Divorce: Start Here
A step-by-step guide to understanding the divorce process
If you’re facing divorce or separation, it’s completely normal to feel unsure where to begin.
There are often several things happening at once — legal steps, financial questions, and (if you have children) important decisions about arrangements.
You do not need to have everything worked out right now.
This page will help you understand the process step by step, so you can explore what may be relevant to you with greater clarity.
How to use this page
Think of this as a simple step-by-step pathway through divorce.
You can follow each step in order, or move directly to the area that feels most relevant to your situation.
Each step links to a detailed guide designed to help you understand your options and take practical next steps.
Download Your Free Divorce Guide
(England & Wales)
Thinking about divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to start.
This free First Step Divorce Guide is designed to give you clear, practical information to help you understand your options and take your first steps with confidence.
Inside, you’ll find a simple breakdown of the divorce process, key legal considerations, and what you need to think about regarding finances, children, and next steps. Whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to move forward, this guide will help you feel more informed, prepared, and in control.
👉 Get your Guide here:
Step 2: Work Out Your Finances
Financial decisions are often one of the most important parts of divorce.
This step helps you understand:
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what needs to be disclosed
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what may need to be considered when dividing finances
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what happens to property, pensions, and savings
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how financial agreements are reached
👉 Start here:
Next step (optional):
Apply this to your situation
Once you understand how finances are divided, the next step is organising your own financial position in a clear and structured way.
The Financial Arrangements Toolkit helps you to:
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set out your assets, income, and commitments clearly
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identify what is known and what needs further clarity
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prepare for financial discussions and decisions
👉 Next Step
Step 3: Try to Reach Agreement
Many couples are able to reach agreements without going to court.
Family mediation provides a structured and supportive way to do this.
This step helps you:
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understand what mediation is and how it works
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know whether you need to attend a MIAM
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prepare for mediation sessions
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understand what happens if agreement is not reached
👉 Start here:
Step 4: Make Arrangements for Children
If you have children, your focus will naturally be on creating stability and workable day-to-day arrangements.
This step helps you:
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understand how child arrangements work in practice
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create routines that support your child’s wellbeing
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make decisions about where your child lives and time with each parent
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understand what happens if agreement is difficult
👉 Start here:
Next step (optional):
Put arrangements into practice
Once you understand how arrangements work, the next step is turning this into a clear, workable plan for your child’s day-to-day life.
The Child Arrangements Toolkit helps you to:
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structure your child’s weekly routine
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prepare for discussions and decisions
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identify what is working and where adjustments may help
👉 Next Step:
Prefer Steps 1-4 in one place?
If you would like to work through Steps 1–4 in a clear and structured way, you can access the full set of guides together.
The 4 Essential Divorce Guides Bundle brings everything together in one place, so you can follow the process without needing to search between different sections.
👉 View the bundle:
More detailed guidance
Complex Financial Arrangements
When finances are more complicated—such as property portfolios, business interests, pensions, or high-value assets—reaching an agreement can feel more challenging. However, many couples are still able to resolve these issues without going to court.
With the right support, including financial disclosure and professional guidance, it’s often possible to work towards a fair and practical outcome together.
This guide helps you:
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understand how complex financial matters are approached during divorce
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learn how mediation and other non-court options can support agreement
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prepare for discussions involving assets, income, and long-term financial needs
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know what happens if an agreement cannot be reached
👉 Start here:
Child Arrangements After Separation
When parents separate, making arrangements for children can feel emotional and uncertain. Even so, many families are able to agree practical and supportive arrangements without going to court.
With the right support, including clear communication, child-focused planning, and where appropriate mediation, it is often possible to create arrangements that work in the best interests of the child.
This guide helps you:
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understand how child arrangements are approached after separation
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learn how mediation and other non-court options can help parents reach agreement
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prepare for discussions about where a child lives, time spent with each parent, and day-to-day decisions
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know what options are available if an agreement cannot be reached
👉 Start here:
When more detailed guidance may be helpful
Every situation is different.
While the guides above cover the process for most people, some situations are more complex.
You may benefit from more detailed guidance if:
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your finances involve multiple properties, business interests, or investments
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agreement is difficult or communication has broken down
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you are concerned about court proceedings or disputes
Where relevant, you will be guided to more advanced resources as you move through the process.
Take Your Time
You do not need to make every decision at once.
Many people move through this process step by step — starting with understanding, then gradually making more informed decisions.
If you are unsure where to begin, start with Step 1 and take it from there.
You are not expected to have everything worked out.
This is about taking the next step — not solving everything at once.