Divorce Checklist

This checklist is designed for families where there are no safety concerns. If you believe you, or your child, are at risk, or that your spouse may be taking steps to initiate divorce proceedings in another country without your consent, please do urgently seek advice on your own from a family solicitor. The Family Courts are there to protect you.

• Are you both agreed that divorce is the right route for your family? Many couples find separation counsellors helpful in reaching that decision. Would you like to explore other options, such as a separation agreement, before reaching a concluded view? If so do consider getting some legal advice, together or separately.
• Are you an international family with links abroad? If so you’ll need to decide in which country (‘jurisdiction’) you want to divorce. If you think you are unlikely to agree on the country, you should seek separate and independent legal advice urgently.
• If you already agree you want to divorce in England & Wales, explore whether you would like to apply jointly for a divorce.
• Have a look at the gov.uk website. Do you feel confident doing the divorce application yourselves? If not there are many fixed fee services to assist you (including our own) so do shop around and find the option which is the best fit for you.