Final Order Solicitors - Family Law Partners

Final Order

A final order on divorce represents the end of the divorce process. Once granted, a final order confirms that divorce is complete and that you and your former spouse are legally separated.

There are several stages to the divorce process which need to be observed before a final order is issued by the courts, along with two mandatory waiting periods. To help you secure a final order, our solicitors can guide you through every stage of your divorce application.

Contact our final order solicitors

To speak with our team of expert solicitors, you can call one of our offices on 0330 404 5878 or email us at [email protected]. We also have an easy-to-use contact form where you can request a call-back. Our professional team of final order solicitors will ensure that any questions you may have regarding this topic are answered.

How can we help?

At Family Law Partners, our team of expert and dedicated solicitors has guided countless clients through the full divorce process, offering meticulous legal advice that is carefully tailored to the circumstances of each individual case. We know the divorce process can often be overwhelming and confusing, so we make sure to provide you with all the support you need and carefully explain what to expect at every stage.

The final order is the last part of the divorce application process. Prior to reaching this point, we will work closely with you to help you gain a clear understanding of what you will be expected to do at each stage and will keep you updated on your case.

As a firm, we believe that these matters always work best when any conflict is kept to a minimum. Throughout your divorce, and while making any additional arrangements such as those relating to finances and children, we will seek to create an amicable environment between you and your former partner.

Frequently asked questions

What is a final order?

A final order is a court order which serves to legally end a marriage. Once issued by the courts, the marriage is formally dissolved, and both parties will be free to remarry if they wish.

As you might expect, a final order is the last step of a divorce application.

Are there any differences between a final order and a decree absolute?

Under previous divorce laws, a final order was known as a decree absolute. The term was updated as part of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 which came into effect in April 2022.

The primary function of both a final order and a decree absolute is the same, which is to provide legal confirmation of a divorce.

How do I apply for a final order?

To apply for a final order, you must first have made an official divorce application. Various steps must be completed before this is possible.

Importantly, before it is possible to make an application for a final order in divorce, the courts will first need to issue a conditional order. A conditional order is a separate legal document issued during divorce proceedings which usually represents the middle point of the process. The conditional order (previously known as the decree nisi) is a document which confirms the court does not see any reason why you cannot divorce.

After the courts issue a conditional order, there is a mandatory 43 day (six weeks plus one day) waiting period before you can apply for a final order. Once this waiting period has expired, you can proceed to make an application for a final order as soon as you wish.

If you are applying for the final order more than 12 months from the date of the conditional order you will need to explain the delay to the court; our specialist lawyers can assist you with this process.

How long does a final order take to be granted?

It will usually take around a minimum of seven months to get to the stage where you are able to make an application for a final order. This is considering the fact that there is a 20-week waiting period between starting the divorce application and being able to apply for a conditional order and a six-week waiting period between the conditional order and the final order.

Once you are ready to apply for a final order, the courts often process and pronounce it on the same day. However, the official documents dissolving your marriage may take a few weeks to arrive.

What happens when a final order is issued?

Once the final order is issued, there are no other stages to the divorce process. You will be officially divorced and free to remarry.

It is important to note that further arrangements, including those involving your finances and children, are treated separately from the legal process of getting a divorce. This means that you may still be involved in negotiations with your former partner, depending on the progress you have already made in this regard.

Can you change your mind after a final order is granted?

You can change your mind about a divorce at any point up until the final order has been granted. After this point, there is no turning back. You may reconcile with your former partner, but you will not be a married couple (unless you decide to have a second marriage with one another).

We are issue focused and will look to achieve practical and cost-effective solutions.

Final Order

Contact our final order solicitors

How can we help?

Our final orders services

Frequently asked questions

What is a final order?

Are there any differences between a final order and a decree absolute?

How do I apply for a final order?

How long does a final order take to be granted?

What happens when a final order is issued?

Can you change your mind after a final order is granted?

Contact our final order solicitors

We’re here to guide and support you.

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