Get a copy of a final order or decree absolute

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If you do not know which court you should apply to

If you do not know which court or Divorce Service Centre handled the divorce, dissolution or annulment, you can apply to the Central Family Court to search for a copy of the final order or decree absolute.

There’s a different way to apply for a copy of a decree absolute or final order if you know which court handled the divorce.

How much it costs

It costs £65 for each 10 year period you search. If you want to search for a longer period, you’ll need to submit another application.

What you’ll get

You’ll get a certificate of the search with a copy of the final order or decree absolute by post, usually within 45 days after the court gets your payment.

If the court cannot find a final order or decree absolute, you’ll get a ‘no trace’ certificate instead.

Before you start

You’ll need to provide:

  • your name and contact details
  • the address you need the copy of the final order or decree absolute to be sent to
  • the name of the person who applied for divorce, annulment or dissolution
  • the name of the person who responded to the application
  • the search start and end dates

The search will be quicker if you can provide:

  • the date of the marriage
  • the date the divorce, annulment or dissolution application was filed
  • the date and the court in which the conditional order or decree nisi was granted
  • the date the final order or decree absolute was granted

Apply online

Use the online service to apply for a search.

Apply online

After you apply

You must pay for the search after you’ve made your application. You’ll be told how to pay. Your search will not be completed until you’ve paid.

Other ways to apply

Fill in form D440 and send it to the address on the form.

Pay by cheque or postal order

Make the cheque or postal order payable to ‘HM Courts & Tribunals Service’ and send it to the service centre or court.

Pay by credit or debit card

You’ll be told how to pay after you apply. Your search will not be completed until you’ve paid.

Central Family Court
cfc.decreeabsolute@justice.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 123 5577
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges

View a printable version of the whole guide

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