How to apply for a divorce online (UK): a clear, calm guide for families
Thinking about how to apply for divorce online can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re also trying to keep things civil for the children and sort out practicalities. This guide explains the divorce online UK process step-by-step, shows where mediation fits, and answers common questions we hear at The Family Mediation Trust.
Can I apply for divorce online?
Short answer: yes. If your marriage is legally recognised in England or Wales and you’ve been married at least a year, you can apply for divorce online through the government’s digital service. Either spouse can start the divorce online application (also called the online divorce application). You can apply as a sole applicant or make a joint application together.
If you want the smoothest route, make time to agree parenting, money and housing issues alongside the legal process. Mediation helps you get a divorce online with fewer delays and lower conflict.
What you need before applying
- Your marriage certificate (and a certified translation if not in English).
- Full names, addresses and dates of birth for both parties.
- A valid email address and mobile number.
- A debit/credit card to pay the court fee (you may be eligible for help with fees).
- Clarity on whether you’ll apply jointly or alone.
Many families find an online divorce consultation with a mediator makes the rest of the process simpler.
Step-by-step: applying for divorce online
- Create your account and start the form
Head to the official portal and begin applying for divorce online. You’ll confirm your details and the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (no fault required). - Upload documents
Submit clear scans/photos of your marriage certificate—yes, you can provide divorce documents online. If anything is unclear, the court will ask for better copies. - Serve the application
The court sends papers to your spouse. If you’ve applied jointly, you’ll both sign off within the service. - Acknowledgement of Service
Your spouse confirms receipt online. If they do not respond, extra steps may be required. - Cooling-off period (reflection)
There is a mandatory waiting period before you can apply for the Conditional Order (formerly decree nisi). - Conditional Order → Final Order
After another set period, you request the Final Order (formerly decree absolute). Once granted, the marriage is legally ended—this is your legal divorce online completion.
Reality check on “quick divorce online” and “quick and easy divorce online”: advertising can be optimistic. Timescales depend on court backlogs and how quickly both parties respond. Good preparation and cooperation are the true “best divorce online” accelerators.
Do I need a solicitor?
You can apply divorce online without a solicitor, but many people prefer to get help from a solicitor to apply for divorce online—especially if there are pensions, property or complex finances. In the UK we use online divorce solicitors (not an online divorce attorney, which is a US term). If you want tailored legal advice without retaining a firm, book a short online divorce lawyer consultation to check your draft and next steps.
Tip: Mediation + a brief legal review is often the most cost-effective combination.
Mediation and making agreements
The divorce itself ends the marriage; it does not sort out money, property or child arrangements. Mediation helps you reach proposals you both feel are fair, then your solicitor (or a fixed-fee drafting service) can turn those into a consent order.
- Keep the parenting conversation child-focused.
- Use mediation to reduce conflict and keep control of outcomes.
- Agree what you can before you hit “submit” on any apply divorce online forms.
Talk to us if you’d like a neutral space to work through the plan.
What do “online divorce services” actually do?
Some private online divorce services will complete forms and submit them for you. That can be handy for admin, but they do not replace legal advice or mediation. Check what’s included, who is responsible for accuracy, and the online divorce cost versus doing it yourself through the court website. For many families, a mediator plus limited legal input gives better value and fewer surprises.
Costs
- Court fee: charged when you apply for divorce online (fee-help may apply).
- Mediation: varies; legal aid may cover your MIAM/mediation if eligible.
- Solicitor input: from a one-off online divorce consultation to full representation.
Remember to budget for drafting a consent order if you reach agreement on finances.
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
- Rushing for a “quick divorce online” without sorting finances: finalising the divorce first can affect pension/estate rights. Get advice before applying for the Final Order.
- Using the wrong service: beware sites that look official but aren’t. Stick to the government portal or reputable providers.
- Not reading carefully: small errors in the divorce online application can cause delays.
- Assuming it will be “easy divorce online”: clear communication and agreed timelines are key.
FAQs
Is it really possible to apply divorce online without help?
Yes, but many people want reassurance from a mediator and a solicitor. A short legal check can save weeks.
Where can I get help that isn’t adversarial?
Start with mediation. We’ll help you frame proposals and reality-test them before you see a solicitor.
What’s the difference between “divorce online application” and “online divorce application”?
None—both mean the digital court form to start proceedings.
Ready to move forward—calmly?
Whether you want the confidence to apply for divorce online yourself, prefer to get help from a solicitor to apply for divorce online, or simply need space to agree the plan before hitting submit, we’re here. Book a MIAM with The Family Mediation Trust to keep momentum and minimise stress.
Next step: speak to us about mediation, then choose the route that fits—DIY, admin support, or a short online divorce lawyer consultation alongside mediation. That’s how you make “divorce online” work for real families, not just search results