Chapter 6 – How to do your own ‘no-fault’ divorce

The DDSA 2020 brings divorce law in line with the government’s approach to family justice-avoiding conflict wherever possible and reducing its damaging effects on children in particular.

You will find the following documents in the resources section to this chapter ready for you to download and complete if you choose to the paper option rather than the online option.

The ground of irretrievable breakdown is proven by the filing of a statement by one person to the marriage, or both parties, asserting that the marriage has broken down- (D8 if on paper).

If you decide to work together to obtain your divorce, reach fair financial arrangements and child arrangements you should find all the information you need in this Divorce Manual for most situations.

After the application is issued all parties will receive a reference number and access code to sign into the digital service (this is the case for both sole and joint applicants and respondents.

Getting divorced (bringing the marriage to an end) DOES NOT bring your future financial claims against each other to an end.

What if the applicant delays serving the respondent with notice of the divorce proceedings?
The 26 weeks period between issuing the divorce application and applying for the final order starts at the date of issue of the divorce application and not from the date the respondent receives notice.