Do I need a divorce?

This depends on the particular circumstances and the wishes of the people involved.
Since 6 April 2022, divorce in England and Wales is based on no-fault divorce. You do not need to rely on adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion or separation periods.
The process starts with a divorce application, either sole or joint. Once the application has been issued, there is a minimum 20-week period before applying for a conditional order. A final order can then usually be applied for 6 weeks and 1 day after the conditional order.
If there are financial issues that need to be resolved, such as ownership of the matrimonial property, financial support or pension sharing, divorce proceedings may be relevant to establishing and resolving those claims.
Financial arrangements and child arrangements should be considered separately from the divorce itself.
For more advice please visit our Family Law page.