If you are thinking about divorce, one of the first questions you may ask is: What are the grounds for divorce in the UK? It is a fair question. For years, couples had to blame each other for the breakdown of the marriage. Many people worried about whether their situation was “serious enough” or whether they had the right reason for divorce in the UK.

The law has changed. Since April 2022, the process has been simpler and less confrontational. But there are still legal rules you need to understand before you apply for a divorce.

In this guide, we explain the current grounds for divorce in the UK, how they differ from the old system, how to start the divorce process, and whether you can divorce without a solicitor. We also share up-to-date statistics so you can see how the law is affecting real families today.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in the UK Today?

Under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which came into force in April 2022, there is now only one sole ground for divorce:

The marriage has irretrievably broken down.

This applies to grounds for divorce in England and Wales. The introduction of no-fault divorce removed the need to prove blame or wait for long periods of separation.

So, if you are asking what grounds for divorce in the UK are, the answer is simple. You must confirm that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. That is the legal basis of divorce.

You no longer need to provide evidence of behaviour, adultery, or years of separation.

How Did the Old Divorce Grounds in the UK Work?

Before April 2022, couples had to rely on one of five divorce grounds:

  • Adultery
  • Unreasonable behaviour
  • Desertion
  • Separation with consent for two years
  • Separation without consent for five years

These were often referred to as fault divorces, particularly where adultery or unreasonable behaviour were involved.

This system caused tension. Even when both parties agreed to the divorce, one person often had to accept blame. That could escalate conflict and make financial and child arrangements harder to resolve. The Act 2020 changed this completely.

Why Did the Law Change?

The aim of the new legislation was to reduce conflict and modernise family law. The government recognised that forcing couples to assign blame often made matters worse.

According to the Ministry of Justice, there were 80,057 divorces granted in England and Wales in 2022. This was a 29.5 per cent increase compared to 2021, largely due to the introduction of no-fault divorce and couples waiting for the new law to come into effect.

More recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows 80,057 divorces were granted in 2022, reflecting how significant the reform has been in shaping UK reasons for divorce. The introduction of no-fault divorce has made the divorce proceedings more straightforward and less adversarial.

What Does “Irretrievable Breakdown” Actually Mean?

Irretrievable breakdown means the marriage has permanently ended and cannot be repaired.

You do not have to prove this with evidence. When you apply for a divorce, you simply provide a statement confirming that the marriage has broken down. The court accepts this as conclusive evidence.

There is no longer a need to argue about the most common grounds for divorce or whether unreasonable behaviour is serious enough. This change has simplified what many people previously saw as the top reasons for a divorce.

Can You Still Mention Unreasonable Behaviour or Domestic Abuse?

While the legal ground for divorce in the UK is now the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, serious issues such as domestic abuse remain highly relevant in financial settlements and child arrangements.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, your safety is the priority. Legal protection can be sought through separate court applications, such as non molestation orders. Even though unreasonable behaviour is no longer a required ground for divorce, it can still be relevant when resolving other aspects of the separation.

How to Start the Divorce Process

If you are ready to apply for a divorce, here is how the divorce process works in England and Wales:

1. Apply Online or by Post

You can apply online through the government website. You can make a sole application or a joint application if you both agree to the divorce.

2. The 20 Week Reflection Period

After the application is issued, there is a mandatory 20-week period before you can apply for the Conditional Order. This gives both parties time to reflect and consider arrangements.

3. Conditional Order

This confirms the court sees no reason why you cannot divorce.

4. Final Order

Six weeks after the Conditional Order, you can apply for the Final Order, which legally ends the marriage.

This structure applies to all divorce grounds UK under the new system.

What Are the Conditions for Divorce?

To meet the conditions for divorce in England and Wales:

  • You must have been married for at least one year
  • Your marriage must be legally recognised in the UK
  • The relationship must have irretrievably broken down
  • The court must have jurisdiction, usually because you or your spouse lives in England or Wales

If you are unsure about jurisdiction or eligibility, specialist family law advice is strongly recommended.

What Are the Top Reasons for Divorce UK?

Although the legal grounds have been simplified, many people still ask about the top reasons for divorce in the UK. According to historical ONS data from before no-fault divorce, the most common reasons cited were:

  • Unreasonable behaviour
  • Adultery
  • Separation

In 2019, unreasonable behaviour accounted for nearly half of all divorces among women and over one third among men. These figures reflect relationship breakdown patterns rather than the current divorce grounds of divorce.

Can You Divorce Without a Solicitor?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a divorce without a solicitor. Many couples manage the administrative process themselves, especially where:

  • There are no children
  • There are limited assets
  • Both parties are in agreement

However, divorce is not just about ending the marriage. Financial claims remain open until properly resolved by a court-approved financial order. Without legal advice, you may overlook pension sharing, property rights, or future claims. Even in amicable cases, a solicitor can ensure your long-term interests are protected.

Why Legal Advice Still Matters

Even though the basis of divorce is now simpler, financial and child arrangements can be complex.

Family law covers:

The end of the marriage is only one part of the process. Getting the right advice early can prevent costly mistakes.

Grounds for Divorce in England Compared to Scotland

It is important to note that the rules explained here apply to England and Wales.

Scotland operates under a different legal system with its own grounds for divorce. If you are unsure which jurisdiction applies, this should be clarified before applying.

Common Questions About Divorce Grounds UK

What are the grounds for divorce in the UK now?

There is only one ground. The marriage has irretrievably broken down.

Do both parties have to agree?

No. One party can apply on their own. The other spouse cannot usually contest the divorce itself.

Is separation still required?

No. Separation, with or without consent, is no longer a legal ground for separation.

How long does it take?

The process takes at least seven-eight months, including a 20-week reflection period and a 6-week waiting period before the Final Order.

Making the Right Decision

Divorce is a major life step. While the legal grounds for divorce are now straightforward, the emotional and financial consequences are not.

If you are asking what the reasons for divorce are or wondering whether your situation qualifies, remember this. You do not need to prove fault. You need to consider whether the marriage has genuinely broken down and whether you are ready to move forward.

Getting tailored advice from a specialist in family law can give you clarity and confidence.

Speak to Holland Family Law for Expert Support

At Holland Family Law, we specialise in guiding individuals through every stage of the divorce process with clarity and compassion. Whether you are considering applying for a divorce or need advice about finances or children, our experienced team is here to help.

If you are in Leicester or nearby areas such as London, Derby, Nottingham, Northampton, Lincoln, Loughborough, and Birmingham, we can guide you through every step.

Book your Free No Obligation 30-minute consultation today. Expert legal support is just a call away.

Reach us on 0116 4362170 or at claire@hollandfamilylaw.co.uk for confidential, practical advice from our family law specialists.

Your next chapter deserves the right legal foundation.