Family Law · Divorce & Separation
Divorce Solicitors in Chester
No-Fault Divorce, Consent Orders & Financial Settlements
Part of our wider Family Law services
Speak to a Family Law SolicitorDivorce is one of the most significant decisions you will make. At PDA Law, our family law solicitors in Chester provide clear, balanced advice at every stage — from the initial decision to separate through to the final financial order.
We understand that no two divorces are the same. Whether your situation is straightforward or complex, we focus on protecting your position while keeping matters as constructive as possible. We serve clients across Chester, Cheshire, Wrexham and North Wales.
What We Advise On
- Starting divorce proceedings and the no-fault divorce process
- Separation and living apart arrangements
- Financial disclosure and asset division
- Consent orders and financial settlements
- Protecting your home and property
- Arrangements for children during and after divorce
- Complex cases involving businesses, pensions and overseas assets
No-Fault Divorce
Since April 2022, couples in England and Wales can divorce without assigning blame. The no-fault divorce process removes the need to cite unreasonable behaviour or adultery, making proceedings less adversarial. There is no longer a requirement to prove a basis of divorce — you simply confirm that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
The process involves two stages: a conditional order (formerly decree nisi) and a final order of divorce (formerly decree absolute). The minimum period from application to final order is 26 weeks.
We can guide you through the new process clearly, explaining each stage and what to expect.
The Divorce Process — Step by Step
From application to final order: what happens and when
Application
Day 1You (or both of you jointly) submit the divorce application online via the HMCTS portal. The court fee is currently £593. We prepare and check the application for you.
Acknowledgement of Service
Weeks 1–4Your spouse receives the application and must acknowledge it within 14 days. In a joint application, this step is not required.
20-Week Reflection Period
Weeks 1–20The law requires a minimum 20-week period from the date of application before you can apply for a conditional order. This period is designed to allow reflection and to resolve financial and children matters.
Conditional Order
Week 20+After 20 weeks, you apply for a conditional order (formerly decree nisi). The court checks the application and, if satisfied, grants the conditional order. This confirms the court sees no reason why you cannot divorce.
6-Week Waiting Period
Weeks 26–32You must wait at least 6 weeks after the conditional order before applying for the final order.
Final Order of Divorce
Week 26+The final order of divorce (formerly decree absolute) legally ends your marriage. You are now divorced. Important: do not apply for the final order until financial matters are resolved or a consent order is in place.
Minimum total time: 26 weeks from application to final order. Most straightforward divorces complete in 6–9 months. Contested financial matters can take longer.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost?
A transparent breakdown of what you can expect to pay
Court fee (divorce application)
Fixed government fee — same for all divorces
Solicitor fees — straightforward divorce
Fixed fee for uncontested divorce proceedings only
Consent order (financial agreement)
Strongly recommended to achieve a clean break
Financial remedy proceedings (contested)
Depends on complexity — we provide a clear estimate upfront
Our approach to costs:
- Fixed-fee options available for straightforward divorces
- All costs confirmed in writing before any work begins
- No hidden extras — we explain everything upfront
- We discuss your options before you commit to anything
Divorce & Finances
Divorce does not automatically resolve financial matters. A separate financial order — known as a consent order — is required to achieve a clean break. Without one, either party may make financial claims in the future, even years after the divorce is finalised.
There is no fixed formula for dividing assets in divorce in the UK. Courts consider the needs of each party, contributions made during the marriage, the welfare of any children, and the length of the marriage. Typical UK divorce settlements vary considerably depending on these factors.
We help clients understand what a fair financial settlement looks like and how to achieve it — whether by agreement or through court proceedings.
Divorce & Children
Where children are involved, arrangements for where they live and how they spend time with each parent are often the most important matters to resolve. The court will always prioritise the child's welfare.
We provide clear advice on child arrangements and can help you reach agreement without unnecessary conflict.
Divorce Solicitors in Chester & Cheshire
PDA Law is based in Chester and has been advising clients on divorce and family law matters across Cheshire, Wrexham and North Wales for over 20 years. Our family law team understands the local courts and the practical realities facing families in this area.
Whether you are in Chester, Ellesmere Port, Wrexham, Mold, Flint or anywhere across Cheshire and North Wales, we provide the same high standard of advice and representation.
