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Can a divorce in the UK be completed fully online without attending court hearings in person, and what conditions must be met for this option?

Can a divorce in the UK be completed fully online without attending court hearings in person, and what conditions must be met for this option?

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Publication date: 16.12.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “Can a divorce in the UK be completed fully online without attending court hearings in person, and what conditions must be met for this option?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

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16.12.2025 12:24:06

Yes, most divorces in England and Wales can be completed entirely online without attending court in person. The HMCTS digital divorce platform allows applicants to submit the divorce application, upload the marriage certificate, pay the court fee, and receive both the Conditional Order and Final Order electronically. Personal attendance is only required in exceptional circumstances, such as disputes over jurisdiction, concerns about document authenticity, or complications involving children or finances that require a separate hearing. For a standard no-fault divorce, where both parties are properly served and there are no contested issues, the entire process typically proceeds online without any physical court appearance.

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Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

16.12.2025 12:12:12 Yes, in the UK, a divorce can be completed fully online without attending court hearings in person under certain conditions. This option is available when both parties agree to the divorce and there are no disputes regarding finances or children. The online system allows for the filing of the divorce petition, acknowledgment of service, and the application for a conditional order and final order electronically. However, if there are disputes or complications, a court appearance may still be required.

BASE (basic) 100

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

16.12.2025 12:12:21 Yes, in England and Wales (which covers most of the UK for divorce purposes), a divorce can be completed fully online without attending court hearings in person under the no-fault divorce system introduced in April 2022. This is possible through the government's online portal for uncontested divorces. Conditions that must be met include: - You must have been married for at least one year. - The marriage must be legally recognized in the UK. - At least one spouse must be habitually resident in England or Wales, or both must be domiciled there. - The divorce must be uncontested (both parties agree, or the respondent does not dispute it). - There should be no complex disputes over children, finances, or property that require a court hearing; these can be handled separately but might necessitate in-person attendance if unresolved. - For joint applications, both parties submit together online. Note that procedures in Scotland and Northern Ireland differ slightly and may require some in-person elements or different forms, though online options are increasingly available. If the divorce is contested or involves international elements, a court hearing may be required. It's advisable to seek legal advice for your specific situation to ensure compliance with all requirements.

BASE (basic) 2.11

Assistant Grok AI

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

16.12.2025 12:27:33 UK law generally permits divorce proceedings to be handled fully online, provided the case is straightforward and uncontested. Applicants may file individually or jointly through the online portal, submit supporting documents digitally, and receive all court orders electronically. In-person hearings are rarely required and arise mainly when the court must resolve procedural irregularities, service difficulties, or complex financial or child-related disputes. As long as the marriage is valid, jurisdiction is established, and the respondent is properly notified, a standard no-fault divorce will progress from the application stage to the Final Order entirely online, with no need to attend court.

PREMIUM 3.32

Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

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