Between October to December 2024 there were 24,171 applications made (74% from sole applicants, 26% from joint applicants). This was a decrease of 2% from the same quarter in 2023, according to the Family Court Statistics.
There were 23,413 final orders granted in October to December 2024 up 2% compared to the same quarter in 2023 (across both no fault divorce and prior legislation).
In October to December 2024, the mean average time from application to conditional order was 45 weeks up 3 weeks from the same quarter of 2023.
The mean average time from application to final order was 70 weeks, up 2 weeks from the equivalent quarter in 2023.
Annually, applications were down 4% in 2024 compared to 2023 and final orders were up by 2%. There were 108,657 applications under the NFD law in 2024, 75% of these applications were made under a sole applicant. There were also 103,253 conditional orders and 94,243 final orders made under the NFD law in 2024.
For digital divorce cases, there were 23,517 applications made during October to December 2024 (97% of the total, up from 95% in the same period of 2023). The average time to conditional order (91% of the total) for October to December 2024 was 37 weeks, and 57 weeks from application to final order (89% of the total).
In 2024, digital divorce cases made up 96% of applications compared to 95% in 2023. Digital divorce cases also accounted for 92% of conditional orders and 89% of final orders, from 90% and 83% the year before.
For sole divorce cases, there were 17,851 applications made during October to December 2024 (74% of the total down 2 percentage points from the same period of 2023). The average time to conditional order for October to December 2024 for these cases was 38 weeks, and 54 weeks from application to final order.
For joint divorce cases, there were 6,320 applications made during October to December 2024 (26% of the total up 2 percentage points from the same period of 2023). The average time to conditional order for October to December 2024 for these cases was 32 weeks, and 47 weeks from application to final order. Sean Hilton, Managing Associate, Stevens & Bolton, said:
“The statistics published today show a consistency with the year prior. This must allay previously held fears that the introduction of a no-fault system would make it ‘easier’ to get divorced, thus leading to an increase in those couples doing so. What is not reflected in the statistics is the benefit felt by divorcing couples in being able to begin the process without fault or blame, reducing tensions and, where children are involved, supporting positive co-parenting relationships. It has undoubtedly been a positive change to the Family Justice system.
It is interesting however, that of the 24,17 applications made between October and December 2024 74% were on a sole applicant basis. This must in part show that it is still common for one person to want to divorce the other, but it may also reflect the additional complexity (mainly administrative) of the joint application process. It is simply easier to divorce on a sole applicant basis which could be seen to contradict the spirit of the no-fault system.
The statistics also demonstrate a concerning reality, which is that many people are divorcing without resolving their financial claims. Whilst 24,171 applications were made for divorce, there were only 11,023 financial remedy applications. This would suggest that over 50% of divorcing couples do not resolve their financial claims, which remain live even after the divorce is finalised. This can have a significant future impact in several ways, but most notably where children need housing and financial support and in relation to pensions. There needs to be better education for couples navigating the divorce process to narrow this gap.”
