Divorce Application Checklist

Applying for divorce is straightforward under the no-fault system, but having the right information ready before you start will save you time and avoid delays.

Before you apply

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Marriage certificate (original or certified copy)
If your certificate is not in English, you will also need a certified translation
Your spouse's full legal name and last known address
Decide whether to apply as sole applicant or jointly with your spouse
Confirm you have been married for at least 1 year
You cannot apply for divorce in the first year of marriage

Financial disclosure

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Details of all bank and savings accounts held individually and jointly
Pension valuations (Cash Equivalent Transfer Value for each pension)
Property valuations (current market value and outstanding mortgage)
Details of any other debts (loans, credit cards, hire purchase)
Income details for both parties (payslips or self-assessment returns)

Children's arrangements

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Agreed arrangements for where children will live and how often they see each parent
Ideally agreed before or during proceedings to avoid a separate court application
Details of any existing Child Arrangements Orders or other court orders
Child maintenance arrangements — whether through CMS or a private agreement

Helpful organisations

Citizens Advice

Charity

Provides free, confidential, and independent advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, debt, and employment.

Visit website 0800 144 8848

Related guides

No-Fault Divorce

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 fundamentally changed divorce law in England and Wales when it came into force in April 2022. For the first time, couples can end a marriage without having to allege fault — such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour — against each other. The process is now simpler, less adversarial, and can be completed jointly or by one spouse alone.

9 min

Child Maintenance Service

Child maintenance is money paid by the non-resident parent (the parent the child does not live with most of the time) to the parent with care to help meet the child's everyday needs. The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is the government body responsible for calculating, collecting, and enforcing child maintenance in Great Britain. Most parents are encouraged to reach a "family-based arrangement" before turning to the CMS, but the CMS provides a backstop when agreement cannot be reached.

9 min

Child Arrangements Orders

A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is a court order setting out the arrangements for where a child lives and how much time they spend with each parent or other person. They replaced the old residence and contact orders in 2014. The family court encourages parents to agree arrangements without court intervention, and before making an application you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) in most cases. The court's primary concern in every case is the welfare of the child.

10 min

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always check official sources and seek qualified help where needed.