Hello!

A friend of mine has tasked me with helping her arrange a divorce. This is because she has some learning issues that make it hard for her to source, organise and take in information.

I started by requesting a copy of the marriage certificate important note neither party used their real (legal) first names on the certificate. Does this have any impact on whether the contract is binding?

The couple have been separated for 5 years, don't share property or finances however do have a child who lives mostly with mum but dad does some evenings and school pick ups.

She (my friend) wants the divorce, he does not (it's a bit complicated I won't go into the issues). Once she pays the £600 fee and makes the application, I assume they post him a notice and he has to agree or not? What happens then? Can he just say no?

I just need an idea of what to expect from next steps so there aren't any surprises! Thanks SO much.

(UK law, based in the south of the country, marriage happened in 2017).