Digital divorce: How can I apply for a divorce online?

Couples can now divorce digitally after a new online service went public on 1 May 2018.

Individuals without legal representation can now apply to the Court for a divorce. They can complete their divorce application, upload any documents and pay the fee online.

The service is available in England and Wales and the laws surrounding divorce remain the same. It forms part of a reform programme to modernise the services offered by courts and tribunals.

This will be welcomed by those who find it difficult to pay for legal fees. The Court fee of £550.00 will still need to be paid unless an exemption is applied for. The divorce system is not yet fully online and at this stage the online service only applies to the initial application form (petition) for a divorce. Other applications and forms will still need to be posted into Court although there are plans to make the procedure a fully online service. The system does not prompt users for action that needs to be taken next and if you are divorcing without legal representation you will still need to make yourselves familiar with the procedure and time limits.

Our Family Law team regularly assists those who have started divorce proceedings through online providers, but who are unable to complete the process if proceedings become complicated or other considerations later arise.

For more information or to arrange a free no obligation discussion, please contact our Family Law team on 0113 201 4902 or email family.law@emsleys.co.uk.