Abigail O'Toole, Family Law Solicitor
Here at Heringtons, we completely understand the grief, uncertainty, and emotional strain that often come with the decision to divorce. Our aim is always to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
As part of Good Divorce Week 2025, we’ve put together a list of five common pitfalls people encounter when applying for a divorce - and how to avoid them. Think of this as your quick checklist to help keep things on track and minimise unnecessary stress.
1. Have Your Marriage Certificate Ready
When applying for a divorce online, the court requires a full colour copy of your marriage certificate (with all four corners shown). Without it, the application simply can’t be processed - so make sure you have the original (or a certified copy) to hand. If you were married abroad, you’ll also need a certified English translation from a reputable translation provider before submitting your application.
2. Include Your Ex-Spouse’s Address
The court needs both parties’ addresses so that the application can be properly served. If an address isn’t included, this will cause delays and complications, and the court will not always accept an email address.
If you wish to keep your address confidential, there’s a form you can submit to the court to request this.
If you don’t know your spouse’s current address, don’t worry - there are options available, and we at Heringtons Solicitors can guide you through those next steps.
3. Check if You’re Eligible for a Fee Reduction
The current (as of 13/11/2025) court fee to issue a divorce application is £612, which we know is a considerable amount. However, depending on your financial situation, you may be eligible for a fee reduction (known as a fee remission).
It’s best to explore this as early as possible to prevent delays later on. You can check eligibility for a fee reduction on the gov.uk website, or we can point you in the right direction.
4. Sole or Joint Application?
You can apply for a divorce either individually (a sole application) or together (a joint application).
If you’re thinking of making a joint application, good communication and cooperation are essential, as both parties need to stay engaged at each stage. While we strongly encourage an amicable approach wherever possible, we understand that emotions can run high.
If you have any doubts about maintaining open communication throughout the process (which can take around 6–8 months), a sole application may be more suitable.
Just bear in mind that for joint applications, both parties must qualify for any fee remission.
5. Remember the One-Year Rule
A final but important point: you cannot file for divorce within the first year of marriage. We appreciate that this can be frustrating, especially for those whose marriage has unfortunately broken down very quickly. Other options are available which we can discuss with you in more detail.
Whatever your circumstances, it’s worth deciding early on whether you want to manage your divorce yourself or have a legal representative guide you through the process.
Here at Heringtons Solicitors, our friendly and experienced team can help carry that burden and support you every step of the way.
If you’d like advice or assistance with your divorce, please don’t hesitate to get in touch - we’re here to help.