First Steps to Divorce in
England & Wales (2026 Guide)
If you’re starting a divorce in England or Wales, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to do first.
This step-by-step guide explains the divorce process, likely costs, and your legal options—so you can take the first step with clarity and confidence.
As your situation develops, you can explore more detailed guidance on finances, child arrangements, mediation, and complex issues through our structured guidance hubs
What are the first steps in a divorce in England & Wales?
-
Check you meet the legal requirements
-
Prepare your application
-
Decide whether to apply jointly or individually
-
Submit your divorce application online
-
Begin considering financial and child arrangements
Start with the first step. Then follow the process.
Divorce is rarely resolved in a single step.
Most people move forward gradually—starting with understanding, then working through finances, arrangements for children, and how decisions are made.
Taking it step by step can make the situation feel more manageable and help you approach each stage with greater clarity.
1. Begin with a Free First Step Guide
Start by understanding the basics and what to expect at the beginning of divorce.
2. Follow the Step-by-Step Divorce Guide
See how the process works in practice—from legal steps to finances and arrangements for children.
👉
3. Go deeper where you need to
As your situation develops, explore more detailed guidance on finances, children, and mediation.
Guidance Areas
Divorce
If you are going through divorce or separation, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
There are often several things to consider at the same time—legal steps, finances, and arrangements for children.
Our step-by-step divorce guidance is designed to help you understand the process more clearly and move forward with greater confidence.
You can then explore each area in more detail:
👉 Start with the area that matters most to you right now.
→ How the divorce process works in England & Wales
Learn how divorce works, what steps to take first, and what happens next.
→ How finances are divided in divorce UK
Understand property, savings, pensions, and how financial disclosure works.
→ Reaching agreement
Explore mediation and ways to resolve issues without going straight to court
→ Complex Financial Arrangements
Understand how to approach and resolve complex financial arrangements
→ Child arrangements after divorce in the UK
Understand how to agree arrangements that work in your child’s best interests
FIRST STEP GUIDE provides legal information only and does not provide legal advice. The platform is designed to help individuals understand and navigate complex legal processes through structured guidance and AI-assisted support for life events including Divorce, Probate, Care Home Funding, and Power of Attorney. All content available is for general informational purposes only and use of this site does not constitute or create a solicitor-client relationship. For specific legal advice related to your personal circumstances, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified legal professional.