Read about how to get a quick divorce or "DIY divorce " in Scotland.
About Gibson Kerr
Gibson Kerr is a family-run law firm that has been established in Edinburgh. Our main areas of practice are family law; personal law and property law. This includes divorce and separation, guardianship, prenuptial agreements, cohabitation, power of attorney, executries/probate, estate planning, inheritance tax and wills.
DIY Divorce in Scotland
What are the grounds for a quick divorce or DIY divorce in Scotland?
In Scotland, there is a process known as the simplified divorce procedure. This process is also
applicable to a civil partnership dissolution. This type of divorce is often referred to as a
“DIY divorce” or a “quick divorce”. The simplified divorce procedure is the quickest and
simplest way of obtaining a decree of divorce. The process takes approximately eight to ten
weeks to complete.
You can you apply for a divorce under the simplified procedure if you meet all the following
criteria:
The marriage has broken down irretrievably and there is no prospect of reconciliation;
You have been separated for at least one year and your spouse is willing to sign a
consent form, or you have been separated for at least two years;
There are no children of the marriage under the age of 16;
There are no outstanding financial matters to resolve between you;
You, or your spouse, have resided in Scotland for the year preceding the divorce, or
consider Scotland your principal place of residence;
There are no other court proceedings taking place that could end your marriage; and
There is no indication that either party is unable to manage their affairs due to either
mental illness or impairment.
If you need to instruct a solicitor, Gibson Kerr are expert divorce solicitors and our team of family
law experts is on hand to help.
What are the grounds for a quick divorce or DIY divorce in Scotland?
In Scotland, there is a process known as the simplified divorce procedure. This process is also
applicable to a civil partnership dissolution. This type of divorce is often referred to as a
“DIY divorce” or a “quick divorce”. The simplified divorce procedure is the quickest and
simplest way of obtaining a decree of divorce. The process takes approximately eight to ten
weeks to complete.
You can you apply for a divorce under the simplified procedure if you meet all the following
criteria:
The marriage has broken down irretrievably and there is no prospect of reconciliation;
You have been separated for at least one year and your spouse is willing to sign a
consent form, or you have been separated for at least two years;
There are no children of the marriage under the age of 16;
There are no outstanding financial matters to resolve between you;
You, or your spouse, have resided in Scotland for the year preceding the divorce, or
consider Scotland your principal place of residence;
There are no other court proceedings taking place that could end your marriage; and
There is no indication that either party is unable to manage their affairs due to either
mental illness or impairment.
If you need to instruct a solicitor, Gibson Kerr are expert divorce solicitors and our team of family
law experts is on hand to help.