Form D8 – Divorce application

What is Form D8?

Form D8 is the official application form to start divorce or civil partnership dissolution proceedings in England and Wales. It’s used for both:

• Sole applications – where one person applies
• Joint applications – where both people apply together

Since April 2022, divorce in England and Wales has been “no-fault” – you only need to confirm that your marriage has irretrievably broken down.

Download Form D8

Apply online instead

Most people now apply online rather than using the paper form. Online applications are typically processed faster.

Apply online at: www.gov.uk/apply-for-divorce

You’ll need:

• Your marriage certificate (or civil partnership certificate)
• Your spouse’s address (or their solicitor’s address)
• A debit or credit card to pay the £612 fee (or Help with Fees reference)

Who can use Form D8?

You can apply for divorce if:

• You’ve been married for at least 1 year
• Your marriage is legally recognised in the UK
• You have a permanent home in England or Wales, OR
• You or your spouse have lived in England or Wales for at least 1 year

What you’ll need

Before completing Form D8, gather:

Essential documents:

• Original marriage certificate (or certified copy)
• Your spouse’s current address

If applicable:

• Name change documents (if your name differs from the certificate)
• Translation of marriage certificate (if not in English)
• Help with Fees reference number (if applying for fee remission)

Completing Form D8

Section 1: Type of application

Choose whether you’re making:

• A sole application (you apply alone)
• A joint application (you and your spouse apply together)

For joint applications, you’ll both need to complete and sign the form.

Section 2: Your details (Applicant 1)

Provide:

• Your full name (as on the marriage certificate and current name if different)
• Your address (you can keep this confidential if needed)
• Your email address (for court communications)
• Contact telephone number

Section 3: Respondent/Applicant 2 details

For sole applications: Provide your spouse’s (the respondent’s) name and address.

For joint applications: Your spouse (Applicant 2) completes this section with their details.

Section 4: Marriage details

Enter exactly as shown on your marriage certificate:

• Full names of both parties on the certificate
• Date of marriage
• Place of marriage

Section 5: Jurisdiction

The court needs to confirm it has authority to deal with your divorce. Tick the statements that apply to your situation, such as:

• Both habitually resident in England and Wales
• Applicant habitually resident and has resided for at least 1 year
• Domiciled in England and Wales

Section 6: Statement of irretrievable breakdown

This is the legal ground for divorce. You simply confirm that your marriage has irretrievably broken down. You don’t need to give reasons or blame anyone.

Section 7: Other proceedings

State whether there are any other court proceedings involving you, your spouse, or your children (custody, domestic abuse, etc.).

Section 8: Financial orders

Indicate if you intend to apply for a financial order. This doesn’t commit you – it just lets the court know you may need financial matters resolved.

Statement of truth

Sign and date the form, confirming that the information is true to the best of your knowledge.

For joint applications, both applicants must sign.

Court fee

The fee for Form D8 is £612 (as of April 2025).

Payment methods:

• Online: Debit or credit card
• Paper application: Cheque payable to “HM Courts & Tribunals Service”

Can’t afford the fee? You may be able to get help. See Form EX160 for Help with Fees.

Where to send Form D8

Online: Submit through the GOV.UK divorce service.

By post: Send to:

HMCTS Divorce and Dissolution Service
PO Box 13226
Harlow
CM20 9UG

Include:

• Completed Form D8
• Original marriage certificate (or certified copy)
• Court fee (or Help with Fees reference)
• Any supporting documents

What happens next

1. Court checks your application (1-2 weeks)
2. Application issued – you receive a case number and your spouse is sent the papers
3. Acknowledgement of service – your spouse confirms receipt (14 days)
4. 20-week reflection period begins from when the application was issued
5. Apply for conditional order using Form D84

Common mistakes

• Not providing the original or certified copy of the marriage certificate
• Name on form doesn’t match the marriage certificate
• Missing signatures
• Not including the court fee or Help with Fees reference
• Leaving required sections blank

Related forms