Can you get a “quickie divorce” in England and Wales?

It is a common question for family lawyers, fuelled by media headlines and misconceptions about fast-track separations for the rich and famous. In this video, part of our new Family Matters series, family lawyers Jamie Kennaugh and Joshua Green cut through the noise and explain the reality of the English divorce process: there is no VIP lane, no queue jumping, and no way to bypass the legal process, no matter who you are.

You will learn about each stage of a divorce application, from using the court’s online portal to file your application confirming the irretrievable breakdown of your marriage, the mandatory 20 week ‘cooling off’ period before a Conditional Order can be granted, and then the further six week waiting period before a Final Order can be made by the court. The video also highlights the typical divorce timeline of 7 to 9 months, explains why the ‘cooling off’ period exists, and clarifies that resolving financial claims is a separate process which often takes longer. 

Importantly, the video addresses common search questions such as “how long does a divorce take in England?”, “can a divorce be fast-tracked?”, and “when can I remarry after divorce?”. It also touches on the rare and exceptional circumstances in which the court may shorten the process, and why it is often sensible to delay the Final Order of divorce until financial matters are settled. If you are looking for clear, practical guidance on the divorce process in England and Wales, this video provides a straightforward, myth-busting overview of what to expect.