divorce records UK

laszlodauphin

hi, I was wondering how one can establish if a person has divorced - I found a distant relative on family search and their marriage shows in the search results but I want to find out if they divorced. It seems as if divorce records aren't as easy to find as birth, marriage and death - can you suggest how I can find this out (I am referring to to marriage/divorce in the United Kingdom). Thanks

Áine Ní Donnghaile

Divorce records are not as readily available as BMD. There are some UK divorce records online, in great gory detail, on Ancestry, https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2465/

Another place that it is sometimes easier to find evidence of a divorce is newspapers. Many divorce records are sealed, but there is often a mention in the newspaper.

A van Helsdingen

This page from the National Archives may be helpful: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/divorce/#2-a-short-history-of-divorce-in-england-and-wales-since-1858

laszlodauphin

Thanks for your replies, I feared as much (that divorce records are not as readily available as BMD. The ancestry records linked are too far back in time, I am looking for records at the turn of the 20th to 21st century

A van Helsdingen

It is rare to be able to access records from around the year 2000. Marriage records in the UK are generally private for 75 years, and deaths for 50 years. I don't expect that divorce records, which may be very sensitive and personal, from just 20 or so years ago would be publicly available unless you can prove descent from the people involved, or have a very pressing legal reason why you need the records.

It might pay to know or find out which Court issued the divorce, and then to contact that Court and ask if you can get access to the records

For something that happened so recently, it is probably easier, even for such an awkward issue such as divorce, to talk to surviving family members rather than use official records.

Áine Ní Donnghaile

@laszlodauphin Then I would strongly recommend newspapers for that time period.

laszlodauphin

Thanks again. I have found a form on the UK government site that enables one to order for a modest payment a 10 year search for a divorce, even without knowing the court. It's the Central Index of Decrees Absolute. They state that anyone is entitled to carry out such a search so this seems like my best option.

Brett .

@laszlodauphin

FYI

I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...

Just in passing ...

Can you please share, any "Link"/URL, to that (UK Government) Form (or, Website).

'Thank You' in advance.

Brett

ps: As, it would be handy, to have in one's' bag of tricks' ...

.

laszlodauphin

Sure, here's the links, might be useful for others

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-d440-request-for-search-for-divorce-decree-absolute

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/958048/d440-eng.pdf

Brett .

@laszlodauphin

FYI

'Thank You', so much.

That is definitely going into, my 'bag of tricks', for future reference, just in case, if needs be.

And, 'Yes', exactly ... WILL be useful for others.

Again, 'Thank You'

Brett

laszlodauphin

You're most welcome Brett

Brett .

😀