Can divorce move forward without childrens arrangements in place?

[Lelloteddy]

Asking on behalf of a friend.
He is the respondant but hasn't yet seen the papers. Based on two years separation. Solicitors office has told him to come in and sign them. But he's just applied for a contact order for the children and hasn't even got a court date for a first hearing.
In my experience, nothing could move forward until contact arrangements were in place and agreed?

No, the court used to be able to delay the divorce if not satisfied with child arrangements but the relevant section has been repealed.

Incredibly rare anyway.

Thanks MrsBert

So essentially the divorce can go ahead and the contact order can then follow?

Exactly so. Hope it goes ok for your friend.

Thank you