Divorce
How To Get A Divorce
Having your relationship breakdown is emotionally taxing enough, before you even think about the process of getting a divorce. If you are just researching divorce o you are ready to take the next step, this guide provides clarity on the divorce process when you instruct our firm.

Grant Stephens Family Law understands how confusing, overwhelming and difficult the divorce process can be. Experiencing a relationship breakdown is emotionally exhausting, but with the right advice and support from our expert and specialist solicitors, we can help to ease the process and get you the best result possible.
This guide, created by our specialist family law solicitors, helps you to navigate each step that will be taken. From your first phone call with us, to the final documents being signed, it will help you step-by-step, making the process easier.
Your local divorce solicitors
Grant Stephens Family Law are one of the leading specialist family law firms in Wales, with offices in two of Wales’ largest cities, Cardiff and Swansea. We have both firm wide award and rankings, and individual solicitors who have been recognised for their outstanding service and expertise No matter how complex your divorce is, our solicitors have years of experience and can expertly guide you through the process.
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Step 2:
Speaking with a solicitor
After speaking to one of our legal assistants, you will be put through to a solicitor who will enquire further about your situation and gather any relevant information that they need. These questions are to determine why you have contacted our firm and whether we are the right firm for you. Our solicitors will take the time talking with you to make sure that you feel heard
Step 4:
Booking your initial consultation
After discussing all of this with the solicitor, and both you and the solicitor you speak to have determined that we are the right firm, you will be asked for your availability to book in your initial consultation.
An initial consultation can be held in person, or via Microsoft Teams. We cannot hold the initial consultation over the phone as the solicitor must be able to see your face to verify your identity.
Before you book, the solicitor you are speaking to will clearly explain the fees and requirements of the initial consultation.
Cost of the initial consultation
In most cases, the first 30 minutes of the initial consultation are free of charge. Any time after the first 30 minutes are charged at a rate of £200 + VAT per hour. We cannot limit your initial consultation to 30 minutes as it takes time for the solicitor to gain a full understanding of everything that has gone on.
What happens if there are ongoing proceedings?
If you enquire with our firm when there are ongoing proceedings, you do not qualify for the free 30 minutes in the initial consultation. Your solicitor will clearly state this to you before you book the meeting so that you can make a decision on whether or not you would like to go ahead.
To find out more about out fees, click here:
Step 6:
Your Initial Consultation
There will be three people in the meeting – you, your solicitor and a legal assistant who will be there to take a detailed note of everything that was discussed.
The solicitor will first run through how the cost of the initial consultation works and then will begin to ask you questions about what has gone on and what legal assistance you need.
Once both you and your solicitor have discussed everything that is necessary, your solicitor will provide you with some initial steps and a rough cost estimate. You will then be asked to pay for any time over the first 30 minutes and asked whether you would like to instruct us.
If you decide to instruct our firm, the solicitor who met with you in the initial consultation will be assigned to you and will guide you through every step of the process with clarity and empathy. They will correspond with you via email and telephone and answer any questions or concerns that you may have, always keeping you in the loop.
How Long Does the Divorce Process Take?
The length of a divorce varies depending on its complexity. In cases where both parties can agree on terms, the process can be managed relatively swiftly. However, factors such as financial disputes, shared assets, and child arrangements can make the process longer.
Opting for court alternative options such as mediation or collaborative law may expedite a resolution and lead to a more amicable and quicker outcome.
If you are interested in finding out more about the benefits of mediation, read about it here: The top 5 benefits of family mediation
If you want to find out more about whether collaborative law might be the best option for you, read about it here: Is collaborative law the right process for my divorce?
The Divorce Process – How divorce works
– Step 1
Seek legal advice
While not mandatory, instructing a solicitor will help in understanding your options and the likely outcomes of your divorce.
– Step 2
The Application
One or both parties in the divorce will submit a divorce application to the court (either themselves or via a solicitor) using the HMCTS portal.
– Step 3
A reflection period
After the divorce application has been submitted and the other party involved in the divorce has responded to the petition, the courts require a 20 week reflection period.
During this time, other financial or children matters may continue.
– Step 4
Conditional Order
Previously known as a decree Nisi, the applicants will apply for a conditional order following the 20 week reflection period.
The courts will then review the case and, if everything appears to be okay, the court will grant the order.
– Step 5
Waiting period
Following the conditional order, it is mandatory to wait 6 weeks before the final steps of the divorce can be taken.
– Step 6
Final Order
After the waiting period, the applicants can apply for a final order (previously known as Decree Absolute), which legally ends the marriage.
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We offer an initial consultation where the first 30 minutes are free. Fill out the form and one of the members of our team will be in touch
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