Where Do I File the Divorce Petition in England and Wales?

Introduction: starting the process online or at court

Most divorce and dissolution applications now start online in England and Wales. The government online service handles sole and joint applications, document uploads and fee payment. Use the online route for speed and convenience unless your case requires an in‑person hearing from the outset.

Use the government online service first

Create an account on the HM Courts & Tribunals Service divorce and dissolution portal to begin. The portal guides you through the forms and asks you to upload your marriage or civil partnership certificate and any identity documents required. You can pay the court fee on the portal or apply for fee remission if you qualify.

When to file at a local court or family court centre

If you cannot use the online service for technical reasons or you face urgent protective orders or complex jurisdictional issues the court office can accept paper applications. Contact your local family court centre to confirm current procedures and opening times. Many local courts now prefer online filing but still process paper applications where necessary.

Which court has jurisdiction to hear your case

At least one party must be habitually resident or domiciled in England or Wales for the court to have jurisdiction. If neither party meets that test the court may decline to hear the case. Complex cross‑border situations require careful analysis of habitual residence and domicile rules and may need specialist legal advice before you file.

Filing a sole application versus a joint application

For a sole application one partner completes the online form and the court serves the other partner. For a joint application both partners complete and sign a single online form. Joint applications often reduce friction and paperwork and they can speed up the administrative process when both parties agree to the break up.

What documents to include with your petition

Attach a certified copy of your marriage or civil partnership certificate and any evidence of habitual residence if requested. Include proof of identity and proof of address when asked. If you have previous marriages provide final divorce decrees or death certificates for former partners. Missing documents slow processing so collect them before you file.

Serving the other party and court notifications

The court will serve the other party with the application once it accepts the petition. For sole applications the respondent must acknowledge service within the time limit set by the court. If you apply jointly both parties receive confirmation of the submission and the case proceeds without separate service.

Costs and fee remission when filing

You pay the court fee online at the point of submission unless you request fee remission. Provide evidence of income and savings with a fee remission application. Remember solicitor fees are separate from court fees and depend on the level of legal assistance you choose.

When to seek our specialist legal advice before filing

Obtain legal advice before you file if you have high value assets, pensions, business interests international property or disputes over jurisdiction. As specialist family solicitor we will advise where to file and how to protect your financial claims and parental responsibilities before the final order.

Conclusion: file online unless you need the court office

File your divorce or dissolution via the government online service in most cases for convenience and speed. Use your local family court centre for paper filing if the online route is unsuitable or urgent court intervention is necessary. Check jurisdiction carefully and get specialist advice for complex or international matters to protect your interests.

At Alexander JLO we have many years of experience of dealing with all aspects of family law and will be happy to discuss your case in a free no obligation consultation. Why not call us on +44 (0)20 7537 7000, email us at info@london-law.co.uk or get in touch via the contact us button and see what we can do for you?

This blog was prepared by Peter Johnson on 1st December 2025 and is correct at the time of going to press. With over forty years of experience in almost all areas of law Peter is happy to assist with any legal issue that you have. He is widely regarded as one of London’s leading divorce lawyers. His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be found Here.

To follow up on any of the above please contact Guy Wilton of our family department. Guy has wide experience of acting for the firm’s clients, their family and their businesses. Guy’s experience as a lawyer started in the Northern and Welsh Circuits, including the Liverpool Courts, where he represented numerous clients after being called to the Bar, before opting to join Alexander JLO in 2017 and qualifying as a solicitor in 2024. He is a highly experienced family lawyer with a particular interest in financial remedy proceedings and child contact disputes.

Guy’s profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be viewed here.