Getting divorced is a difficult, painful and often financially traumatic experience. If you have no financial choice but to go through a DIY divorce, what can you expect?

Step One

The first thing to do is to apply for divorce. In order to begin divorce proceedings you need to have been married for a minimum of a year and you must be able to show that the marriage has broken down irreversibly. There are a number of reasons that will qualify your position:

• If your wife or husband has committed adultery and you find it intolerable to continue living with your spouse.
• If your wife or husband has behaved unreasonably to the extent it is no longer reasonable to live with them.
• If your partner has left you for a period of two years.
• Desertion – if you have lived apart for five years.

To get a divorce you need to complete the relevant forms obtained from your County Court. It costs just over £200 unless you receive benefits, in which case you may be exempt from the charge. You will also have to write a Statement of Arrangements for Children if you have children and need to clarify custody and access.

If you have children it is advisable that you seek out legal help as it is important for the welfare of your children that amicable and enforceable arrangements are put into place.

Step Two

The court will check your paperwork before forwarding it onto your spouse. He or she will than be asked to complete an Acknowledgement of Service. The next step is to apply to the court to have the divorce put on the court list, which means more paperwork. You can get step-by-step guides for DIY divorces, which will help you to fill out the Affidavit in Support and the Application for Directions for Trial.

Step Three

After about a month, your decree nisi will be pronounced in court. This means your paperwork and application will be put forward to a Judge to consider whether or not to grant the divorce.

Step Four

After six weeks and one day have passed you can apply for the decree absolute for, which will mean you are now officially divorced. This will cost around £30 and is the final step in your divorce.

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