The Quickest Way to Divorce in England and Wales

When a relationship ends, most people want the same thing: to move on as quickly, calmly, and affordably as possible.

The good news is that divorce does not have to take years, drain finances, or involve multiple court hearings.

The fastest and most cost-effective way to divorce follows a simple, structured path:

Apply for divorce online → Mediation → Consent orders for children and finances

Below, we explain each step — and why this route is significantly quicker and cheaper than going through the courts.

Step 1: Apply for Divorce Online

The divorce process now starts online and is largely administrative.

You can apply:

• As a sole applicant, or

• As a joint applicant (often quicker and smoother)

There is no need to prove fault, and the process includes:

• A 20-week reflection period

• A further 6 weeks before the final order

⏱️ Minimum timeframe: Around 6–7 months

💷 Court fee: £593 (as at 2026)

This part is usually straightforward. What causes delays is disputes about children or money — which is where mediation becomes crucial.

Step 2: Use Mediation to Resolve Children and Financial Matters

If you have children or shared finances, mediation is the fastest way to reach agreement.

In mediation, you and your former partner:

• Discuss child arrangements (where children live, time with each parent, holidays, communication)

• Work through finances (property, savings, pensions, debts, income)

• Stay in control of decisions rather than handing them to a judge

Most couples resolve matters in 2–5 mediation sessions, often within weeks.

⏱️ Timescale: Often 4–8 weeks

💷 Cost: A fraction of solicitor-led negotiations or court proceedings

Mediation avoids:

• Months (or years) of court delays

• Multiple hearings

• Escalating legal fees

• Increased conflict and stress

Step 3: Make Agreements Legally Binding with Consent Orders

Agreements reached in mediation are not automatically legally binding — but they can be made so quickly and efficiently through consent orders.

Financial Consent Order

This legally finalises:

• Property division

• Pensions

• Lump sums

• Ongoing financial claims

Once approved, it provides full financial closure, preventing future claims.

Child Arrangements Consent Order (optional)

If needed, parenting agreements can also be approved by the court without a hearing.

⏱️ Court approval: Usually 4–8 weeks

💷 Court fee: £53 for a financial consent order

No court appearance. No hearings. No arguments in front of a judge.