Marriage is one of life's big milestones, but sadly for some it is not the fairytale ending they had hoped for.

But for those going through a divorce in Burton and South Derbyshire there is a tiny silver lining to the cloud, as the Midlands has been named as one of the fastest places in the country to get a divorce.

Latest figures from the Ministry of Justice have revealed that the average time it takes for a divorce to become final in the Midlands is 21.7 weeks, compared to an average of 23.2 weeks across England and Wales.

The minimum period for divorce proceedings to last is generally six weeks, however this will usually span much longer, especially when financial issues or children are involved.

Justine Woodcock, 45, a family lawyer from Astle Paterson Solicitors said: “Divorces will usually take a bit longer to finalise if there are financial matters that need to be resolved.

“It could be that people in this area tend to sort out their finances between both parties beforehand.”

In the 2016/17 financial year, 18,677 cases of divorce were processed in England and Wales, out of a total 111,344 cases that were brought to courts.

The Midlands came in third behind Wales and the North West where divorces could be processed in 19.8 weeks and 21.3 weeks respectively.

Mrs Woodcock added: “The proceedings will be completed faster if both parties are quick to complete their documents. If both parties are keen to get the divorce finalised, it tends to be completed faster.”

In order to get a divorce in England or Wales, you have to have been married for at least a year and the relationship has to be permanently broken down. The marriage must also be legally recognised in the UK, including same-sex marriages.

What are the stages of getting a divorce?

According to gov.uk, there are three main steps you will need to take to legally end your marriage.

You have to apply to the court to file for a divorce and show the reasons why you want the marriage to end.

You will be granted a decree nisi if your ex-partner does not defend the reasons you put forward for a divorce. If they do defend it, then you can still apply for a decree nisi, but you will have to go to a court hearing to discuss the case.

You can apply for a decree absolute six weeks after you are granted the decree nisi. This will legally end your marriage and allow you to remarry.