Edit Form D8 online free, or download the PDF
Divorce Application Form: Application for a divorce or dissolution (ending a civil partnership)
or choose your own copy:
- ✓ Official current version
- ✓ Free download, no account
- ✓ No card, no trial
- ✓ Never uploaded
Form D8 in short
Form D8 is the paper application to start a divorce or end a civil partnership in England and Wales. You can apply on your own (sole application) or together with your spouse or civil partner (joint application). gov.uk also has an online service, and legal representatives must apply online through MyHMCTS.
| Issued by | HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) |
|---|---|
| Current version | D8 Application for a divorce or dissolution (ending a civil partnership) (01.25) (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | A person who has been married or in a civil partnership for at least one year, where the relationship has permanently broken down. A sole applicant fills it in alone. In a joint application both people complete it, and applicant 2 completes section 3 and the statement of truth. gov.uk says both people must use the same method, online or post. |
| Who receives it | The HMCTS Divorce and Dissolution service. If the application is correct, it is issued and, for a sole application, sent to the respondent. |
| Where to send it | HMCTS Divorce and Dissolution service, PO Box 13226, Harlow, CM20 9UG. Include your original marriage or civil partnership certificate or a certified copy, and the fee or help with fees details. Keep your own copy. |
| Deadline | You can only apply after at least one year of marriage or civil partnership. After the application is issued, gov.uk says you must wait 20 weeks before applying for a conditional order. |
| Fee | £628 to apply for a divorce or dissolution (EX50, fees order 1.2). You can pay by debit or credit card (HMCTS will contact you) or by cheque payable to 'HM Courts and Tribunals Service'. You may get help with fees; if you use the paper EX160, send it with your D8. |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF · Official instructions |
What changed
The current form is dated 01.25. gov.uk added a large print version in April 2026. The fee is £628 in the EX50 list updated July 2026.
How to fill out Form D8, line by line
| Section 1 | Your application Choose divorce or dissolution, and whether it is a sole application or a joint application. |
| Section 1, question 1.3 | Documents you are supplying Your marriage or civil partnership certificate or a certified copy. The form says a photocopy will not be accepted. Add a certified translation if it is not in English. |
| Section 2 | About you (sole applicant or applicant 1) Your full name, whether it matches the name on the certificate, contact details, whether to keep them confidential, and solicitor details if you have one. |
| Section 3 | About the respondent or applicant 2 Their name and address. For a sole application, give a usual email address for service if you have one; the form says avoid a work email. Say how the application should be served. |
| Section 4 | Details of marriage or civil partnership Whether it took place outside the UK, the date, and both full names exactly as on the certificate. |
| Section 5 | Jurisdiction Tick why the courts of England and Wales can deal with your case, usually based on habitual residence or domicile. The form says you may want legal advice if you are unsure. |
| Section 6 | Statement of irretrievable breakdown Confirm that the marriage or civil partnership has broken down irretrievably. In a joint application both applicants confirm. |
| Sections 7 to 9 | Other court cases, financial orders and summary List any other court cases about the marriage, say whether you want to apply for a financial order, and confirm what you are asking the court for. |
| Section 10 | Statement of truth Each applicant signs and dates. The form says if you do not sign, the court will return your application. |
| Court fee page | How you will pay Give a Help with Fees reference, attach an EX160, or choose to pay by card or cheque. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying before you have been married or in a civil partnership for one year.
- Sending a photocopy of the marriage certificate. The form asks for the original or a certified copy.
- Giving a work email for the respondent. The form says to avoid it.
- Not signing the statement of truth, which means the court returns the application.
- In a joint application, one person applying online and the other by post. gov.uk says you must use the same method.
- In a joint application, only one person applying for help with fees. gov.uk says both must apply and be eligible.
- A solicitor using the paper form. The form says legal representatives must use MyHMCTS or the application will be rejected.
Questions about Form D8
Can I still apply for divorce on paper?
Yes. gov.uk lists 'Apply by post' with form D8 as well as the online service. Legal representatives must apply through MyHMCTS.
How much does it cost?
£628. You may get help with fees if you are on certain benefits or a low income.
Should we apply jointly or on my own?
gov.uk says you can apply jointly if you both agree and you are not at risk of domestic abuse. Apply on your own if your spouse does not agree or may not respond.
How long does a divorce take?
gov.uk says it normally takes at least 7 months. You wait 20 weeks after the application is issued to apply for a conditional order, then at least 43 days more to apply for a final order.
Does the D8 also sort out money and children?
No. Section 8 only says whether you intend to apply for a financial order. You apply separately, for example with Form A, and arrangements for children are dealt with separately.
Can I use the D8 in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
No. gov.uk says there is a different process in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Related forms
Tools for this form
Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the HM Courts and Tribunals Service or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-divorce-or-to-dissolve-a-civil-partnership-form-d8
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6790fd78e2b9324a911e26a1/D8_0125.pdf
- https://www.gov.uk/divorce
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fees-in-the-civil-and-family-courts-main-fees-ex50/family-court-fees-ex50