Even the most amicable divorce or separation can be a challenge.

Solicitor Amanda Vermeulen will help you deal with every stage of the process, such as starting or responding to divorce proceedings, making a financial settlement, and arrangements for children.

There is no such thing as a 'quickie' divorce – what happens is you first apply for the divorce, after that you will need to apply for a conditional order (formerly known as a decree nisi), which gives entitlement to the person applying for the divorce to get a divorce. It takes five months to get the conditional order and six weeks after that you will need to apply for a final order, formerly known as a decree absolute, which means you are officially divorced and can remarry.

However, any financial aspect to your divorce such as the sale of a house should be discussed and agreed on before you apply for the final order. Agreeing the financial settlement in your case could take a week or two, or could take much longer depending on the complexity of your case. Visit the Financial Issues page on this website for further information.

It is possible to make a joint application for a divorce, but if at any stage a disagreement arises between you and your ex-partner, then you cannot continue with a joint divorce.

Can I get divorced?

You can get divorced in England or Wales if all of the following apply:

• You’ve been married for at least one year and one day
• Your relationship has permanently broken down
• Your marriage is legally recognised in the UK (this includes same-sex marriage)
• The UK is your permanent home, or the permanent home of your spouse