Divorce in England and Wales has undergone a quiet but transformative shift since the introduction of the no-fault divorce regime. Although the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 came into effect on 6 April 2022, its practical consequences are only now being fully felt by the legal system and the families who pass through it.
In 2025, the divorce process is markedly different from just a few years ago. The act eliminated the need to assign blame for the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership, replacing it with a straightforward system that permits either or both parties to apply for a divorce based simply on the assertion that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. This shift has not only simplified the procedural mechanics of divorce but has also begun to reshape the emotional and cultural dimensions of marital separation in the UK.
Rise in Self-Represented Applicants
One of the most immediate impacts of the no-fault system has been a notable rise in self-represented litigants (often referred to as litigants in person, or LiPs). The simplified online application process—managed through the HMCTS digital divorce platform—has made it easier for individuals to navigate the system without legal representation.
According to official statistics from the Ministry of Justice, nearly 80% of divorce applications in 2024 were filed online, and a growing proportion were sole applications made without a solicitor. This has raised concerns in some quarters about whether parties are fully aware of the legal and financial implications of their decisions, especially in relation to financial settlements and childcare arrangements, which are not automatically dealt with in the divorce process.
Decline in Adversarial Proceedings
Perhaps the most celebrated aspect of the reform is the reduction in conflict. By removing the requirement to cite adultery, unreasonable behaviour, or desertion, the law has significantly lowered the temperature of divorce proceedings.
This has paved the way for a cultural shift: fewer applications are being contested, and more couples are turning to non-adversarial methods such as mediation, collaborative law, and private negotiation. These approaches allow separating couples to maintain greater control over the outcome and reduce the emotional burden on any children involved.
The Family Mediation Council and Resolution have both reported an increase in voluntary mediation uptake since the reforms took effect. The trend suggests a more constructive approach to relationship breakdown is beginning to take root, supported by a legal framework that prioritises cooperation over confrontation.
Reframing Divorce as a Managed Transition
One of the underlying aims of the no-fault divorce regime was to help families manage separation in a way that minimises harm and promotes future stability. While the courts still retain oversight over financial orders and child arrangements where necessary, the overall effect of the reforms is to shift the role of the court from arbitrator to facilitator.
In practice, this means that unless there is a dispute about finances or children, most divorces proceed without a hearing. This streamlining has helped reduce pressure on the already overstretched family courts, though concerns remain that some parties may finalise their divorce without formalising financial claims—potentially leaving themselves vulnerable to future disputes.
What Does This Mean for Me?
If you’re thinking about divorce in 2025—or already in the process—the no-fault regime offers some clear practical advantages, along with important caveats to keep in mind:
You won’t have to blame your spouse to start the process. This helps avoid conflict at the outset and may support more constructive communication throughout the separation.
You can apply for a divorce online, either alone or jointly with your spouse, and most of the process is handled digitally via the government portal. It’s faster and more streamlined than the previous system.
You don’t need a solicitor to apply for a divorce, but legal advice is still strongly recommended—especially when it comes to sorting out financial claims (e.g. pensions, property, maintenance) and child arrangements. Divorce itself doesn’t deal with these aspects.
There’s a mandatory minimum timeline of 26 weeks from application to final order. This gives couples space to reflect and make arrangements but also means that divorce is not instantaneous.
If you have children, the courts expect you to reach suitable private arrangements where possible. Mediation or family-focused dispute resolution can help, and legal advice can guide you if issues arise.
In short, the system is now more focused on reducing hostility and empowering separating couples to handle their affairs maturely. But it also puts more responsibility on individuals to understand and manage the full legal implications of divorce—particularly if they are not using a solicitor.
Conclusion
The no-fault divorce regime has ushered in a quieter, calmer era for family law in the UK. Though the system is not without its challenges—particularly for those navigating it without legal help—it represents a step forward in aligning the law with the values of dignity, respect, and compassion in the face of relationship breakdown.
Author
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
