No Fault Divorce

Since April 2022, couples in England and Wales no longer need to blame each other to get divorced. Under no-fault divorce, you simply confirm that the marriage has broken down. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, there were 28,632 applications made under the new law, with 74% filed by sole applicants and just 26% filed jointly. You don’t need a solicitor to apply, and many people manage the process with the right guidance instead.

This is where we come in. As McKenzie Friends, we support you through your no-fault divorce from application to final order. Helping you understand this without the cost of a solicitor.

20+

Years Supporting Families

100%

Client-Focused Approach

3,000+

Successful Family Law Cases

25,000+

Courtroom Hours

20+

Years Supporting Families

100%

Client-Focused Approach

3,000+

Successful Family Law Cases

25,000+

Courtroom Hours

How we can help

Personal support across every area of no-fault divorce

No-fault divorce doesn’t just start when you submit your application. Here are just a few of the areas we can support you with:

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Understanding no-fault divorce

We’ll explain what no-fault divorce means for you, what you need to confirm, and why the court can no longer refuse or investigate your reasons for divorcing.

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Sole or joint application

We’ll help you decide whether a sole or joint application suits your situation, and what each route means for how the process unfolds.

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Paperwork and applications

From the initial application to the statement of irretrievable breakdown, we’ll help you complete everything correctly, so nothing gets delayed.

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Understanding the timeline

We’ll walk you through the mandatory waiting periods, so you know what to expect and when, rather than being caught off guard by delays.

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Preparing for the conditional and final order

We’ll help you understand what’s needed at each stage, from conditional order through to final order, and when you can apply for each.

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Ongoing emotional support

Divorce isn’t only a legal process. We’re a steady, honest presence throughout, for the moments the paperwork doesn’t prepare you for.

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No-Fault Divorce Process

The no-fault divorce process is designed to be simpler, but that doesn’t mean it’s always clear. Many people aren’t sure whether to apply alone or jointly, or what happens once they’ve submitted their application.

We’ll walk you through each stage of the process, from choosing a sole or joint application, through the reflection period, to your conditional order and final order, so the waiting doesn’t feel like the unknown.

Property, pensions, debts and children often still need resolving, even when the process itself is uncontested. We’ll help you approach these with a clear head and offer honest, grounded guidance when things get difficult.

Get In Touch to Discuss The Process

From the very beginning, Daniel demonstrated his expertise and knowledge of family law, providing invaluable guidance throughout the entire process. He took the time to understand my situation and priorities, ensuring that my voice was heard and my concerns were addressed.

Denisa Gabris

What stood out most to me was his understanding of family law procedure, his preparation, and his ability to remain calm and strategic under pressure. He consistently identified issues others missed, prepared excellent case summaries, bundles and position statements, and always ensured I fully understood what was happening at each stage of proceedings.

Usmaan Saleem

I feel very fortunate to have been introduced to McKenzie Picave. I have been through the family court for years. Spent an eye watering amount in the process. Not only did MP go above and beyond on numerous times. They are extremely well connected and live, eat, breath family law. Im genuinely in awe of their commitment to the betterment of families lives.

Mike Avey

Daniel represented me in Child and Financial matters during solicitor negotiations and latterly in court facing barristers, throughout the process he maintained a totally objective view giving many different scenarios and guiding me which route to follow. He was always available to be contacted and offered general support when I was having a bad day!

Glyn Thomas

Why People Choose a McKenzie Friend

Why People Choose a McKenzie Friend Over a No-Fault Divorce Lawyer

No-fault divorce was designed to remove conflict from the process. But removing blame from the paperwork doesn’t mean the process becomes easy to navigate alone, and the traditional legal route hasn’t changed to reflect that. Solicitors still charge by the hour. Barristers are still brought in late, briefed rather than known, meeting you for the first time shortly before a hearing you’ve been dreading for months.

McKenzie Picave works differently. As award-winning McKenzie Friends, we’re involved from your very first instruction, not parachuted in at the final stage. Every decision, from how you apply to how you handle a sticking point with your ex, is one we talk through with you first. We won’t just process your case. We’ll tell you honestly when something isn’t worth pursuing, even if that’s not what you want to hear, because our job is getting you to a final order with as little damage as possible, not running up a bill.

If your case does need a barrister, We work in partnership with a Chambers covering England and Wales. You’ll be introduced properly, in good time, not rushed into trusting a stranger an hour before you’re due in court.


Contact Us

Confidential, no-obligation consultation

For more information or to request a callback, please fill in the form below. A member of our team will respond shortly.

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Prepare your case

We help you organise documents, write statements and know what to expect.

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We are by your side for every hearing and every step after.

FAQs

We have provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about no-fault divorce. If you do have any further questions, never hesitate to get in touch with us.

What is a no-fault divorce?

A no-fault divorce lets you end your marriage without blaming your spouse. You simply confirm the marriage has broken down irretrievably, and the court can’t investigate or refuse this.

How much does a no-fault divorce cost?

The mandatory court fee is £612. If you’re on a low income or certain benefits, you may be able to have this fee waived through the Help with Fees scheme.

How long does a no fault divorce take?

There’s a mandatory 20-week reflection period before you can apply for a conditional order, followed by a minimum wait of 6 weeks before applying for your final order.

Can I apply for a no fault divorce without a solicitor?

Yes. You’re not required to have a solicitor to apply. McKenzie Friends can guide you through the process, so you understand each step without solicitor fees.

What's the difference between a sole and a joint application?

A sole divorce application is made by one spouse, while a joint divorce application is made by both spouses together. Sole applications remain more common, making up around 72% of cases.

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