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Get a divorce or end a civil partnership
Divorce and dissolution go through the courts and the process is different in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England and Wales it normally takes at least 7 months.
Official links
Show links for:
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: get a divorce www.gov.uk/divorce | England, Wales |
| GOV.UK: end a civil partnership www.gov.uk/end-civil-partnership | England, Wales |
| Scottish Courts: divorce and dissolution of civil partnership www.scotcourts.gov.uk/taking-action/divorce-and-dissolution-of-civil-partnership | Scotland |
| nidirect: getting a divorce or dissolving a civil partnership www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/getting-divorce-or-dissolving-civil-partnership | Northern Ireland |
Step by step
- England and Wales: you must have been married or in the civil partnership for over a year. Decide whether to apply jointly or on your own, then apply online or by post (form D8).
- Wait 20 weeks after the court issues the application, then apply for a conditional order.
- At least 43 days (6 weeks and 1 day) after the conditional order, apply for the final order. Apply within 12 months or you will have to explain the delay.
- If you want a legally binding arrangement for money and property, apply to the court for it before the final order.
- Scotland: the sheriff court has a simplified 'do it yourself' procedure and an ordinary procedure. Northern Ireland: you cannot apply in the first 2 years, and the petition is lodged with the Matrimonial Office.
What you need
- Your full name and address and those of your husband, wife or civil partner
- Your original marriage or civil partnership certificate, or a certified copy
- A certified translation if the certificate is not in English
- Proof of any change of name since the marriage, such as a deed poll
Common mistakes
- Applying for the final order before sorting out a financial order, if you need one.
- Making a joint application when you are at risk of domestic abuse. Apply on your own and get help.
- Using the England and Wales service when the divorce must go through the Scottish or Northern Irish courts.