The conditional order is one of the key stages in getting divorced in England and Wales, and one of the most misunderstood, partly because it used to be called something else. If you have started a divorce and reached this point, you are most of the way there. This guide…
What does marriage mean legally? Most people think of marriage as an emotional commitment, but in law it is something more specific: a legally binding status that changes your rights and responsibilities towards each other, your finances, and your estate. Understanding what marriage means legally in England and Wales helps…
Getting married changes your legal and financial position in ways that living together, however long, simply does not. In England and Wales, there is no such thing as “common-law marriage”, so the rights a spouse obtains on the wedding day are not available to an unmarried partner at all. This…
In brief A final order (formerly called a decree absolute) is the legal document that officially ends your marriage. Under the no-fault divorce system introduced on 6 April 2022, you can apply for your final order six weeks and one day after the court grants your conditional order. The earliest…
Victims of domestic abuse often report that they no longer feel safe in the comfort of their own home. Living with fear, control and violence can be overwhelming and deeply distressing. While one option may be to leave the family home, this is not always straightforward, particularly where children are…
Divorce rates vary widely around the world. Some countries report unusually high numbers of divorces per 1,000 people each year, while others maintain very low figures, often reflecting cultural norms, legal systems, social attitudes and family structures. While this article is framed around 2025, most global divorce statistics are published with…
Changing your name after marriage is an exciting step for many couples, but it can also feel daunting. From updating official documents to notifying institutions, the process requires careful planning. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to ensure your name change is smooth and legally recognised…
Controlling and coercive behaviour (CCB) has been recognised as a criminal offence in England and Wales since 2015, under Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act. It encompasses patterns of intimidation, isolation, financial restriction, or surveillance that cause serious and lasting harm. Almost ten years on, the latest data shows…
Stonewalling is when someone deliberately shuts down communication by refusing to engage in conversation, respond to concerns, or acknowledge the other person’s feelings. This behaviour is sometimes described as the silent treatment. Stonewalling can also involve dismissing what the other person says, belittling their feelings, or suggesting they are being…
It is still possible to get a divorce if your spouse lives abroad, provided that either you or your spouse meet certain criteria. The process is largely the same as a normal UK-based divorce, where both spouses reside in the UK. How do I divorce someone who lives abroad? Step…
One of the most frequently asked questions during divorce proceedings in the UK is, “Who pays for the divorce?” As of April 2025, the standard divorce application fee is £628, and it is typically paid by the person who initiates the divorce, known as the applicant. However, if you’re filing…
Prenuptial agreements (prenups) are used by couples who want to clarify their respective financial rights and obligations prior to marriage. Prenups detail how a couple’s assets will be divided in the event of a divorce, limiting the potential for conflict over who gets what. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, which…
