How to Find Divorce Records in the UK

Sometimes, you may have a reason to search for divorce records in another country. Perhaps your genealogical search has led you to ancestors that lived there before immigrating to the United States, and you want to learn more about them and any other family members that may still live abroad. Many times, Americans find they are descendants from families based in the UK. 

It may also be possible that you yourself once lived and were granted a divorce in the UK. Perhaps you simply need a copy of your divorce records in order to legally prove you aren’t married any longer, or to prove final agreements that were reached in the divorce. Here, you’ll learn how to find divorce records in the UK and where they are filed:

Do You Have the Correct Information?

In order to begin searching for records in the UK, you’ll need the names of the petitioner and respondent, or the two parties who filed for divorce. You will also want to know at least the approximate date the divorce occurred to aid in your search. 

What Information is Included in UK Divorce Files?

If the divorce in question occurred from 1858 onward, something that is called a Decree Absolute is filed with the appropriate office. This document serves as legal proof of a divorce that occurred in England or Wales. In order to obtain a copy of this document, you must request that the Principal Registry of the Family Division conduct a search of the Central Index of Decrees Absolute.

Where Can You Find Divorce Records in the UK?

Generally, the National Archives in England is charged with the responsibility for holding divorce records. For divorces that occurred from the years of 1858 to 1937 in England and Wales, these records can generally be found there.

Scottish divorce records dating before 1984 are held in the National Archives of Scotland, and those from after 1984 are found in the General Register Office for Scotland. Divorce records from Northern Ireland are held either with the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast, or with the county court where the divorce was granted. You should also know that UK divorce records are not available online.

How Can I Obtain Copies of These Records?

Typically, in order to obtain copies of divorce records abroad you will need to request them in person. Obviously, this isn’t ideal for anyone living in another country, so you may also commission research by the appropriate holding agency to determine if you are on the right track. Special forms may also be required to order copies; these can be found online on the appropriate offices’ website.

Whether you need to find divorce records from another country because you were granted a divorce there or you simply need to research your long-lost relatives from abroad, it’s most important to start with the correct information. The more information you have, the fewer headaches you will run into while trying to find the correct record. 

Recordkeeping abroad is not typically an exact science nor like the practices you may be accustomed to in the U.S. Depending upon the year and location of the divorce, you should plan on addressing at least two different offices during your search for these records.