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Understanding UK divorce records
In 1858, the Court for Divorce and Matrimonial Causes was established in London, marking the beginning of divorce records as we know them today. These records include case files, Law Reports, and even old newspaper accounts. Ancestry’s extensive database offers access to divorce files spanning 1858 to 1918. Exploring these records can provide a wealth of information about marriages, children, and the grounds for divorce. Delving into the historical context allows us to appreciate the significance of these records in understanding family histories and societal changes over time.
Understanding UK divorce records
In 1858, the Court for Divorce and Matrimonial Causes was established in London, marking the beginning of divorce records as we know them today. These records include case files, Law Reports, and even old newspaper accounts. Ancestry’s extensive database offers access to divorce files spanning 1858 to 1918. Exploring these records can provide a wealth of information about marriages, children, and the grounds for divorce. Delving into the historical context allows us to appreciate the significance of these records in understanding family histories and societal changes over time.
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How to find divorce records with known information
If you have specific details such as the case number and court, obtaining divorce records becomes more straightforward. Getting a copy of your conditional order or final order costs £12 if you know both the case number and the court. Begin by contacting the court, including your name, address, case number, and preferred method of payment. The court will review and process your request, and upon receipt of payment you can expect to receive the copy of the divorce record within a week. This is a relatively affordable and efficient process for obtaining divorce records.
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Searching for divorce records without case numbers
For those who do not have the case number but know the issuing court, there are still avenues to explore. Ask the court to search their records by providing the estimated date of the divorce case. The court will search five years of records before and after that date. In cases where the date is unknown, the court will search the last ten years of records. To initiate the search, send an email or letter to the court with your name, address, and preferred payment method. The fee for this service is £45 for each ten-year period searched. This option allows you to find the divorce records without knowing the case number.
Finding divorce records when the court is unknown
If you are uncertain about the court that handled your divorce, you can turn to the Central Family Court for assistance. Fill out Form D440 and submit it to the provided address. The Central Family Court will undertake the search for the final order on your behalf. This service incurs a fee of £65 for each ten-year period searched. While this option may be slightly costlier, it still offers a comprehensive solution when the issuing court remains a mystery.
Can I search for my divorce records online?
Due to the 100-Year Rule to safeguard privacy and conserve confidentiality, only limited divorce records are available to access online. Useful resources include:
- Divorce case files for England and Wales, 1858-1916 (charges apply).
- The Times Archive includes newsworthy divorce cases 1785-1985 (charges apply)
- Browse the list of Divorces by private Acts of Parliament before 1858 on the UK Gov’s Legislation website.
Additional resources and considerations
In addition to the methods mentioned, you can explore alternative resources like the Parliamentary Archives and old newspapers, which may contain detailed accounts of historical divorces. However, keep in mind that accessing more recent files might be restricted by the 100-Year Rule to safeguard privacy.
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What our clients say
Amy Turner at Stowe and Law solicitors has been working on dealing with my affairs through a divorce. Amy gave advice and support when needed and tells you as she sees it. Amy gave options through out the process at every stage that I could take without pushing me into an option and respects your decisions.
Amy worked tirelessly to achieve the aims that I asked her to deal with efficiently and professionally and wasted no time when receiving emails. Amy judging by the time of emails i received works long hours to achieve her targets. Amy is a pleasure to work with and will follow through on what she says she will do, you can rely on her to get the work done
I saw Sarah McLoughlin as part of my 'Next steps Meeting.'
Sarah was an excellent listener giving easy to understand information in a calm manner.
She broke down the next steps in a format that I felt empowered to undertake.
She was knowledgeable and friendly.
I was nervous at the start of the meeting but she was able to put my fears at ease and I finished the meeting feeling relieved and smiling.
Pooja Patel helped me through cases involving my children and divorce. She is very supportive and was very amazing and got the results needed in very difficult circumstances. I’m thankful l had Pooja at my side and do not know what l would have done without her.
Sarah was my brother’s divorce solicitor from beginning to end. She also dealt with me as my brother often found it difficult to comprehend all the legal terminology and needed help to source all the paper work that Sarah required. Sarah was so understanding and patient with my brother, always answering my phone calls immediately, even when she was on holiday with her family! She was extremely professional and highly committed throughout the difficult months of court hearings, constantly reassuring us when we could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. I would highly recommend her.
Harriet Donavan and her team were amazingly helpful throughout my protracted and painful divorce. She guided me through areas that I was not aware of and helped me get to the point where I was able to fight successfully for better equity and time with my kids.
The team you manage have been fantastic with my cases. I moved solicitors and I was very nervous at whether I had done the right thing as it was a big decision. But after meeting Jake and how he listened to me and his no nonsenses attitude which I needed, I felt a lot more at ease. And his quick turnaround to take my cases on to putting a CAO in place last Friday that Ella sorted out for me and kept me in the loop all the way until it was filled with the court. And today Michelle for jumping straight on things while Jake was on leave and getting Ella to deal with the issue where I found my wife was trying to sell sentimental items on Facebook marketplace. Ella quickly responded and dealt with the situation in my opinion perfectly, and the items have been taken down by her now, again she kept me in the loop every step of the way which I really need at the minute. You have an amazing team and I feel very well looked after and I now believe I will get what I and my girls need through all this I know it will take some time, but I have faith in your team you have and trust them.
Working with Nicole Turner, I feel like a weight has been lifted off me. I feel I can speak honestly and openly with her about proposals and negotiating in a somewhat lengthy divorce process. She cuts through the bluster from the other side and informs and guides in a down to earth and clear way,
I'm not out of the woods yet but I know I'm in good hands. I appreciate Nicole's determination to avoid court as this is an unnecessary cost to all concerned.
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