Get a divorce: step by step
How to file for divorce if you’re in England or Wales.
There’s a different process if you’re responding to a divorce application (‘petition’) or you’re in Scotland or Northern Ireland.
-
Step 1 Get support and advice
You can get support or counselling to help you through the divorce process.
-
Step 2 Check if you can get divorced
-
Step 3 Make arrangements for children, money and property
-
Step 4 Apply for a divorce
-
Step 5 Apply for a ‘conditional order’ or ‘decree nisi’
-
Step 6 Finalise your divorce
-
Step 7 Report that your circumstances have changed
You also have to tell other government organisations that you're getting divorced if: