As divorce becomes an increasingly common topic, more people in the UK are turning to Google to understand the process. According to new research by Howells Solicitors, the most frequently Googled questions about divorce highlight some of the most pressing concerns Brits have when their marriages come to an end.
The data, based on Google’s monthly search volumes, revealed the top five divorce-related queries:
1. How to file for a divorce (6,500 searches)
2. What does the Bible say about divorce? (6,000 searches)
3. What percentage of marriages end in divorce? (5,700 searches)
4. What is a no-fault divorce? (4,000 searches)
5. How much does a divorce cost? (3,900 searches)
Amy Cranfield, a solicitor at Howells Solicitors, provides insight into each of these questions.
How to file for a divorce
Cranfield begins by stressing the importance of seeking support. “Firstly, get support and advice. This can be via counselling or seeking support from your personal networks,” she explains.
Once the decision to divorce is made, the next step is to contact an experienced solicitor. “A solicitor can guide you through the process, help set expectations, and reduce the stress as much as possible,” she says. They can help determine if there are grounds for divorce, which can also be checked on the government website.
Other key steps include arranging matters related to children, finances, and property. Although there is a fee involved, you can file a divorce application online or by mail. “Only once this application is confirmed can you apply for a conditional order or decree nisi,” Cranfield advises. This document indicates that the court sees no reason for the couple not to divorce.
The final step, she notes, is applying for a final order or decree absolute. Cranfield also highlights the need to notify government organisations, as getting divorced may affect benefits or visa status.
What does the Bible say about divorce?
For those searching for religious guidance, Cranfield explains that the Bible promotes the sanctity of marriage but also acknowledges that divorce may be necessary in certain situations. “It encourages couples to work through their challenges but recognises the complexities of human relationships,” she says.
For more specific guidance, Cranfield suggests reaching out to local church leaders, pastors, or Christian marriage counsellors.
What percentage of marriages end in divorce?
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that 2022 saw the lowest number of divorces since 1971, reflecting a 30% drop compared to 2021. Despite this, there remains a commonly held belief that half of all marriages end in divorce. But Cranfield points out that “as there hasn’t been a recent census, it is difficult to confirm whether this figure remains accurate.”
What is a no-fault divorce?
Cranfield explains that no-fault divorce allows couples to end their marriage without the need to assign blame or prove wrongdoing. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which came into effect in April 2022, aims to reduce the acrimony that often accompanies divorce.
“This new law can help couples avoid unnecessary finger-pointing, which in turn can spare children from witnessing parental conflicts,” Cranfield notes.
How much does a divorce cost?
The cost of divorce remains a key concern for many. Cranfield notes that the base fee for a divorce application is £593, but the total cost can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case.
“An uncontested divorce typically costs between £600 and £2,000, while a contested divorce can range from £3,000 to £10,000,” she explains. Cranfield advises anyone considering divorce to consult a solicitor for a clearer understanding of the fees involved.
A fresh approach to legal services
Howells Solicitors, with its Cardiff headquarters and five additional offices across the UK, offers a wide range of legal services to both individuals and businesses. The firm prides itself on providing personal, expert, and cost-effective advice, ensuring that clients receive tailored support during what can be one of the most challenging periods of their lives.
For those facing divorce, Cranfield emphasises the importance of seeking professional advice early on to navigate the process as smoothly as possible.
