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Rising divorce delays highlight need for expert legal advice

The latest Family Court Statistics show that divorce in England and Wales is taking longer than ever, with the average case now stretching over 70 weeks from start to finish.

While digital services and no-fault divorce laws have made the process more accessible, they have not necessarily made it faster or easier.

For people considering separation, these growing delays highlight the importance of seeking professional legal advice early on.

Our family law solicitors can help you avoid common mistakes, reduce delays, and ensure your interests are protected throughout the process.

Divorce is taking longer – even with digital tools

According to data from October to December 2024:

The average time from application to conditional order was 45 weeks, up three weeks from the same period in 2023
The average time to a final order rose to 70 weeks, an increase of two weeks year-on-year

For digital divorces (which now make up 96 per cent of all applications), the average timeline from application to final order was 57 weeks, showing that online platforms are not always quicker.

These extended timeframes can be particularly stressful for anyone seeking clarity, closure, or financial independence.

Delays may also affect property sales, co-parenting plans, or the ability to move on emotionally and financially.

Sole applicants dominate – but solo does not have to mean unsupported

In 2024, 75 per cent of divorce applications were made by sole applicants, reflecting a growing trend towards individual action.

While the ability to apply alone offers flexibility, it can also leave people vulnerable to delays, errors, or unfavourable outcomes, especially when not guided by a legal professional.

We can help ensure that the application is correctly completed, your financial position is protected, and any child arrangements are handled with care and legal certainty.

More people are divorcing, but are they securing fair outcomes?

Despite a four per cent drop in annual divorce applications in 2024, the number of final orders increased by two per cent.

This suggests more people are reaching the end of the legal process, but not necessarily with comprehensive financial settlements in place.

Without proper legal advice, you risk:

Overlooking pensions, savings or investments in the financial settlement
Agreeing to informal childcare arrangements without enforceability
Missing opportunities to secure spousal maintenance or capital

Finalising a divorce without a financial order can leave people open to claims from an ex-spouse in the future, even years after separation.

Expert legal support can reduce delays and stress

The growing divorce timelines reflect not only court backlogs but also mistakes, omissions, and confusion that can arise when people go it alone.

Having a solicitor by your side can:

Ensure your application is accurate and complete the first time
Help you understand your rights and entitlements
Represent your best interests in financial negotiations
Prevent avoidable delays caused by missing documents or unclear agreements

We offer clear, supportive legal advice at every stage of the divorce process and can step in to move things forward.

Thinking about divorce? Don’t wait for the system to slow you down

If you are ready to take the next step or if you are already in the process and feeling stuck, our experienced family law team is here to help.

Contact us today for confidential, professional divorce advice and start moving towards a more secure future.

Stuart Daniel

Director – Head of Family Department

I qualified as a Solicitor in 2006 and now specialise in divorce, financial settlements, childcare arrangements and Pre Nuptial Agreements. I have many years’ experience as a private family lawyer having worked with two other local firms before returning to Mander Hadley, where I first undertook work experience during my university studies.