DIVORCE TOOL
Divorce Timeline Calculator
Enter the date your divorce application was issued and see the earliest dates for each stage, so you know what to expect and when.
Work out your dates
These are the earliest possible dates, based on the minimum periods set by law. The court needs time to deal with each stage, so your actual dates will usually be later. This is general information, not legal advice. Nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.
What happens at each stage
- Application issued. The court issues your application and the 20-week period begins.
- Conditional order. After 20 weeks you confirm you still want to divorce and apply for the conditional order.
- Final order. At least six weeks and one day after the conditional order, you can apply for the final order, which legally ends the marriage.
Our guide to the divorce process explains each step in more detail.
What to do while you wait
- Sort out your finances. The court can only approve a financial consent order once the conditional order has been made, so the wait is the time to reach agreement. See financial settlements on divorce and pensions on divorce.
- Agree arrangements for the children, where you can.
- Update your will. Until the final order, your spouse is still treated as your spouse under your existing will.
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply for the conditional order?
Not until at least 20 weeks after your divorce application was issued. This is a minimum set by law, so the calculator shows the earliest possible date. The court then needs time to deal with your application.
How long after the conditional order can I apply for the final order?
At least six weeks and one day after the conditional order is made. If you wait more than 12 months after the conditional order before applying, you will have to explain the delay to the court.
Can these dates be shortened?
Not normally. The 20-week and six-week-and-one-day periods are minimums set by law. If you have exceptional circumstances, such as serious illness, speak to us and we will advise whether anything can be done.
Useful links
- GOV.UK: Get a divorce — the official online application and guidance
- Resolution — family justice professionals committed to a constructive approach
More helpful sites are collected on our useful links page. We are not responsible for the content of other websites.
On this page
Accredited and recognised
Law Society Family Law Accredited. Recognises specialist knowledge and experience in family law.
Resolution member. Andrew Nelson is a member of Resolution, whose members are committed to a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family issues.
Your family law team
Andrew Nelson
Karen LeadbetterRelated guides and services
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