Going through a divorce can be a stressful and costly experience. For this reason, it is tempting to try to cut corners by opting for what is commonly referred to as a ‘quickie divorce’ or a fast, uncontested divorce. In this article, we break down the process involved in getting a quickie divorce, answer some of the most frequently asked questions, and discuss the pros and cons of this method.
Quickie divorce: your questions answered
What is a quickie divorce?
A “quickie divorce” is an informal term used to describe an uncontested divorce where both parties agree to end the marriage without disputes over assets, finances, or child arrangements. While the phrase may suggest a near-instant process, in reality, all divorces in the UK — quick or traditional — must follow legal procedures, including mandatory waiting periods. Divorces can only be fast tracked in exceptional circumstances.
The concept of a quickie divorce has been popularised by media coverage of celebrity separations, often giving the impression that some divorces can be finalised within days or weeks. However, this is misleading. Under UK law, the minimum timeframe for any divorce is 26 weeks (six months), even when both parties are in complete agreement.
Despite this, the term “quickie divorce” remains widely used to refer to situations where couples navigate the legal process efficiently, often by using online divorce services or handling paperwork without court appearances. However, while this can speed up certain aspects, skipping legal advice may result in unforeseen complications, particularly regarding financial settlements and childcare arrangements.
What is an uncontested divorce?
In England and Wales, divorce now follows a no-fault system, meaning couples only need to demonstrate that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, without proving there was a person at fault, or any wrongdoing (e.g. infidelity or unreasonable behaviour). Issues around finances and children are dealt with separately so, whilst the divorce itself may process quickly, these other issues may take a little longer.
In a completely uncontested divorce, both individuals agree to end the marriage and settle key issues such as asset division and child arrangements. Since there is no dispute, the process is often handled entirely through paperwork, outside of court. This makes divorces faster and more affordable as they require less legal work and court involvement.
How long does a ‘quickie’ divorce take?
In the UK, the divorce process takes a minimum of 26 weeks due to mandatory waiting periods, even if it is uncontested. This means a divorce can never be completed any quicker than six months, regardless of whether it is a quickie divorce, or a traditional divorce.
Will a quickie divorce save me money?
While ‘quickie’ or DIY divorces might seem the cheaper option upfront, they can lead to long-term financial problems if financial issues aren’t properly addressed. This could lead to more costs further down the line.
What’s the difference between a quickie divorce and a traditional divorce?
In short, a quickie divorce just dissolves the legal marriage itself. It does not involve either party having any kind of legal advice on what their rights are in terms of dividing assets and determining childcare responsibilities. In a more traditional divorce process, a lawyer will ensure all those details are addressed. Costs can still be reduced by reaching a financial agreement with your ex outside of the courtroom with the help of a solicitor. If this is successfully achieved, the divorce could still be negotiated and completed within a six-month window.
You can find more information about the potential costs involved with getting a divorce, here.
Cons of a quickie divorce
More haste, less speed
A fast, online divorce might sound tempting, especially if you feel the divorce itself is just a formality. However, it’s important to remember that a divorce – especially when there are children involved – is fraught with emotion, which takes time to be processed fully. Although you may feel a divorce without legal advice would provide a fresh start and draw a line under the relationship, you could have different feelings further down the line. In addition, the divorce itself will not sever financial ties so there is no financial clean break either.
Complex issues need expert help
Online fast divorce services are not great for cases that involve finances, disputes over child custody, or where there is an unequal distribution of power or knowledge between individuals (for example, one person may have more control over the finances and so have more knowledge of what assets are involved etc.) Getting expert, impartial advice helps to avoid unfair settlements or unresolved disputes and ensures all parties’ concerns are considered fairly.
It’s only quick if both parties agree
A quickie divorce is only quick if both parties are in full agreement on all terms, including asset division, child arrangements and financial settlements. If either party delays or contests any aspect of the divorce, the process can become drawn out, requiring legal intervention and court proceedings. Seeking legal advice at the start could actually help streamline the process and prevent costly delays in the long run.
Beware of scammers
Scammers know that anyone going through a divorce is vulnerable and will be looking for the quickest and simplest resolution. Beware of fake websites created by fraudsters to take advantage of this vulnerability, promising “24-hour divorce” and the like. Any website claiming to offer legal advice should state whether they are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This can be checked by entering the solicitor’s name on the SRA’s website. You can also search for regulated, registered solicitors via The Law Society’s website, by entering the legal service you require and your location.
Guidance for buying fast divorce services
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation in 2023 into online law firms claiming to offer fast divorce services for uncontested divorces. The CMA raised concerns about “misleading claims about both the simplicity of the process and prices, which leave customers unclear about what they can be helped with.” It also suggested online firms may offer “inadequate quality of service, including the firms using the wrong forms, entering incorrect details, sending papers to the court late, and not communicating efficiently with customers.” Using data gathered from this investigation, the CMA has published official guidance for consumers looking for divorce services online, which can be found here.
Our divorce lawyers nationwide are here for you
We know what a challenging time going through a divorce can be. Our team are here to guide you and make this process as simple and stress-free as possible while making sure you get the best outcome for yourself and your loved ones.
To take advantage of your free 30-minute consultation with our expert divorce lawyers, call 0800 321 3832, or complete our quick online form.
Ian Giddings
Family Solicitor Coventry
