I want a divorce: ending a marriage or civil partnership

Start with what you want

You can tell an independent adviser: “I want a divorce” or “I want to end my civil partnership.” You can also ask about your options before deciding. Divorce is the legal ending of a marriage. Dissolution is the legal ending of a civil partnership. You do not have to show that your partner did something wrong. You do have to confirm that the relationship has permanently broken down. Counselling is an option if you want it; you do not have to reconcile.

Get safe, private advice

If someone is threatening, controlling or hurting you, speak privately to a solicitor or specialist domestic abuse service. If you were forced to marry, the Forced Marriage Unit can help. You can seek protection before any divorce application. Call 999 for immediate danger in the UK. Tell services if messages, letters or contact with your partner could put you at risk. Ask how to keep contact details private in court documents. Do not put an unsafe address in other documents by mistake.

Check when and where you can apply

For a divorce in England and Wales, your marriage must normally be legally recognised in the UK and have lasted more than one year. A civil partnership must also have lasted more than one year before dissolution. A solicitor can check which courts can deal with your case, especially if either person lives abroad or the ceremony was overseas. If it has been less than a year, ask about separation and any other options. Annulment has different legal grounds; it is not available simply because you regret marrying.

Applying alone or together

A sole application means one person applies. A joint application means both people apply. You can apply alone if your partner does not agree or will not cooperate. Simply wanting to stay married is not a legal reason to stop a no-fault divorce. Genuine legal disputes, such as whether the court has power to deal with the case, need legal advice. GOV.UK advises joint applications only where both people agree and there is no risk of domestic abuse.

Get help with the application

You can use the government online service or apply by post. A solicitor can also help. For divorce you usually need the marriage certificate or a certified copy, and details of both people. Ask what to do if a document or your partner’s address is missing. Do not contact an unsafe partner to obtain it. Government application pages explain practical help with online forms. This practical help does not replace legal advice about your rights.

Ask for communication and access support

Tell your solicitor and the court how you communicate and understand information. Ask for short explanations, breaks, a suitable format, an interpreter or other reasonable adjustments. A trusted supporter or advocate may help you prepare questions, but should not put words in your mouth. Ask the court about permission and arrangements for support during any hearing. Explain any safety concerns about seeing your partner at court.

Learning disability and decisions about the case

A learning disability or being autistic does not automatically mean you cannot manage a court case. Get support to understand and take part. If there is a concern about your ability to conduct the proceedings even with appropriate help, ask a family solicitor experienced in mental capacity law. A litigation friend may be required: this is someone recognised through the court process to make decisions about the case for a person who cannot manage it. They are not simply a relative signing whatever they choose.

The court stages and waiting periods

For a new divorce or dissolution application, there is normally a wait of at least 20 weeks from the date the court issues the application before applying for a conditional order. That order does not end the relationship. There is then normally at least 6 weeks and 1 day before applying for the final order. Use the dates and directions given for your case. Court processing, service of papers and financial issues can make it take longer. It does not finish automatically when a waiting period ends.

Check costs and help with paying

Check the current court fee through the official application page before paying. Ask any solicitor for clear information about their charges and what is included. Help with Fees may reduce the court fee depending on income, savings and benefits. Legal aid is different: it helps with certain legal work where the rules are met. It is not automatic for divorce or because someone has a learning disability. Ask a legal aid adviser about eligibility, especially where there is domestic abuse or forced marriage.

Money, property and pensions need separate attention

A divorce or dissolution does not itself settle financial claims. Ask about savings, debts, property, pensions, maintenance and disability-related living costs. A court order may be needed to make financial arrangements legally binding, including where you agree. Get advice before applying for the final order because timing can affect financial rights, particularly pensions. Do not sign an agreement you do not understand. Tell the adviser about benefits and ongoing care costs.

Children need their own arrangements

Decisions about where children live, time with parents and financial support are separate from the divorce itself. Explain the children’s routines, communication, disability and safety needs. Ask a family solicitor or adviser what agreement or court order is needed. A parent with a learning disability can ask for accessible explanations and support to participate. If there is abuse or a forced marriage, get specialist safety advice rather than arranging a meeting with the family.

Plan your home, benefits and support

Ask for housing advice before agreeing to leave a home or give up a tenancy; your rights depend on the ownership and tenancy arrangements. Immediate safety comes first. Tell a social worker if separation could interrupt personal care, equipment, medicines or support. Ask a welfare rights adviser about benefits and reporting changes. If your permission to stay in the UK depends on your relationship, seek immigration advice promptly.

Separation, annulment and protection are different

You can live separately without a divorce, and legal separation is another court option. You remain legally married or civil partners unless the relationship is legally ended. Annulment is a different court process with specific conditions; lack of proper consent may be relevant. A protection order addresses safety and does not itself end a marriage. Ask a solicitor which processes you need. You do not have to wait for a final order to ask for safety or safeguarding support.

After the final order

Keep a copy of the final order somewhere safe. It is the document confirming that the marriage or civil partnership has legally ended. Ask which organisations need updates, including benefit services where relevant. Review your will, financial arrangements and support plan with the right advisers. You may want emotional support, independent advocacy or help rebuilding friendships and routines. You can ask for this without having to explain private details to everybody.

I want a divorce

Your wishes matter

You do not have to blame someone

Ask for private help

Help if you are unsafe

Check when you can apply

You can apply on your own

Get help with forms

Get the support you need

Extra help with the court case

There are several steps

Ask about the costs

Sort out money separately

Make plans for children

Plan your home and support

The final order ends the relationship

You can keep asking for help

What you can do next

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