The D8 is the official divorce application form used in England and Wales. Completing it correctly is the first step in starting your divorce proceedings, and while it is not particularly long, it is easy to make avoidable mistakes that delay your case. This guide takes you through every section in plain English so you know exactly what is being asked and what to write.

What Is the D8 Form?

The D8 is the formal application for a divorce order (or civil partnership dissolution). It is submitted to HMCTS — His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service — either online or by post, and it initiates the divorce proceedings. Without it, the court cannot process your divorce.

The form asks for basic personal information about you and your spouse, confirms the details of your marriage, and includes your statement that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. Since the introduction of no-fault divorce in April 2022, you no longer need to explain why the marriage has broken down.

Paper Form or Online Application?

You have two ways to submit a D8:

  • Online portal: Apply at apply-divorce.service.gov.uk. This is the most commonly used route. It guides you through each question, allows you to pay the court fee by card, and tends to be processed faster than a paper form.
  • Paper D8 form: Download from GOV.UK and post to the HMCTS Divorce and Dissolution Unit in Stoke-on-Trent. You will need to include your marriage certificate and a cheque or postal order for the court fee.

For most people, the online route is quicker and easier. The paper option remains available for those who prefer it or who do not have reliable internet access.

Section by Section: What the D8 Asks

Section 1: About You (the Applicant)

You will need to provide your full legal name (as it appears on your marriage certificate), your current address, and contact details. If you are concerned about your spouse knowing your address for safety reasons, you can apply for a confidential address — the court will not disclose it to the respondent.

Section 2: About Your Spouse (the Respondent)

You need your spouse's full name and last known address. The court will use this address to serve the divorce papers. If you do not know your spouse's current address, you should seek legal advice about applying for alternative service.

Section 3: Details of the Marriage

This section asks for the date and place of your marriage. It must match the information on your marriage certificate exactly. You will also confirm whether the marriage was a civil or religious ceremony.

Section 4: Jurisdiction

The court needs to confirm it has the power to deal with your divorce. You must tick the box that applies to your situation — for example, that you are both habitually resident in England and Wales, or that you are domiciled here. If you have lived abroad or your spouse is based overseas, this section may be more complex. Take legal advice if you are unsure.

Section 5: Statement of Irretrievable Breakdown

This is the core of the application. Under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, you simply confirm that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. You do not need to give reasons, provide evidence, or make any allegations against your spouse. One tick in the relevant box is all that is required.

Section 6: Existing Court Orders

You must declare whether there are any existing court orders relating to your marriage or children — for example, a previous injunction, occupation order, or financial order. Disclose anything relevant here.

Section 7: Children of the Family

The D8 asks you to list any children of the family under the age of 18. This includes biological children, adopted children, and any child treated as a child of the family. The court uses this information to decide whether it needs to consider the children's arrangements. You do not need a separate court order for children unless you and your spouse are unable to agree on arrangements.

Section 8: Financial Remedy

You will be asked whether you intend to apply for a financial remedy order. Even if you have agreed everything with your spouse informally, you should tick yes and proceed to formalise the agreement in a consent order. An informal financial agreement is not legally binding — only a court order provides a clean break.

Section 9: Statement of Truth

You must sign the statement of truth confirming that the information you have provided is accurate. If you are making a joint application, both you and your spouse must sign.

Double-check your names and dates. One of the most common reasons HMCTS returns a D8 is a mismatch between the details on the form and the marriage certificate. Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on the certificate.

What to Attach to the D8

You must include:

  • Your original marriage certificate or a certified copy (not a photocopy)
  • A certified translation if the certificate is not in English
  • If applying for Help with Fees, your completed EX160 form

If you have lost your marriage certificate, you can order a replacement from the register office where you married, or from the General Register Office (GRO). Allow time for this before submitting your application, as the GRO can take a few weeks to process requests.

Sole Application vs Joint Application

Factor Sole Application Joint Application
Who applies One spouse only Both spouses together
Spouse must respond Yes — Acknowledgement of Service required No separate acknowledgement needed
Control over pace Sole applicant drives the timeline Both parties must act at each stage
Best suited for Cases where one party leads Fully agreed, cooperative divorces
Applying for final order Applicant applies after 6 weeks 1 day Either party can apply

What Happens After You Submit the D8?

Once HMCTS receives and processes your application, they will issue it with a case number and send a copy to your spouse (in a sole application) for them to complete the Acknowledgement of Service. The 20-week waiting period before you can apply for the conditional order starts from the date of issue — not the date you submitted the form.

If the court finds any errors or missing information in your application, they will return it to you with a note explaining what needs to be corrected. Common errors include name mismatches, missing marriage certificates, and incomplete sections.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Name mismatches: Use exactly the names on your marriage certificate, including middle names if they appear.
  • Sending a photocopy of your marriage certificate: HMCTS requires the original or a certified copy.
  • Incorrect jurisdiction ticking: If you are unsure which box applies, seek advice before submitting.
  • Forgetting to apply for Help with Fees: You must apply for EX160 before you submit the D8, not after.
  • Not indicating financial remedy: Even if you agree on finances, tick that you intend to apply for a financial remedy. You can always withdraw the application later, but it keeps your options open.

For a broader overview of the divorce process from application to final order, see our complete guide to filing for divorce in England and Wales.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can download the paper D8 form from the GOV.UK website, or complete the equivalent online application at apply-divorce.service.gov.uk. The online route is generally quicker and easier, and you can pay the court fee by card during the application.
Yes. The HMCTS online divorce portal at apply-divorce.service.gov.uk allows you to complete and submit your application digitally. The questions mirror those on the paper D8 form. Online applications are typically processed more quickly than paper submissions and are the recommended route for most applicants.
Yes. You must submit either the original marriage certificate or a certified copy — a standard photocopy will not be accepted. If you have lost your certificate, you can order a replacement from the register office where you married or from the General Register Office (GRO). Allow several weeks for this. For online applications, you will need to upload a certified copy.
If your spouse does not complete the Acknowledgement of Service within 14 days of receiving the papers (28 days if they are overseas), you can ask the court to deem service, arrange personal service via a process server, or apply for dispensation of service in exceptional cases. Under no-fault divorce, your spouse cannot contest the divorce itself, but non-engagement can slow the process. A solicitor can advise on the best approach.
Processing times vary depending on court workload. Online applications have typically been issued within a few weeks. Paper applications may take longer. The 20-week waiting period before you can apply for the conditional order runs from the date the application is issued, not the date you submitted it, so delays at this stage will push back your overall timeline.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and procedures can change. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified solicitor. Free referrals available via Citizens Advice.