Your solicitor will usually discuss your circumstances, explain the divorce process and gather documents such as your marriage certificate and financial information. The application is then filed, the other spouse is notified, and the court timetable leads towards a conditional order before the final order legally ends the marriage. Financial arrangements and child-related matters are dealt with separately, and it is often sensible to address these before applying for the final order. Timescales vary according to cooperation, finances and court administration, so a solicitor regulated by the SRA can explain the likely next steps in your case.