FORM D8
D8 Divorce Application Guide
Your complete guide to applying for divorce in England and Wales. No-fault divorce made simple with step-by-step instructions.
Under the new law, you no longer need to prove fault or blame. You simply state the marriage has broken down irretrievably. This applies to both sole and joint applications. The 20-week reflection period gives time for practical arrangements.
What is Form D8?
Form D8 is the official application for divorce or civil partnership dissolution. It starts the legal process to end your marriage in the family court.
Sole or Joint Application
You can apply alone (sole) or together with your spouse (joint). Joint applications show cooperation and both parties share responsibility for progressing the case.
Court Fee: £593
The court fee must be paid when you submit your application. If on low income or benefits, apply for Help with Fees to reduce or waive the fee.
Divorce Timeline
Day 1Submit D8
Submit application online or by post with fee and marriage certificate
2-4 weeksCourt Processing
Court checks application and issues to respondent
20 weeks20 Week Waiting
Mandatory reflection period from application date
After week 20Apply for Conditional Order
Submit application for conditional order
1-4 weeksConditional Order
Court grants conditional order (formerly decree nisi)
6 weeks6 Week Wait
Mandatory waiting period before final order
After 6 weeksFinal Order
Apply for final order (formerly decree absolute)
Form D8 Sections Explained
Understanding each section helps you complete the form accurately first time.
Section 1About You
Your personal details including name, address, and contact information.Use current legal name
Include email for court correspondence
Section 2About Your Marriage
Marriage certificate details, date and place of marriage.Check certificate carefully
Include overseas marriages
Section 3About Your Spouse
Your spouse/civil partner details and their address for service.Provide current address if known
Consider alternative service if untraceable
Section 4Jurisdiction
Confirming the court has authority to deal with your case.One of you must be habitually resident in England/Wales
Domicile is an alternative ground
Section 5Statement of Irretrievable Breakdown
The legal basis for your divorce - the marriage has broken down irretrievably.No-fault divorce since April 2022
No reasons or blame required
Section 6Children
Details of any children of the family under 18.Include stepchildren living with you
Attach arrangements if appropriate
Section 7Financial Orders
Whether you intend to apply for financial orders.Tick yes to preserve rights
Can apply later even if ticked no
Section 8Statement of Truth
Signing to confirm the information is true.False statement is contempt of court
Both applicants sign for joint applications
Documents You Need
Required Documents
- Original marriage certificate (or certified copy)
- Completed D8 form
- Court fee (£593) or fee remission reference
- Certified translation (if certificate not in English)
- Statement of arrangements for children (if applicable)
Optional Documents
- Decree absolute from previous marriage (if applicable)
- Change of name deed (if name changed since marriage)
- Evidence of address (for jurisdiction)
- Power of attorney (if signing on behalf of applicant)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect marriage certificate details
Copy details exactly from your marriage certificate. Any discrepancy will delay your application.
Wrong jurisdiction box ticked
Read the jurisdiction options carefully. At least one must apply - usually habitual residence in England or Wales.
Missing court fee payment
The court fee (currently £593) must be paid with your application. Check if you qualify for fee remission (Help with Fees).
Not including original marriage certificate
You must submit the original marriage certificate or a certified copy. Photocopies are not accepted.
Forgetting to tick financial order box
If there is any chance you may need financial orders, tick yes. You can always choose not to proceed but cannot easily add it later.
Joint application disagreement
For joint applications, both parties must agree to proceed at each stage. If one changes their mind, it becomes a sole application.
Apply for Divorce Online
You can apply online through the GOV.UK service or download Form D8 to post.
Frequently Asked Questions
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