FIVE KEY STEPS ON PATH TO ENDING A MARRIAGE

● CONSIDER everything, such as children, money, pensions and property. The more that can be done without the need for lawyers, the cheaper it will be.

● FOR those who require legal advice, The Law Society provides details of reputable solicitors. You may be eligible for Legal Aid to help with costs. For more details, go to gov.uk/legal-aid.

● YOU can apply for a divorce online or by post for £593. You need addresses of both partners and a copy of the marriage certificate. Free advice on filling in forms is available at the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 0300 303 0642. Visit gov.uk/ divorce/file-for-divorce to start the application process.

l ONCE this joint or sole application has been checked you will each be sent a confirmation. In the case of a sole application, your partner needs to acknowledge receipt within 14 days.

You must then wait a further 20 weeks before applying for a conditional order, officially known as a decree nisi.

l AFTER the conditional order is made you then wait a further 43 days (six weeks and one day) before applying to end the marriage (‘decree absolute’). It must be done within a year of the conditional order. You will then be sent a ‘final order’ that confirms you are legally divorced.