Divorce FAQs and further help
How long does a divorce take?
Once you have filed the papers at court, about 3-6 months for an undefended divorce. But that’s just the bit that ends the marriage or civil partnership. Disputes about money or children can take much longer.
Where can I get court forms and leaflets?
From your local county court, or download them from Directgov. See ‘Links to other websites ’.
Will I have to go to court?
Not for an undefended divorce. You may have to attend a hearing for the money side of things or if you can't agree over the children, but most of these cases settle without facing a judge.
Further help
Wikivorce aims to provide free support, information and advice to people separating or divorcing. See ‘Links to other websites’.
Helpful books
Divorce and your children - Anne Hooper
Parent Problems: children’s views on life after parents have split up - Bren Neale and Amanda Wade
Parent Problems: looking back at our parents’ divorce - Bren Neale and Amanda Wade
Breaking up without Cracking Up - Christopher Compston
Breaking up blues: A guide to survival and growth - Denise Cullington
The Which? Guide to Divorce and Splitting Up - Imogen Clout
Dad’s Place: A New Guide for Fathers after Divorce - Jill Burrett
A Journey Through Single Parenting - Jill Worth and Christine Tufnell
Surviving the Break up - Judith Wallerstein and Joan Kelly
Lost Children: a Guide for Separating Parents - Penny Cross
The Family Through Divorce - Roger Bamber and Janet Reibstein
Helping Children Cope with Divorce - Rosemary Wells
Relate guide to second families: Living successfully with other people’s children - Suzie Hayman
Handbook of Separation and Divorce - Wendy Mantle
Books about negotiating
People Skills - Robert Bolton
Getting to Yes - Fisher and Ury
Books for children
Dinosaurs Divorce - Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
When Mum and Dad Split Up (Little Wise Guides ) - Lesley Ely
Is this a Daddy Sunday? - Steve Ann Henshall
Two of Everything - Babette Cole
Since Dad Left - Caroline Binch
The Suitcase Kid - Jacqueline Wilson
The Bed and Breakfast Star - Jacqueline Wilson
Two Homes - Claire Masurel Kady MacDonald Denton
Where has Daddy Gone? - Trudy Osman
Mrs Vole the Vet - Allan Ahlberg
How do I feel about my Stepfamily - Julie Johnson
How do I feel about my parents’ divorce - Julia Cole
