STAGE 1

A Form A application with a completed form FM1 must be completed and lodged with the Court, together with copies and a Court fee of £255.00.

STAGE 2

Once the application has been issued, the Court will serve the other side with the sealed application and a Notice of a First Appointment hearing. This hearing is usually 12 to 16 weeks after the application has been issued.

STAGE 3

No later than 35 days before the First Appointment hearing, the parties exchange Financial Statements and supporting documents (Form E).

STAGE 4

No later than 14 days before the First Appointment hearing, a Statement of Issues, Chronology and Questionnaire must be filed with the Court and the other side.

STAGE 5

The First Appointment hearing – Details of what will happen at this hearing can be found on our Information Sheet “What will happen at the First Appointment hearing”.

STAGE 6

After the First Appointment hearing the parties comply with any Directions or Orders made by the Judge at the First Appointment hearing.

STAGE 7

The Financial Dispute Resolution hearing (FDR) – Details of what will happen at this hearing can be found on our Information Sheet “What will happen at the Financial Dispute Resolution hearing”.

STAGE 8

If an agreement cannot be reached at the FDR hearing the case will be set down for a Final Hearing.

At The Divorce and Family Law Specialists, we can assist you with any of the above stages at a fixed cost. This could include advising you on the process and procedure, drafting documents on your behalf, providing legal advice and assistance or reviewing the evidence.

Divorce & Family Law Specialist can help you at all stages of the legal divorce process.
Find our full range of Pay-As-You-Go services here