
"It can be extremely important not to finalise your divorce until a financial settlement is reached. This also needs to be recorded in a court order, and so, however keen you are not to remain married, it is always worthwhile checking this point with a solicitor before you apply for the final order of divorce."
It's important to be aware that whether you apply for a divorce on your own or as part of a joint application, the process will still be expected to take the same amount of time.
The rise of the 'quickie divorce' - does it exist?
With over 1,000 searches each month for the term 'quickie divorce' in the UK, popularised by mainstream media, the terminology is often synonymous with celebrity divorces.
Although a 'quickie divorce' gives the impression of a fast turnaround, there is no way to hurry along proceedings within the boundaries of the law.
The phrase arose years ago, when it was necessary to cite the fault of one of the parties if you wished to avoid waiting for at least 2 years post-separation before being allowed to apply for a divorce.
What's a no-fault divorce?
Since 2022, there has been a 'no fault' divorce system. All legal divorces are subject to the same minimum timeframe of 26 weeks.
Lucy says: "There are also clear risks in proceeding without legal advice. Without proper representation, issues can arise that seriously jeopardise financial security, such as prematurely divorcing before a financial settlement is reached.
"This potentially can cause hardship if a party passes away prior to that settlement being converted into a legally binding order, because spousal pension benefits are lost.
"Other mistakes can include remarrying prior to a settlement being reached, which may prevent your seeking any settlement at all, or divorcing in the wrong divorce jurisdiction, resulting in your obtaining a settlement worth less than that you might have obtained if you were divorced somewhere else."
Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities is essential to achieving the best possible outcome post-divorce.
Financial and parental disputes can cause delays
When preparing for a divorce, several factors can delay the process beyond the typical timeframe.
"One common issue is incomplete paperwork. For example, the initial application for a divorce or dissolution, the D8 form, must be properly completed before proceedings can start," says Lucy.
The most frequent delays involve disputes over finances or children. Although the divorce itself can proceed without resolving these matters, courts and expert family law solicitors recommend that financial arrangements are addressed first.
Financial disclosure issues in divorce cases
Disputes regarding property, pensions, or maintenance. Other potential delays may stem from court backlogs, a change of solicitors by either party, or particularly complex financial circumstances.
How to prepare for the process - or get your 'ducks in a row'
"The first step would be to get your documents in order to prepare for the divorce proceedings; this can include your marriage certificate, filling in the required D8 form, and starting to think about financial arrangements by gathering together information such as property agreements and bank statements," says Lucy.
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Beware destination weddings
Couples who get divorced after tying the knot on a sandy beach in a far-flung location could face 'difficult delays' if important paperwork has been mislaid.
James Brien, Founder of Easy Online Divorce says: 'Whether it's the sunshine or a better deal that makes a couple decide to go overseas for their wedding, it's an exciting and romantic experience.
'Like all relationships, things can go wrong and you might decide to separate. No matter where you get married, to start divorce proceedings in the UK, you need your marriage certificate.
'Things happen and marriage certificates can get lost, or a partner might withhold it if things have taken a bitter turn.
'In the UK, it can take four weeks to get a new certificate. But if you need a copy sent over from the authorities in another country, this can cause a difficult delay to proceedings.'
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