Responding to a divorce — the respondent's complete guide

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-31

You've been sent a divorce application — now what?

If your spouse or civil partner has filed for divorce/dissolution, you are the respondent. You have 14 days from receiving the application to complete the acknowledgment of service (or you'll receive an extension).

The acknowledgment of service

You complete it online (via the government divorce portal) or on the paper form
You confirm you've received the application
You don't have to agree with the breakdown — you just confirm receipt
If you don't respond within 14 days (or 14 days extension), the applicant can ask the court to proceed without you ('deemed service')

Do you have to defend the divorce?

No. Since no-fault divorce began, there is no defence to the process. The only ground is that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. You cannot stop the divorce on the merits.

What you can do as respondent

| Issue | What you can do | |-------|----------------| | Oppose jurisdiction | If you dispute the court's right to hear the case (e.g. you live elsewhere), apply promptly to challenge jurisdiction | | Put forward your concerns | The court can ask for a statement from you if the applicant's account of 'irretrievable breakdown' is disputed — but this is rare in practice | | Financial matters | The divorce runs separately from money. If you don't want to be left with nothing, apply for a financial order (Form A) — see our Form A and financial remedy guides | | Children matters | Divorce is separate from children. Both parents retain parental responsibility. If arrangements are disputed, a C100 application is the route |

Financial claims — the critical thing most respondents miss

Getting divorced severs your ability to make most financial claims unless you apply, or get a consent order, before the final order. If you don't protect yourself, your ex can later raise a claim against you, or you lose the chance to claim against them.

Act now, regardless of whether you agree with the divorce:

Apply for a financial order (Form A) with a divorce petition pending
Or reach a consent order around the finances before the divorce is finalised

See our financial remedy and consent order guides.

Practical checklist for the respondent

1. Complete the acknowledgment of service within 14 days 2. Tell the court if you dispute jurisdiction promptly 3. Protect your financial position — apply for Form A / start the consent order conversation 4. If children are involved, consider a parenting plan or C100 if needed 5. Keep a copy of everything you're sent

Official links

Divorce: https://www.gov.uk/divorce
Money and property: https://www.gov.uk/money-property-when-relationship-ends
Respond to a divorce: https://www.gov.uk/divorce/respond-to-a-divorce-application

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with HMCTS or gov.uk.

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.