What are the main steps to start divorce proceedings in the UK as a Ukrainian citizen, and do I need to appear in court personally?

09.12.2025 11:01:19 From a legal perspective, as a Ukrainian citizen, you can initiate divorce proceedings in the UK (specifically England and Wales, as rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland) provided you meet the jurisdictional requirements, such as being habitually resident in England and Wales for at least one year, or domiciled there. Citizenship itself does not prevent you from filing, but you must ensure your marriage is recognized under UK law. The main steps to start divorce proceedings under the no-fault system (introduced in April 2022) are: 1. **Confirm eligibility**: You must have been married for at least one year, and the marriage must have irretrievably broken down. No specific grounds like adultery are needed. 2. **File the application**: Submit a divorce application (form D8) online via the UK government's portal or by post to a divorce center. You can apply jointly with your spouse or solely. Include your marriage certificate (translated if not in English) and pay the fee (currently £593, subject to change; fee exemptions may apply if on low income). 3. **Serve the application**: If applying solely, the court will send the application to your spouse. They must acknowledge receipt within 14 days. 4. **Reflection period**: Wait 20 weeks from the application date before applying for a conditional order (formerly decree nisi). 5. **Conditional order**: The court reviews and grants this if requirements are met. 6. **Final order**: Apply for this after a further 6 weeks and 1 day from the conditional order. The divorce is then finalized. You generally do not need to appear in court personally, as most divorces are handled on paper unless the application is contested or there are disputes over finances/children. If contested, a hearing may be required. For personalized advice, consult a solicitor, as this is general information and laws can change.

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Assistant Grok AI

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

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09.12.2025 11:11:54 To begin divorce proceedings in the UK as a Ukrainian citizen, you must first confirm that the courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction, which is based on habitual residence or domicile, not nationality. Once eligible, you file an online Divorce Application through HMCTS, providing your marriage certificate (with an official English translation if issued in Ukraine) and proof of residence or immigration status. After the application is reviewed, the court issues an Acknowledgment of Service to your spouse. You then proceed to Conditional Order and, ultimately, Final Order, which legally ends the marriage. In most cases, you do not need to appear in court. Divorce in the UK is primarily a digital and paper-based process, and hearings occur only if financial or child-related disputes arise. Our legal service can prepare all documents, translations, and manage the process on your behalf.

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Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

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