On 6 April 2022 the administrative process of getting a divorce completely changed, as the law moved to a ‘no-fault’ based system. The process is now much simpler, with fewer forms than previously.
While you can still apply for a divorce by post, HM Courts & Tribunals Service offers an online service to make the process faster and easier.
Divorce forms for the divorce itself
Divorce application - D8. You ('the applicant') complete this form to apply for a divorce. The form sets out the details of who is getting divorced, and whether any children are involved. It has a section for declaring that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. You also need to send the court your original marriage certificate or a certified copy and a court fee.
Acknowledgement of service - D10. If your spouse has applied for a divorce, you ('the respondent') will be sent this along with a copy of the divorce application. You complete and return the form.
Application for a conditional order - D84. After the 20-week cooling off period, you use this form to ask for the conditional order to be granted. You also complete a form D80 confirming that the details given in the acknowledgement of service (D10) are true.
Application for a final order - D36. From six weeks after the conditional order has been granted, you use this form to apply for the final order, to complete the divorce process.
Divorce forms relating to financial settlements
Statement of information for a consent order - D81. If you have agreed financial arrangements between yourselves and want these to be made legally binding by a consent order, you can use this form. The form gives details of how much capital and income you each have and where each of you (and any children) will live.
Notice of an application for a financial order - Form A. This is the form commonly used to apply to the court for a financial order (eg for your former partner to pay you a lump sum or periodic maintenance payments, or to transfer ownership of the family home). You use this when you cannot negotiate an agreement between yourselves.
Notice of a first appointment - Form C. Sent to each of you by the court, giving you the date of your first appointment with the judge.
Financial statement - Form E. This form gives detailed information about your assets, debts, pension arrangements, income and financial needs. You complete this as part of applying to the court for a financial order and send it to each other before the first appointment. Couples with complicated finances or who know little about each other's financial position may also use this as part of negotiating their own arrangements.
Estimate of costs - Form H. You use this to keep the court up to date with your estimated costs (eg legal fees) when applying for a financial order.
Divorce forms concerning children
Application for a child arrangements order - C100. This is the key form used in most cases. For example, you use this form to apply for a child arrangements order, if you want to stop the other parent doing something or if you want an order relating to a specific issue.
Allegations of harm and domestic violence – C1A. This form is used with the C100 in cases involving domestic violence or abuse.
Application for an order - C1. Used for applications relating to guardianship or parental responsibility.
More divorce forms and guidance notes can be found using the HM Courts and Tribunals service form finder.
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