Is your spouse trying to stall or delay your divorce process for a long time? Are you fed up with the trouble and want to get rid of it as soon as possible? If so, you’ve found the right blog, and we’ll clear it. But how long can a spouse drag out a divorce in the UK?
Your spouse drags out the divorce process by not getting involved in the court work. Therefore, one of the spouses ignores attorney meetings and demands almost impossible gains. They extend the process to get what the particular side wants, including child custody or assets.
If you have never been in the divorce process, you don’t know how tricky this endeavor is. Once you decide to divorce your spouse, you don’t want the process to take long. So, We’ll discuss how long a spouse can stall the divorce and how and how to get a divorce quickly.
Standard Duration of Divorce Process In The UK
The standard time for divorce in the UK is about 30 weeks or 7 months. This duration fits more to a no-fault divorce where spouses are not extending the divorce. But if the period extends more than this, multiple factors could exist.
These include:
- Equal management of finances drags out the divorce process
- The sole divorce process takes longer than the joint process
- The decision of child custody in a divorce can expand the time
- Divorce can get prolonged due to disputes over parental rights
- Incomplete divorce documentation can delay the legal process
Reasons Your Spouse Is Delaying A Divorce
A spouse keeps dragging out the divorce process for personal and future marital benefits. They try to manage enough time to get what’s best for the spouse and child, if any. However no matter why you’re divorcing, your spouse delays divorce for multiple reasons.
- One spouse might want to use the other spouse to good advantage
- Spouse extends marriage to see if they could get back into a relation
- One of the spouses is looking to evade the court or solicitor’s fees
- One of the two parties ought to gain entire control over the assets
Ways Your Spouse Use To Drag Out A Divorce
When one spouse decides to separate, the other wants to drag out the divorce. So, We’ve already discussed the reasons to let you know what the purposes of your spouse behind this are. Now, let’s look at ways your spouse delays the divorce process.
- Your spouse avoids the acknowledgment of services (AOS)
- Your spouse expects impossibly high returns in the court
- Your spouse doesn’t become involved in the court processes.
- Your spouse ignores calls and messages for court hearings
How To Get A Divorce As Soon As Possible
You and your partner want to divorce for some reason, and your partner is trying to extend the period, right? If yes, you’re not alone. Most divorce cases go through this stage, so the spouse earns benefits. In such situations, hire a solicitor to speed up the process.
Do You Need A Solicitor To Get Divorced? It’s the only effective method to speed up your divorce process, and a solicitor will manage all your concerns. You can book an appointment with a lawyer who offers free legal consultation. So, it’ll help you know the best option for your divorce process and the outcome.
Once the solicitor finds your proofs and arguments viable and has strong winning chances, you can apply for divorce. Your lawyer will request the court to take action against the ignorance of your spouse. It’ll also help you get child custody till the final orders.
How To Get A Divorce If Your Spouse Refuses
One situation is a direct denial of a divorce request from your spouse, and that’s problematic. In this case, you can’t even start the first step of the divorce process. You’ll need a solid basis to file a petition for a divorce. Here’s how to get a divorce in such a case:
- Give proof of your spouse’s refusal to return the AOS form
- Use the service of a process server to deliver divorce papers
- Ask the court to send a serving notice to the spouse’s relatives
FAQs
Q: How long does a divorce take in the UK?
A: The divorce process in the UK can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 months, depending on the case’s complexity.
Q: What documents are required for a divorce?
A: You will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate and proof that both parties have lived apart for at least one year. You may also need to provide proof of income and financial documents.
Q: What happens if one spouse does not agree to the divorce?
A: If one spouse does not agree to the divorce, it is possible to file for a contested divorce, which can take longer than an uncontested divorce. The court will then need to make a decision on the matter.
Q: Is it possible to get a quick divorce in the UK?
A: It is possible to get a quick divorce in the UK if both parties agree on the terms. This is an undefended divorce, which can take around 6-8 weeks.
Q: What is the cost of getting a divorce in the UK?
A: The cost of getting a divorce in the UK can vary depending on the case’s complexity. Generally, it will cost between £550-£750 in court fees and any additional costs for solicitors or mediators.
Same-Sex Divorce Rate UK

Conclusion
Your spouse delays the divorce process for many reasons, to have some personal perks. So, that’s all about how long a spouse can drag out a divorce in the UK. So, there is no fixed or specific duration. On average, a divorce takes about 7 months and can extend for years.
If the spouse refuses to attend the attorney meeting or avoids the court’s AOS form, it’s a direct refusal. This results in a significant delay in the divorce process, putting you under stress. Only an expert and reliable solicitor can quickly take you out of these situations.