Divorce myth: Quickie divorces are possible

There are often references in the press to celebrities, or other persons of note, getting a ‘quickie divorce’. This is a myth.

It implies that the divorce court works more quickly and efficiently for celebrities or those who can pay for a premium service. This is not true. No matter who you are, if you are divorcing, you follow the same process.

Why do the press often use the term ‘quickie divorce’?

To understand why the press refers to a ‘quickie divorce’, it’s necessary to understand one particular phase of the divorce process. This is the pronouncement of the decree nisi. A decree nisi signifies that the judge has considered and approved an application for divorce. However, the court doesn’t grant the divorce at that stage. The divorce is, in fact, only half way there – ‘nisi’ means conditional or provisional. The law requires that each decree nisi is read out in open court. So, when the judge of the day sits in the Central Family Court in London (where most central London-based celebrities would divorce) and reads out the day’s decree nisi pronouncements, it generally takes less than a minute per marriage. Those pronouncements take place in open court, so anyone can sit in and listen.

The perception to the court reporter is that the divorce has been granted quickly. In fact, it will have taken a number of months to reach that stage to begin with – around two to three months from the point of the application to the pronouncement. Once decree nisi is granted, the law requires you to wait at least six weeks and one day before the court will grant the decree absolute, which confirms that the divorce is final. That’s for the applicant; if you are the responding party, you have to wait a further three months if the applicant delays applying for decree absolute. Which means we are at least four months from when the divorce application was made. This is the quickest you can obtain a divorce based on the current law.

How no-fault divorce will help

The introduction of no-fault divorce will help with removing unnecessary acrimony in the divorce process; it will also hopefully draw a line under the myth perpetuated in the press that you can get a ‘quickie divorce’ if you have the means to pay for it.

How long does it take to finalise a divorce?

It is important to remember that obtaining the decree absolute, and finalising the divorce, doesn’t conclude the financial claims which arise as a result of your marriage. Negotiating the appropriate settlement of such claims can often take in excess of the four to five months (or at least six months under the new system) it will take to obtain the divorce.

We can assist you to achieve the desired outcome  as quickly as possible – though the idea of a ‘quickie divorce’ is a myth.

How can we help

Our expert family team are here to help you and advise whatever your situation may be. Find out more about our family law areas of expertise or contact us when you are ready.