Divorce checklist: Nine things to check before starting divorce proceedings (if you don’t have children)

This divorce checklist will help you if you're right at the beginning of the divorce/separation process and if you don't have children together. Be sure to consider each step before kicking off the legal process of divorcing or ending your civil partnership. 

1. Are you sure it’s over?

It’s important to be certain (before you go any further). Many relationships go through ups and downs. Before you commit to the legal and emotional journey of separating, read our piece on ‘Is it over, should I leave?’

2. Does your partner agree that it’s over?

If your partner is not aware you want to separate and you need some help to tell them, read our advice on breaking the news here. If you’ve told them and they resist, give them some time to adjust to the news before starting proceedings. If you rush your partner and they’re not ready, it’s likely they will dig their heels in, prolonging the process and potentially making it more expensive in the long run.

3. Have you been married for at least a year?

You can only submit for divorce if you've been married / in your civil partnership for at least a year. If your answer is no, your options are to wait until it’s been a year or investigate applying for an annulment of your marriage. However, be warned, that providing proof for an annulment is difficult.

4. Do you have an original copy of your marriage certificate?

You will need an original, certified copy that is in English. If you don’t have one, you can order another copy from the registry office or the government website or obtain a certified translation. If you were married outside of the UK, you should contact the authority where you got married.

5. Do you have a valid address for your ex?

The courts will need to send the divorce papers to your ex so make sure you have an address. If your ex doesn’t want to give their address, they can opt to keep this confidential from you by submitting another form with the government. If you have no idea where they are or they are still refusing to give you an address, then email us and we’ll send you over some other options.

6. Have you looked to check if you’re eligible for a discount on the government court fees for divorce?

To divorce in England and Wales, you need to pay £593 in court fees. However, it’s always worth checking if you or your ex are eligible for a discount or exemption. The person applying for the divorce has to make the application for the discount/exemption. Our divorce court fee calculator is free to use and will give you an idea of what you’ll have to pay.

7. Have you decided whether you will get someone to manage the process or will you do it yourself?

There are lots of options for finalising your divorce and they don’t all include getting two separate lawyers. Read our guidance on the different options to separate or book a call and we’ll talk you through them.

8. Have you decided whether you will submit a joint or sole application?

When you submit your divorce application, you need to decide whether you want to submit a joint or sole application. If you submit a sole application, your ex will still be notified and will have to respond to the divorce papers. If you're eligible for money off your court fees, you both need to be eligible if you're planning on submitting a joint application.

9. Have you agreed on how you will split your finances?

To be sure you’ve got everything covered, you must understand that ending your marriage doesn’t end your financial relationship. So, if you’ve decided on how you’re going to split things, that’s great, but the divorce doesn’t make those agreements legally binding. Even if you have nothing to split, you are still open to potential claims in the future even when/though you’re divorced. So consider if you’d like to legalise your financial split too. We recommend that you do this to safeguard your financial future and that you sort this out at the same time as divorcing. For more help on financial arrangements, read our blog here. If you’ve got any questions or you’d like an amicable divorce, please get in touch.