Costs & Early Advice
We understand that cost is a real concern. While we do not offer legal aid, we:
- Explain costs clearly from the outset
- Discuss your options before work begins
- Focus on proportionate, practical solutions
We'll explain costs clearly before any work begins.
Your Family Law Specialist
Your Family Law Specialist
Martin Dias
Family Law Executive
Martin brings almost 30 years of specialist family law experience to every case — divorce, separation, financial settlements and children matters. Clients value his straight-talking honesty, patience, and genuine emotional support throughout what is often a very difficult time.
Your Divorce Journey
What Happens After the Divorce — Your Next Steps
Start the no-fault divorce process — application, conditional order, final order.
Common Questions About Divorce
Answers to the questions we hear most often
How long does a divorce take?
Under the no-fault divorce process introduced in April 2022, there is a mandatory 20-week reflection period from the date of application before you can apply for a conditional order. You must then wait a further 6 weeks before applying for the final order of divorce. This means the absolute minimum time from application to final order is 26 weeks (approximately 6 months). In practice, most straightforward divorces complete in 6–9 months. Where financial matters are contested or complex, the overall process can take 12–18 months or longer.
Can I get divorced without a solicitor?
Yes — you can apply for divorce yourself online through the HMCTS portal without using a solicitor. However, most people benefit from legal advice, particularly regarding financial settlements, pensions and children. Many people who attempt a DIY divorce encounter problems that cost significantly more to fix later — especially if they fail to obtain a consent order and their former spouse makes financial claims years down the line. We offer a free initial consultation so you can understand your options before committing to anything.
Do I need to go to court to get divorced?
No. The vast majority of divorces in England and Wales are dealt with entirely on paper — you do not need to attend court. Court hearings are only required if you cannot agree on financial matters or child arrangements, and even then, many cases settle before a final hearing.
What is the difference between a conditional order and a final order?
The conditional order (formerly decree nisi) is the court's confirmation that it sees no reason why you cannot divorce. It does not end the marriage. The final order of divorce (formerly decree absolute) is the document that legally ends your marriage. You must wait at least 6 weeks after the conditional order before applying for the final order. Importantly, you should not apply for the final order until financial matters are resolved or a consent order is in place — otherwise you may lose certain financial rights.
What happens to finances when you divorce?
Divorce does not automatically resolve financial matters. A separate financial order — known as a consent order — is required to achieve a clean break and make any financial agreement legally binding. Without one, either party may make financial claims in the future, even years after the divorce is finalised. Courts consider a range of factors when dividing assets, including the needs of each party, contributions made during the marriage, the welfare of any children, and the length of the marriage.
Can I divorce if my spouse refuses to agree?
Yes. Under the no-fault divorce process, you can apply for divorce without your spouse's agreement. Your spouse cannot prevent the divorce from proceeding — they can only delay it by disputing the application on limited grounds. In a sole application, your spouse must acknowledge service of the application, but their refusal to cooperate does not stop the process.
Do I need a consent order if we agree everything between us?
Yes — strongly recommended. Even if you and your spouse have agreed how to divide your finances, that agreement is not legally binding unless it is approved by the court as a consent order. Without a consent order, either party can make financial claims against the other in the future. This is one of the most common and costly mistakes people make when divorcing without legal advice.
Related Family Law Services
Speak to a Divorce Solicitor
If you are considering divorce or have already separated, our family law team is here to help.
You don't have to decide today — talk through your options first.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
“Martin guided me through my divorce with patience and real expertise. He explained every stage clearly, kept costs under control, and made a very difficult time as manageable as possible. I couldn't have asked for better support.”
Rebecca H.
Divorce client, Chester
* Names changed to protect client confidentiality. Testimonials reflect genuine client experiences.
Get Started
Speak to a Divorce Solicitor
No obligation · Costs explained clearly · Early advice often protects your position
Funding Your Legal Fees
Own a property? You may not need savings to fund your case.
If you jointly own the matrimonial home, a Sears Tooth agreement allows us to secure our fees against your share of the property — meaning no upfront payment is required. Fees are deducted when the property is sold or transferred. This option is particularly suited to non-working spouses or those with limited income.
Explore all funding optionsWe do not accept legal aid cases. PDA Law is a private client practice. All family law matters are funded privately — through direct fees, payment plans, or a Sears Tooth agreement where applicable.
Prefer to speak with us? Call 01244 757352