Overview
Divorce is one of the most significant legal processes you will go through. Done properly, it gives you a clean legal break and a sound foundation for the next chapter of your life. Done poorly, it leaves financial entanglements, contested assets, and unresolved arrangements that cause problems for years.
Marsl Sharifi advises individuals in London and across England and Wales on the divorce process, from the initial application through to the Final Order — and, where needed, the connected financial settlement. He takes a calm, practical approach focused on protecting your interests and helping you reach resolution without unnecessary conflict.
Who this service is for
- Your marriage has irretrievably broken down (the sole ground for divorce in England and Wales).
- You have been married for at least one year.
- The courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction — generally, if you or your spouse are domiciled in, or habitually resident in, England and Wales.
What you'll need
- Your marriage certificate (original or certified copy). If the marriage took place abroad, a certified translation may be required.
- Your spouse's full name and last known address.
- Details of any previous divorce or dissolution of civil partnership.
- Your own name, address, and date of birth.
Fees
Marsl's professional fees for a divorce are £1,200 + VAT. The court fee for a divorce application is currently £593. In accordance with the SRA Transparency Rules, full fee information is provided in your client care letter.
The process, step by step
- Step 1
Application
A divorce application is made online through the HMCTS divorce portal. It can be made by one spouse (sole application) or jointly (joint application). Marsl will prepare and file the application on your behalf.
- Step 2
Service on the other spouse
If a sole application, it is served on the other spouse (the respondent), who is asked to acknowledge service. Marsl manages this process.
- Step 3
Conditional Order
After a minimum of 20 weeks from the date the application was filed, you can apply for the Conditional Order — confirmation from the court that it sees no reason why you cannot divorce.
- Step 4
Final Order
Six weeks and one day after the Conditional Order, you can apply for the Final Order, which legally ends the marriage. Marsl will advise you on timing — in particular, in cases where financial matters need to be resolved before applying for the Final Order. The minimum end-to-end timeline is approximately six months; most straightforward divorces take between six and twelve months.