Is divorce conditional upon a period of reflection?

Under the law in England and Wales, divorce is conditional upon a mandatory 20-week period of reflection. This period begins immediately when a divorce application is made, and is also referred to as a “cooling-off” period.

The purpose of the reflection period is to provide couples with time to think about their decision to divorce, consider reconciliation, and make arrangements regarding finances, and any children.

Only after the 20-week period of reflection has elapsed, can the divorce proceed by applying for a Conditional Order.