How long does a divorce take?

[twistybookworm]

Husband left last august. Being amicable about things, just wanted to know how long divorce should take?

[lubeybooby]

About 6 months if all straightforward and agreed - this is what I've been told anyway yet to get round to it myself

[Gardenpixie]

Have you thought about mediation? If you are being amicable, it could make it easier and quicker. Hope you get everything resolved soon

[ToothbrushThief]

I divorced in less than 6 months. It does depend on the schedule of court (i.e.how busy they are)

I would recommend DIY because it's much faster if you don't involve sols.....but it also depends on whether you can easily reach a fair/safe agreement.

If you can.... then diy is cheapest and fastest. You need a sol to write the consent order. If you and ex are in agreement you can ask for a fixed price. I'd avoid online companies -not naming popular divorce site offering divorce online-. I had a friend use one and was left high and dry because it didn't do what it said it would.

[Collaborate]

What didn't they do toothbrushthief?

[mumofsussex]

How long is a piece of string?
If all amicable and straightforward it could all be finalised in 6 months but could take longer.

I would second the suggestion about mediation and would also recommend at least a first interview with a family lawyer for initial advice (Have a look at the Resolution website)

Although sometimes it is relatively easy to act in person for the divorce itself, I would always recommend instructing a Solicitor to deal with the finances, ie draft the Consent order and get that ratified by the Court.

[nocake]

I too have a friend who used a online solicitor linked to a popular divorce site offering divorce online. They didn't draft the consent order correctly which meant she was unable to enforce the child maintenance section. When her ex stopped paying she was unable to claim the money from him. She took it to the ombudsman who proved to be spectacularly useless. Solicitors protecting solicitors!

I would recommend using a firm local to you and recommended by someone else. If you can't find one then use the Resolution website to find one.