How long do you have to be separated before divorce?
You do not have to be separated for any length of time. Since April 2022 there is no separation requirement in England and Wales. The only waiting rule is that you must have been married for at least one year before applying.
CalmSplit confirms your eligibility in a few free questions and prepares your divorce application for a one-off £159.
- No separation period at all is required
- You must have been married at least one year
- You can apply while still living together
One-off CalmSplit fee. HMCTS court fees are paid separately to the court.
Check suitabilityThe law changed. Start free and pay £159 when you prepare your application.
See how it worksThe rule people are remembering
Separation periods of two or five years belonged to the old law. They were removed when no-fault divorce came in, along with the need to prove adultery or unreasonable behaviour.
The waiting periods that do exist
- One year of marriage before you can apply
- 20 weeks from issue of the application before applying for the Conditional Order
- Six weeks and one day after the Conditional Order before the Final Order
So how long does the whole thing take?
Most straightforward divorces complete in around six to eight months, driven by the statutory timetable rather than by anything you or your spouse do.
Frequently asked questions
Related CalmSplit pages
Check suitability
The law changed. Start free and pay £159 when you prepare your application.
Start free