Divorce and dissolution at the family court in Greater London
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-02
How this application works
Since the no-fault divorce regime, there is no need to allege blame: the sole ground is that the marriage or civil partnership has broken down irretrievably. One or both parties apply on form D8 (or online through the gov.uk portal) with a £628 fee. After issue there is a 20-week waiting period before you can apply for a conditional order, and a further 6 weeks before the final order. Money and property claims are separate — see the financial remedy track.
- Form: D8 — gov.uk
- Fee: £628 (D8) — Help with Fees (EX160) if on a low income
- Where to file: Kingston upon Thames County and Family Court, Hearing Centre, St James Road, Kingston upon Thames, Greater London, KT1 2AD
- Our full guide to Kingston upon Thames County and Family Court
What happens after you file
1. The court (or portal) issues the application; the other party is served automatically. 2. Acknowledgement of service is due within 14 days. 3. 20 weeks after issue you may apply for a conditional order. 4. 6 weeks after the conditional order you may apply for the final order.
Getting help in Greater London
- Support services in Greater London
- Finding a solicitor near Greater London
- Finding a mediator near Greater London
Related guides
General information only — not legal advice. Fees per SI 2026/642 (in force 13 July 2026); confirm the current fee on the gov.uk form page before filing. Source: gov.uk, HMCTS.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.