The Truth About a “Quickie Divorce” – Can You Really Split in a Flash?

In today’s fast-paced world, we want everything instantly – our coffee, our Amazon deliveries and even our divorces. Enter the idea of the quickie divorce, a term that suggests a rapid, stress-free end to a marriage. But is it really that simple?

What is a quickie divorce?

The idea of a quick divorce is appealing – fast paperwork, no drama and moving on with life in record time. But while you can speed up certain aspects of the process, there’s no magic wand that instantly dissolves a marriage.

In England and Wales, even the most straightforward divorce takes at least 26 weeks due to the legal cooling-off period introduced under the no-fault divorce law in 2022.

Celebrity quickie divorces – Fact or fiction?

When celebrities split, the headlines often claim they’ve had a “quickie divorce,” but the reality is usually more complicated:

• Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries – Married for just 72 days, their divorce took nearly two years to finalise! So much for a quick exit…
• Cheryl & Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini – Their marriage lasted just 18 months, and while the actual divorce was processed in weeks, the financial and legal arrangements took much longer.
• Lisa Armstrong & Ant McPartlin – The TV presenter’s split was deemed “quick” after their decree nisi was granted in 30 seconds – but behind the scenes, the financial settlement dragged on for nearly two years.

Expert insight from high asset divorce specialists

Lucy Hart, Family Lawyer and Director at Sinclair Law, advises:

“While the term ‘quickie divorce’ sounds appealing, it’s important to remember that even the most amicable divorces require time and careful legal guidance to ensure everything is done properly – especially when finances and children are involved.”

Can you speed up your divorce?

If you’re looking for the fastest way to divorce, here are some practical tips:

✔ Agree on terms early – The fewer disputes, the smoother the process.
✔ File paperwork correctly – Errors can cause delays, so expert legal help is a must.
✔ Consider mediation – If disagreements arise, mediation can help avoid lengthy court battles.
✔ Sort your finances – A legally binding consent order protects you from future claims.

Final thoughts

While a “quickie divorce” sounds great in theory, the legal process still takes time. However, working with experienced family lawyers, like the team at Sinclair Law, ensures that your divorce is handled as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Sinclair Law are specialists in high asset divorce matters.

Need expert guidance? Sinclair Law offers a free 30-minute consultation to help you navigate your next steps with confidence.